Wait — and See

by Helen Frost, Rick Lieder (Photographer)

Longtime collaborators Helen Frost and Rick Lieder team up for a breathtakingly beautiful glimpse at the praying mantis—and entice us to take the time to open our eyes to the world in front of us.

The creators of Step Gently Out and many other acclaimed picture books join forces again to look closely at an iconic insect through lyric words and stunning nature photography. When you are outside, if a small quick movement takes you by surprise, stop and look—move nothing but your eyes. Could it be a praying mantis, trying not to be seen? This sixth stunning collaboration between Helen Frost and Robert Lieder urges young readers into the wild outdoors, inviting them to “wait and see” what wonders patient observation has in store.

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Nonfiction, Nature, Childrens, Photography, Animals

26 pages, Hardcover

First published May 10, 2022

About the author

I'm dipping my toes into goodreads to see how it works. Thanks for finding me here, and thanks to everyone who has read and written about my books. I love to know you're there, even if I don't come here too often to say so.

Helen Frost is the author of eleven novels-in-poems and seven picture books for children and young adults. She lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/helenf...

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

You'll want to pay more attention observing nature after reading this photo illustrated poem by Helen Frost about praying mantises.

[Deborah]

Another beauty from Frost and Lieder, this time about the fascinating, elusive praying mantis.

[Holly Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit of a sleeper for me. At first blush, the photographs dominated. They are stunning. Upon second read, the poetry stood out. Third read, the life cycle of the praying mantis captivated me. In general, this book has a lot more to offer than you might think for a poem about praying mantises. I really, really liked it.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

"If a quick small movement takes you by surprise, / stop and look — move nothing but your eyes." So begins the rhyming text of this engaging and instructive picture book, which seeks to impart an important lesson about keeping still, watching, and waiting. The book features close-up photographs of praying mantises, while the narrative directs the reader in how to observe them. An author's note giving more information about these insects closes out the book...

Published in 2022, Wait — and See is the sixth entry in author Helen Frost and photographer Rick Lieder's Step Gently, Look Closely series, which explores various natural subjects for very young children. It pairs an engaging text in rhyme with beautiful close-up photographs, and encourages children to observe the world around them with greater attention, patience and quiet. The text here felt a little awkward in spots, and wasn't quite up to some of this book's predecessors, but still got the message across. The photographs, as ever, were immensely appealing. Recommended to young nature and insect watchers, as well as to those seeking photographic picture books.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ages 3-9 This is a lovely lyrical ode to the Praying Mantis. The gorgeous photos provide startling close-ups of this alien looking insect. The most extraordinary photo shows hundreds of praying mantis nymphs emerging from a walnut shaped egg sac, called an ootheca. In the back matter, the species of praying mantis is identified as a Chinese Praying Mantis. The photos and verse are beautifully paired and the page design is luxurious. This makes a fine addition to a poetry collection and celebrates a unique insect.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an unabashed fan of this series by this poet/photographer team, Helen FroThe This latest, WAIT-- and SEE is both an homage/profile of praying mantis. More importantly it is a call to readers to "MOVE NOTHING BUT YOUR EYES". The secret to being able to write (and photograph) about wild things, from the smallest to the most majestic, is to take that command to heart, to the core of your existence. The most gorgeous and amazing aspect of the life around us demands to attentions and this book, from title to lines to images to totality, is a loving invitation to join the observers of life.

[Aolund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photos, but less skillful text than in some of Helen Frost and Rick Lieder's other collaborations—the poem felt too brief, and I was frustrated by how the rhyme kind of petered out halfway through. Still, could be an interesting starting point for discussion of praying mantises, as well as what "native" and "invasive" species mean (though this is not actually covered in the book).

Themes: Insects, Animals
Age range: Preschool-Kindergarten

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Helen Frost and Rick Lieder. My only disappointment is that the book highlights Chinese Praying Mantises, which are an invasive species. Conservation groups recommend destroying their oothecae when found. I would have preferred to see a section about this, or have a native mantis highlighted in the photography and accompanying information.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unlike Step Gently Out, this presentation of poetic information about praying mantises does not have the impact of perfect words alongside the perfect photos. Here the brief text is too brief and not as artfully crafted. Particularly after reading multiple April Pulley Sayre titles with students recently, this title does not inspire me to buy or share it with young readers.

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more like a 3.5 for me. The photos featured here are incredible. What Lieder was able to capture on film of the praying mantises is absolutely extraordinary. The text felt more lacking to me. The rhyme scheme did not hold up and I found I preferred the pages with less text that simply encouraged the reader to "wait" or "move nothing but your eyes".

[Jane Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest amazing collaboration by Frost and Lieder. Frost's rhyming text and Lieder's incredible praying mantis photos leave me awestruck. Emphasizing the wonder of the natural world and showing it in the photos, as well as this book's themes of paying attention and having patience, make this a great book for all ages.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Children are encouraged to stop, watch and wait. If you do, if you don’t go away, you may spy a praying mantis, may see it catch some food or emerge from its hard shell as tiny nymphs. Up-close eye-level photos feature various Chinese praying mantises and back matter provides more facts about these insects, making this book useful for both poetry units and young science classes.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gorgeous entry in a series by this gifted writer and photographer. This time the story and photographs introduce the life cycle of the Chinese Praying Mantis - one of over 2000 mantis species.

Additional information provided in the back matter.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Photo essay science picture book on praying mantises. Superb photographs show the praying Mantis hunting, capturing its prey, their life cycle, small praying mantises, dropping out of their walnut shell sized nests to learn how to hunt and survive.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2024 Beehive Book Award Nominee: Poetry

A non-fiction poem-format book about praying mantis insects. I would read this solely for its gorgeous macro photography, but any reader will learn a fact or two that they didn't know before.

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning photographs of praying mantises. I am in awe of each image. The young (or old), nature and science lover will go gaga over Wait and See. It is really something special.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful collaboration from poet Helen Frost and photographer Rick Lieder celebrating mindfulness and wonders of backyard nature.

[Leova Manbhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs of praying mantises accompanied by rhyming text.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

not as good as her other ones

[Dawn Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing close up photos of the life cycle of a praying mantis. Simple text to keep preschoolers interested with an afterword for adults.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning photography in a compelling and mindful science picture book.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fine, but it's no April Pulley Sayre, and I think it wants to be.

[Ms. Madalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-fiction picture book about praying mantises.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful, poetic book that follows the quiet praying mantis as it is hatches, as it eats, and as it waits. Good for a preschool audience.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such lovely images and a thoughtful poem.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully photo-illustrated poem-message (and author's note) about slowing down to observe and appreciate nature.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for the photos and 3 stars for the text. Gorgeous up close photos of praying mantises with more info about them in a note at the end.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful photography! A delightful book that shows praying mantises up close.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Up close and personal with a praying mantis

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the pictures and the content—just wish that there were more to this book! This is excellent for a lesson plan on praying mantises in science class though!