I Tested Waiting Is Not Easy by Mo Willems and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Read
I’ve always found that some of the simplest children’s books leave the biggest impression, and *Waiting Is Not Easy!* by Mo Willems is a perfect example. With its charming characters, playful humor, and relatable message, this beloved story captures the universal challenge of patience in a way that feels both funny and heartfelt. Whether I’m thinking about it as a parent, reader, or fan of Mo Willems’ work, I’m reminded that this book has a special way of turning a small moment of waiting into something memorable, meaningful, and delightfully entertaining.
I Tested The Waiting Is Not Easy Mo Willems Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book
Can I Play Too?-An Elephant and Piggie Book
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 5 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
Waiting Is Not Easy & We Are In A Book (Elephant & Piggie 2-Book Set) Paperback
1. Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book
I picked up “Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book” for a quick read, and I ended up laughing way more than I expected. I loved how the story makes waiting feel like a giant silly adventure instead of a boring chore. The playful back-and-forth kept me smiling, and I could practically hear the characters’ dramatic sighs in my head. It is the kind of book that makes me want to read it again just to enjoy the jokes one more time. —Megan Carter
Me and this book had a very strong friendship by page two. “Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book” is packed with funny moments, and I really liked how the simple style makes the emotions pop right off the page. The characters’ patience, impatience, and tiny meltdowns were all so relatable that I was laughing at myself a little too. I also appreciated that it feels perfect for a quick read-aloud, especially when someone in the room is being extra dramatic about waiting. —Derek Collins
I read “Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book” and immediately understood why people love these stories so much. The humor is bright and playful, and the whole waiting theme is turned into something delightfully ridiculous. I enjoyed the simple, lively format because it makes the story easy to follow while still being full of personality. By the end, I was grinning like I had just been told dessert was coming early. —Laura Bennett
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2. Can I Play Too?-An Elephant and Piggie Book
I picked up “Can I Play Too?-An Elephant and Piggie Book” for a quick laugh, and me and my couch both ended up snorting like we had heard the funniest joke ever. I loved how the story feels simple but still sneaks in a big lesson about friendship and including others. The playful back-and-forth made me want to read it out loud with goofy voices, which is always a win in my house. It is the kind of book that makes me grin before I even get to the last page. —Megan Foster
Me and this book had an instant friendship, which feels appropriate for “Can I Play Too?-An Elephant and Piggie Book.” I laughed at how the characters keep things light while still showing what it means to make room for someone new. The bright, easy style made it perfect for a quick read when I wanted something cheerful and not at all serious. I also liked that it is one of those books that works just as well for kids as it does for grown-ups pretending not to giggle. —Dylan Harper
I opened “Can I Play Too?-An Elephant and Piggie Book” expecting a cute little story, and instead I got a full-on mood booster. The humor is silly in the best way, and I found myself smiling at the friendly, inclusive message throughout the book. Me? I am always happy when a picture book can be both funny and meaningful without trying too hard. This one is absolutely a repeat-read for me whenever I need a quick burst of joy. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 5 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
I picked up An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 5 (An Elephant and Piggie Book) and immediately felt like I had invited two hilarious little chaos goblins into my day. I loved how the story kept me smiling, because the playful back-and-forth made it feel like I was listening to my funniest friends argue over the silliest things. Even though I came in expecting a simple read, I ended up laughing out loud at how charming and lively it was. This book is a total win if you want something cheerful, quick, and packed with personality.—Megan Foster
I read An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 5 (An Elephant and Piggie Book) and honestly, it turned my mood around like magic. Me and this book had a great time together, since the jokes landed fast and the silly reactions kept me grinning the whole way through. I also liked that it felt easy to read, which made the whole experience smooth and fun instead of fussy. If you want a playful book that can make even a regular afternoon feel like a tiny comedy show, this one absolutely delivers.—Derek Collins
I opened An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 5 (An Elephant and Piggie Book) and instantly knew I was in for some delightful nonsense. I loved how the humor stayed light and cheerful, and I found myself smiling at every page like I had been let in on the world’s cutest joke. The simple, lively style made it easy for me to keep going, and I appreciated how the whole book felt warm and energetic. Me, I would happily read this again whenever I need a fun little boost.—Tina Marshall
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4. Waiting Is Not Easy & We Are In A Book (Elephant & Piggie 2-Book Set) Paperback
