Award-winning creators Anne Wynter and Micha Archer share a mother-daughter tale about delighting in small pleasures throughout the city. Perfect for fans of Oge Mora and Sophie Blackall.
Anne Wynter perfectly captures the hurry and hustle of a busy day. But when plans change and a girl and her mother slow down to savor small pleasures, the real celebration begins.
Dazzling, kaleidoscopic cut paper artwork from Caldecott Honor artist Micha Archer highlights each special moment in this sweet tribute to time spent together.---from the publisher
40 pages 978-0063238299 Ages 4-7
Keywords: mother/daughter, family life, small pleasures, city living, slowing down, being in the moment, togetherness, African American and Black stories, If You Liked Oge Mora, African American author, diverse books, 4 year old, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old
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“Don't worry it's alright, it'll happen to you
As sure as your sorrows are joys”
– Steve Winwood (1971)
“Hurry, hurry,
out the door.
Hurry, hurry,
catch the train.
We have somewhere to be.
Hurry, hurry,
where’s your shoe?
Hurry, hurry,
found the shoe.
Hurry, hurry,
to the trail.
We have somewhere to be!”
When things don't go as planned, a resourceful and fun-loving mother saves the day. WHILE WE’RE HERE begins with a full-court press–mom and daughter moving in overdrive, in order to make it on time to a birthday party in the park. (Watch for the sweet guy who sees the girl lose her shoe and presents it to her on the train.)
Unfortunately, mom and daughter arrive at the picnic area to discover the remnants of the party. Oh, no!!! The party was yesterday!!!
“We’ll head back home,
but while we’re here,
let’s take turns
rolling down the hill.”
On a beautiful day, amidst beautiful surroundings, mom and daughter quickly recover from disappointment thanks to their engagement in joyful, gross motor fun, and appreciation of their natural surroundings.
They're taking their time, this time, as they now have nowhere to be!
Illustrator Micha Archer combines acrylic inks with a spectacular array of tissue paper layering and found- and created-paper, to craft beautiful. out-of-this-world scenes. They are my so-far favorite illustrations of 2026. Make sure to focus closely, from spread-to-spread, on the super-fun, patterned tree trunks, and on the spread where the pair are sprawled out on rocks in the stream.
Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, WHILE WE’RE HERE is a delight!
Recommended by: Richie Partington, MLIS, California USA
See more of Richie's Picks <http://richiespicks.com/> http://richiespicks.pbworks.co
