Come along with Roscoe & Ivy as they find ways to make waiting fun.
Roscoe and Ivy have to wait for Mama. The only toy in the waiting room has beads that go up . . . then down . . . then up . . . then down. BORING! Roscoe would rather sing a song or bang-bang-BANG on the fish tank. Can Ivy keep the peace until Mama comes back?
Another School Library Journal starred review for Roscoe & Ivy!
Waiting is hard, especially for Roscoe. In this thoughtful addition to the “Roscoe and Ivy” series, Roscoe, a small brown boy who wears red headphones, struggles to stay patient in a waiting room with his sister Ivy and their mama. Ivy tries to help by offering toys and items from Mama’s purse, but Roscoe still finds it difficult to sit quietly. Eventually, Ivy discovers the perfect distraction when she pulls out a book. Bright digital illustrations portray Roscoe as a neurodivergent child who needs extra help managing volume and movement.
VERDICT A first purchase; written and illustrated by neurodivergent creators, the story offers an affirming experience for many families.
Reviewed by Brooke Newberry , May 01, 2026
The Story Behind The Waiting Room
Ah, waiting rooms. Adults hate these, but kids hate them even more. Sure, most of them have that one ball maze toy, but that gets old pretty fast. Since I have struggles with time, I began preparing for waiting rooms the night before we went to them. Bringing special small toys, books, paper and pencils is always a must for us. Also, having a variety of items is important. Attention spans are already short in our home, so different items help to keep things interesting.
But, the most important thing for our kids are their water bottles. Even if it isn’t hot outside, or if the waiting time will be very quick, we bring water bottles EVERYWHERE. Snacks are also great to keep handy, just in case things take longer than everyone expected.