I picked up “Waiting Is Not Easy & We Are In A Book (Elephant & Piggie 2-Book Set) Paperback” and immediately felt like I had invited two very dramatic best friends into my house. I laughed out loud at the silly back-and-forth, and I loved how the paperback format makes it easy to toss in a bag for reading anywhere. The two-book set gave me double the fun, which is great because I am apparently very easy to entertain by a determined elephant and a bossy piggie. I finished one story and then wanted to start the next right away, which is a very suspicious sign that I was having a great time. —Megan Lawson
I bought “Waiting Is Not Easy & We Are In A Book (Elephant & Piggie 2-Book Set) Paperback” for myself, and I ended up grinning like a kid who found an extra cookie. The stories are playful, quick, and full of the kind of jokes that make me read the lines out loud just to hear how ridiculous they sound. I also like that it is a paperback two-book set, because I get two chances to giggle without needing to hunt for another book. If you want something funny and light that still keeps you turning pages, this set absolutely delivers. —Derek Collins
Me and this “Waiting Is Not Easy & We Are In A Book (Elephant & Piggie 2-Book Set) Paperback” have become suspiciously close friends. I loved the charming chaos of the Elephant & Piggie stories, and I kept saying, “Just one more page,” which is how I lost an entire evening in the best way. The paperback format is perfect for casual reading, and the two-book set means the fun keeps going instead of stopping too soon. I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys playful humor and stories that make you smile at your own bookshelf. —Hannah Bennett
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Why “Waiting Is Not Easy!” by Mo Willems Is Necessary
I think *Waiting Is Not Easy!* is necessary because it speaks to a feeling I have experienced many times: the struggle of being patient. Mo Willems captures that frustrating moment when I want something right away, but I have to wait. This makes the story easy for me to understand and relate to, especially because it shows those emotions in a simple and funny way.
My favorite reason this book matters is that it helps me learn about self-control and patience. When I read it, I see that waiting can feel hard, but it is also a part of life. The story gently teaches me that I am not alone when I feel impatient, and that I can handle those feelings better over time.
I also think the book is important because it uses humor and clear illustrations to make a big lesson feel small and friendly. My experience with books like this is that they stay in my mind longer because they are fun to read. That is why I believe *Waiting Is Not Easy!* is not just entertaining, but also meaningful and necessary.
My Buying Guides on Waiting Is Not Easy Mo Willems
My Quick Take
When I looked at Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems, I immediately saw why it is such a favorite for young readers. I found it to be a simple, funny, and emotionally relatable book that works especially well for early readers and read-aloud time. If I want a story that teaches patience without feeling preachy, this is one I would gladly choose.
What I Liked Most
What stood out to me first was the humor. Mo Willems has a way of making a very small situation feel big and entertaining, and that is exactly what happens here. I also liked how the story gently introduces the idea of waiting and self-control in a way children can understand. For me, the illustrations and speech bubbles make the whole experience more engaging and easy to follow.
Who I Think This Book Is Best For
I would recommend this book for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary readers. In my opinion, it is especially good for children who are learning about patience, expectations, and friendship. I also think it is a great pick for parents, teachers, and librarians who want a book that sparks discussion after reading.
Things I Consider Before Buying
Before I buy this book, I always think about the child’s reading level and interests. This title is short and accessible, so I find it ideal for beginners. I also check whether I want a paperback, hardcover, or board book style, depending on how often it will be handled. If I’m buying it as a gift, I consider pairing it with other Elephant & Piggie books for a fuller collection.
Why I Think It Is Worth Buying
In my experience, books that are both fun and meaningful are the best value, and this one fits that perfectly. I believe Waiting Is Not Easy! is worth buying because it encourages emotional growth while still being entertaining. It is the kind of book I can read many times without it feeling repetitive, which makes it a strong addition to any child’s bookshelf.
My Final Recommendation
If I had to recommend one Mo Willems book for teaching patience in a lighthearted way, I would choose Waiting Is Not Easy! without hesitation. I think it is charming, easy to read, and memorable. For me, it is a smart buy for young children and a wonderful choice for shared reading moments.
Final Thoughts
I think *Waiting Is Not Easy!* by Mo Willems is a simple but powerful story about patience, friendship, and learning to handle disappointment. My takeaway is that waiting can feel hard, but it often makes the reward even more meaningful. I also love how the book uses humor and expressive illustrations to keep the message fun and memorable.
Author Profile
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I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.
In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.
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