Cozy Storytime: Wait by Antoinette Portis

Today’s cozy read‑aloud is Wait — a tender, emotionally intelligent picture book that captures the universal tug‑of‑war between a child’s wonder and a grown‑up’s hurry. With just two words and Portis’s signature bold, graphic artwork, the story unfolds through gesture, pacing, and the quiet drama of everyday life.

Before recording, I spent a few minutes making an index‑card art project inspired by the book’s expressive silhouettes and the emotional contrast between rushing and noticing. This small ritual helps me slow down, notice the visual language of the story, and enter the illustrator’s world with intention.

This book is wonderful for:

• Social‑emotional learning — patience, emotional regulation, empathy, presence

• Early literacy — prediction, visual storytelling, page‑turn pacing

• Visual literacy — silhouette, contrast, movement, perspective

• Classroom/library read‑alouds — transitions, routines, mindfulness

• Cozy storytime moments — slowing down, reconnecting, grounding

🎥 Watch the full cozy read‑aloud and enjoy this gentle reminder to pause and notice.