PATIENCE, MIYUKI

Sometimes the surprises come when you slow down and look around you.

In this follow-up to Time for Bed, Miyuki (2018), the title character is up with the sun to greet colorful blossoms and experience the transformative magic of spring. The little Japanese girl cajoles Grandfather to hurry and join her so as not to miss a single event. But one bloom remains closed and, despite Grandfather’s assurance that the flower just needs time, Miyuki runs off to find water and help it open. Her determination soon becomes a quest, as she encounters a frog in a well, a cloud, and a waterfall, many of which admonish Miyuki to “Be patient.” When at last Miyuki’s plan goes awry and she finally does slow down, she falls asleep in a floating origami swan, returning to Grandfather just in time for Day 2 of spring and a pleasant surprise. Galliez’s lively, descriptive text pairs nicely with Ratanavanh’s bright, graphic illustrations that feature bold floral patterns in red, yellow, and green as well as iconic Japanese objects such as the swan. Throughout, natural elements such as flowers, rushing water, insects, birds, and more appear prominently both in the foreground and the background, and Ratanavanh plays a bit with perspective as well—sometimes Miyuki appears quite small next to a giant frog and a big white rabbit.

Eager young readers will find a kindred spirit in eager Miyuki.