
Reach for In a Minute! when your preschooler is feeling overlooked or impatient while you tackle daily chores. It is the perfect story for those moments when the phrase 'not right now' leads to a meltdown, or when your child finally gets your attention only to decide they are no longer interested in playing. This gentle story follows Bartholomew the bear as he waits for George to finish the washing and the tidying. It beautifully captures the common friction between adult responsibilities and a child's urgent need for connection. Parents will appreciate how the book validates a child's frustration without making the adult the villain. It serves as a sweet mirror for the 'power struggles' of domestic life, ultimately modeling how to find a middle ground where both parties feel seen and valued. Ideal for ages 2 to 5, it is a comforting tool for teaching the ebb and flow of family time.
None. This is a secular, realistic look at domestic life through animal characters.
A high-energy 3-year-old who struggles with transitions and frequently hears 'wait a second' from busy parents. It is also excellent for children who have recently started asserting their independence.
This book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared to use different voices for the repetitive 'In a minute!' to show the passage of time and shifting moods. A parent might reach for this after a day where they felt guilty for prioritizing housework over play, or after a specific incident where their child shouted in frustration because they felt ignored.
Toddlers (2s) will connect with the repetitive phrasing and Bartholomew's physical expressions of impatience. Older preschoolers (4-5s) will enjoy the irony of the ending where Bartholomew makes George wait, recognizing the 'justice' in the role reversal.
Unlike many books that focus solely on the child learning to wait, Miller highlights the parent's missed opportunity, making it a dual-lesson in empathy for both the adult and the child.
Bartholomew the bear is eager to play, but George (an adult figure) is preoccupied with household chores like laundry and cleaning. To every request, George replies, 'In a minute!' By the time George finishes his tasks and is ready to engage, Bartholomew has moved on to his own independent play and isn't ready to drop what he is doing for George. The story concludes with a warm reconciliation.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review