Patience

Slow down, take a breath, and turn the page. This picture book list celebrates stories that help young children explore patience—waiting their turn, sticking with something tricky, and learning that good things often take time.

Updated January 20, 2026
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
Bear can't wait
Wilson, Karma
Paper Book
Bear tries his best to be patient in this newest addition to the bestselling Bear Books series. Patience might be a virtue but waiting is so hard! On a beautiful sunny afternoon, Bear can't sit still because he's got a surprise planned for his good friend Hare. He hustles and...
Bilal cooks daal
Saeed, Aisha
Paper Book
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2019 An Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book 2019 Six-year-old Bilal introduces his friends to his favorite dish--daal!--in this charming picture book that showcases the value of patience, teamwork,...
A butterfly is patient
Aston, Dianna Hutts.
Paper Book
From the creators of the award-winning An Egg Is Quiet, A Seed Is Sleepy, and A Rock Is Lively comes this gorgeous and informative introduction to the world of butterflies. Part of the incredible six-book Nature Books series from the...
Ice cream face
Sheffield, Heidi Woodward
Paper Book
The Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning creator of Brick by Brick brings to delicious life the anxiety and elation involved in waiting in line to get ice cream. As far as this ice-cream-loving kid is concerned, every meal should include ice cream. In any form, in every flavor,...
If you hold a seed
MacKay, Elly.
Paper Book
Something magical happens when you plant a dream with a seed. With plenty of love and patience, they can blossom into an extraordinary gift. To be shared with those you love and those with big dreams, this book encourages us to never give up.
Just one more sleep : all good things come to those who wait ... and wait ... and wait
Curtis, Jamie Lee
Paper Book
In a celebration of delayed gratification, New York Times bestselling duo Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell give readers a new self-help book for kids that explains why waiting can be wonderful-and can give you a reason to cheer all year round, from New Year's Day to Kwanzaa, and all the...
The magical yet
DiTerlizzi, Angela
Paper Book
This Yet finds a way, even when you don't, And, Yet knows you will, when you think you won't. Each of us, from the day we're born, is accompanied by a special companion-the Yet. Can't tie your shoes? Yet! Can't ride a bike? Yet! Can't play the bassoon? Don't worry, Yet is there to help you out. Told...
Old Rock (is not boring)
Pilutti, Deb
Paper Book
Quirky charm infuses this tale of Old Rock's life story, which is much more exciting than you'd expect. Old Rock has been sitting in the same spot in the pine forest for as long as anyone can remember. Spotted Beetle, Tall Pine, and Hummingbird think just sitting there must be...
Penny and her sled
Henkes, Kevin
Paper Book
"A gentle story of patience."--Horn Book (starred review) Caldecott Medal-winner Kevin Henkes's award-winning and bestselling mouse, Penny, stars in an irresistible story about anticipation, disappointment, and a brand-new sled. Told in five short chapters, Penny and Her Sled...
The power of yet
Cocca-Leffler, Maryann
Paper Book
"I can't do it!" "Can't do it yet." This charming picture book tells the story of one small piglet who uses the Power of Yet to conquer frustration. While it may not be possible to perfectly flip pancakes or play the violin yet, with practice and patience and courage and grit,...
I really want the cake
Philip, Simon
Paper Book
For fans of laugh-out-loud, mischievous storytime favorites like Pig the Pug, No, David!, and Dragons Love Tacos comes a deliciously funny story about trying to resist one of life's biggest temptations... CAKE!Everyone knows the feeling.First you smell it, then you see it...
Straw
Rosenthal, Amy Krouse
Paper Book
Meet Straw! He's always rushed straight to the finish. But when his speedy streak gets the best of him, it takes a friend to show Straw how to drink in the amazing world around him. A companion to Spoon and Chopsticks, this delightful story celebrates the joys of taking it slow.
The very impatient caterpillar
Burach, Ross
Paper Book
This clever send-up of every child's biggest challenge--being patient!--is a STEM-friendly, laugh-out-loud comedy about metamorphosis. "Will delight fans of Mo Willems's "Pigeon" series... absolutely charming." -- School Library Journal "Super-charged." -- The...
Waiting is not easy!
Willems, Mo
Paper Book
Mo Willems, award-winning, New York Times best-selling creator of The Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and Unlimited Squirrels, presents best friends Elephant Gerald and Piggie.   Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald...
Waiting on Mr. Sloth
Hudson, Katy
Paper Book
The sun is out. The temperature is hot. And Sasha has everything packed and ready for a full day of swimming! But Mr. Sloth is taking for-eh-ver! Sasha does NOT like to wait. However, her best friend is never in a hurry. Will Sasha learn to be patient, or will her quick temper ruin a memorable...
When you have to wait
Conklin, Melanie
Paper Book
A mindful, gentle picture book about patience and learning to find beauty in the act of waiting. Sometimes, you have to wait. For the line at the public pool on a hot summer day. For mom to come home after being away. For your legs to grow just...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.