Young kids rarely understand why they can’t have what they want immediately or they can’t have what they want at all. Teaching children the value of patience can be a frustrating task. But before you lose hope, you may want to check out these lovely, funny, touching books that help kids discover that some things are worth the wait.
Make sure these titles are on your child’s bookshelf

Circles of Hope
Full-color Illustrations Throughout
Young Facile wants to plant a tree in honor of his new baby sister, but he faces many obstacles. The first seed he plants is eaten by a goat, the second seed is washed away in a storm, and another seed is burnt by a scrub fire. Will Facile ever be able to plant a tree that will grow strong for baby Lucía?
In this story of determination, faith, and love, author Karen Lynn Williams introduces readers to the realities of rural life in the mountains of Haiti. Imbued with brilliant colors, expressive characters, and vivid landscapes, Linda Saport’s illustrations capture the indomitable spirit of hope.
Purchase Circles of Hope at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.
The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau
Ages 5-9
Full-color Illustrations throughout
Henri Rousseau wanted to be an artist. But he had no formal training. Instead, he taught himself to paint. He painted until the jungles and animals and distant lands in his head came alive on the space of his canvases.
Henri Rousseau endured the harsh critics of his day and created the brilliant paintings that now hang in museums around the world. Michelle Markel’s vivid text, complemented by the vibrant illustrations of Amanda Hall, artfully introduces young readers to the beloved painter and encourages all readers to persevere despite all odds.
Kids can add their own personal touch with a coloring page. Crayons not included.
Purchase The Fantastic jungles of Henri Rousseau at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.
Jonah’s Whale
Ages 4-8
Full-color illustrations throughout
God made Whale and gave him a home in the blue-deep waters of the sea, a family with whom he could play and splash, and a joyful song to sing. And then one day, when a wild storm raged above, God gave Whale a job to do. Whale’s faithful spirit fills the pages of this vibrant story and gives a new twist to the classic, well-loved biblical tale.
Eileen Spinelli’s charming retelling of this familiar story will delight readers of all ages, as will Giuliano Ferri’s rich and vivid illustrations.
Purchase Jonah’s Whale at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.
Now It Is Summer
Ages 4-8
Full-color Illustrations Throughout
As a young mouse eagerly looks forward to everything that autumn will bring — friends at school, fallen leaves to play in, pumpkins to carve — his mother gently encourages him to join in all the summery joys that surround him right now — dancing fireflies, sunny beaches, peaches fresh from the orchard. In this delightful tale, a follow-up to her book Now It Is Winter, Eileen Spinelli reminds readers of all ages that they can be content in the moment and find happiness wherever they are. Children are sure to love Mary Newell DePalma’s soft and whimsical paintings of mice celebrating summer.
Purchase Now It Is Summer at Amazon, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.
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