“Waiting for Gregory”
Written by: Kimberly Willis Holt
Paintings by: Gabi Swiatkowska
Published by: Henry Holt and Company, New York
Age: 4 – 7 years
Themes: patience, anticipation, wonder, dreams, longing, mystery
Opening Lines: Aunt Athena is expecting a baby boy. She says we’ll call him Gregory.
Synopsis: Little Iris wants to know exactly when her baby cousin is going to arrive. Waiting for a baby to be born is like waiting for a show to open, thinks Iris. Everyone including Grandpa, Grandma, Mr Connor and her friend Lacey give their version of when and how the baby will arrive, only Momma seems to give a more realistic answer. Iris continues to dream of all the wonderful things she will be able to do with her baby cousin when he finally arrives, like building a snowman or blowing dandelions in the breeze. When her cousin, Gregory does arrive Iris realises there are other ways of enjoying her time with him, and she has yet to wait a little longer before he can do the things she dreamed of.
Why I like this: Children will certainly identify with little Iris. The waiting for anything exciting can seem like, forever. Time just doesn’t seem to hurry by as quickly as they wish. I loved all her imaginative ideas she comes up with to share with her little cousin. What first struck me about this book was the beautiful illustrations. Now, if you love Monte’s illustrations you will love this one. While Monte’s made you think you could paint whether you could or not, this is like the next version or step, if you like. They are of oil, whimsy paint dabs and strokes, with sketching to show outline and detail. I loved the French look and facial expressions.
Kimberly Willis Holt is the author of five acclaimed novels, including My Louisiana Sky and Keeper of the Night.
Gabi Swiatkowska winner of the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award for My Name Is Yoon, see my review here.. https://thepatientdreamer.com/2011/12/17/picture-book-perfect-friday/ . She studied and still lives in Poland.
Resources/Findings. A beautiful website of author Kimberly, has teacher aids and Writers tips … http://www.kimberlywillisholt.com/wfgteachersguide.html
A website where you can view some of the beautiful pictures … http://us.macmillan.com/waitingforgregory/KimberlyHolt
You have impatient kids? Then how about a website with some ideas for you…. http://www.ehow.com/list_6762681_waiting-games-kids.html
Some more sponge filler waiting games for kids….. http://www.kidactivities.net/category/Games-Waiting-and-Gathering.aspx
A parenting guide and tips for preparing and introducing a new sibling…. http://www.parenting.com/article/introducing-baby-1-to-baby-2
For more books with resources please head on over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
What a lovely book for kids. Kids dream big and anticipation is hard. I imagine many kids will enjoy this book. Perfect gift book for a child expecting a sibling. Great choice!
Thankyou Pat. Yes I so connected with Iris and thought of all the kids who would enjoy it. Thankyou for your lovely comment.
This sounds like a beautiful book to share with a soon-to-be big brother or sister. Thanks so much!
Yes, you are right Kirsten, it would be ideal to ready a child for a new addition to the family.
Lots of great activities here, Diane! I loved the art on the front cover. In what year was this published?
Thankyou Joanna. It was first printed in March 2006.
I love the art on the front cover too. Great choice!
Yes I loved the cover picture and there are more beautiful pics inside. Thankyou Catherine.
I picked this one up for the cover, but really enjoyed the story too!
Yes, I loved the cover and there is a particularly beautiful pic near the back, I loved. Glad you enjoyed the story too.
This book looks lovely, Diane. I loved My Louisiana Sky, but didn’t know Kimberly Holt had written any picture books! I will have to check this one out. Always glad to add a good new baby title to our list and it’s fun to have it from the perspective of a cousin.
Thanks Susanna. I thought it was different to, being from the cousins point of view. I’m sure you will love it.
This sounds great, Diane! So true to children’s expectations of what it will be like with a new family member.
Thankyou Carrie, you are so right.
Diane…I’ve not seen this book before…and I am always looking for picture books that can help with expanding families. 🙂 What a fantastic resource list…thank you so much!