Wait and See

A reminder of the wonders we can see in nature if we slow down and pay attention.

Kids fascinated by backyard wildlife will appreciate this lyrical offering, which will work well in both poetry units and early science classes.

Between Frost's advice ("Be still and quiet, / watching") and Lieder's photographs, children may be able to start spotting the alien-looking yet beautiful creatures in the wild.

Gr 2-5--Vivid close-up full- or double-page color photographs show a praying mantis on a variety of plants and flowers in search of food. An omniscient observer follows the insect's activities in verse: "If it's hungry/ and it's hunting, / and if you don't/ go away, / you might see it/ make a sudden move/ to snatch its prey." Large font is placed directly on the photographs and sometimes called out in a colored strip along one side of the picture. The narrative ends with the praying mantis's nymphs emerging from an egg sac to begin their lives. A brief note at the end provides more information on the type of praying mantis shown and encourages readers to keep an eye out for things in nature--and then to be patient and observe. Amazing detail of the plants--showing petals and pistons--and photographs of the praying mantis combined with rhythmic text will draw readers in. The leap from the mantis eating its prey to hatching nymphs, while skipping over mating, feels a bit disjointed. VERDICT A strong first purchase. This book will have very broad appeal to a variety of ages.--Tamara Saarinen

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

The photographs in 'Wait - and See' are stunning, clear and close-up, lingering on the alien eyes and powerful legs of the praying mantis. This ode to the strange creature - told in a book-length poem - is an invitation to step outside and let curiosity be your guide.
—The Virginian Pilot

Helen Frost's spare poetry is paired beautifully with the spectacular closeup photography of Rick Lieder in this gorgeous book revealing the hidden world of the praying mantis.
—The Buffalo News