I’m looking for a children’s picture book that we read around the late 80s or early 90s, although it may have been published earlier. A child looks for his/her lost sibling (Wayne or Wanie, or Waney?) on a farm and maybe in other locations. I specifically remember one part where he goes into a chicken house asking if they’ve seen Wayne, and the chickens ask “What’s a waney??” I’ve googled every variation on those words/spellings but can’t find anything! I think I remember full color illustrations, but my mom thinks they may have been line drawings.
Sounds possibly like a picture book by James Stevenson–there are a few books where a Grandpa tells over stories of his childhood to his grandchildren, including info about his little brother Wayne.
Yes – I think it must be one of these!! I recognize the artwork! Thank you so much – that narrows the field considerably!
OMG!! I was able to track down this book, “There’s Nothing to Do!” thanks to these tips!
This was the first book I was able to read on my own and I remember the night when I switched from having memorized the words to being able to recognize them on the page.
Incredible! Thank you, thank you!