Wave

by Suzy Lee
Wave cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1679
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9780811859240
  • Publisher: Chronicle Books
  • Published: 2008-04-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Hardback • £12.99

Wave is a delightful children's book that captures the simple joys of a day at the sea. Through deceptively simple pages, it tells the story of a curious little girl and her playful interaction with the waves. The book is beautifully illustrated and designed to engage young readers, making it a perfect read-aloud choice for parents and educators alike. The narrative is both charming and educational, highlighting the beauty of nature and the wonder of the ocean. The story begins and ends with a wave, creating a sense of completeness and harmony. It's a tale that celebrates the small moments of childhood and the magic found in everyday experiences. Wave is not just a story; it's an invitation to explore, imagine, and connect with the natural world.

Reviews
Kirkus Reviews · 2025-10-08
beautiful 4.00

The book is noted for its beautiful illustrations and the way it uses a flock of seagulls to mirror the emotions of the young girl. The wordless format is seen as a strength, providing a rich plot through visual storytelling alone.

Kirkus Reviews highlights the beautiful blue-and-gray illustrations in 'Wave' and how they effectively convey the story without the need for text. The use of seagulls to mirror the emotions of the young girl is particularly praised, adding depth to the visual narrative. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to tell a compelling story through illustrations alone, making it a standout example of wordless picture books. The overall sentiment is positive, with a focus on the book's artistic and emotional impact.

Quick quotes

    Five gulls and a little girl play with the tide in this beach adventure that lacks text but provides plot aplenty.

    Nineteen beautiful blue-and-gray 24” x 7” illustrations capture the essence of the story.

    The use of seagulls to mirror the emotions of the young girl adds a layer of depth to the visual narrative.

A Little Library · 2020-07-07
evocative 4.50

The illustrations capture the essence of the ocean and beach with remarkable simplicity and depth, using minimal color to convey a rich and immersive experience. The book's wordless nature allows readers to create their own narratives and connect deeply with the story.

In this review, the author expresses admiration for Suzy Lee's ability to convey the look and feel of the ocean and beach using just two shades of watercolor. The minimalistic approach is praised for its effectiveness in creating a vibrant and engaging story. The wordless format is highlighted as a unique feature that invites readers to imagine and create their own stories, making the book a deeply personal and immersive experience. The author appreciates how the illustrations alone can evoke emotions and memories, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    It's impressive how Suzy Lee was able to convey the look and feel of the ocean and beach with minimal color, but she does.

    It's almost as if the illustrations are breathing, capturing the essence of the ocean's movement and the girl's emotions.

    The wordless format allows for a deeper connection with the story, as readers can interpret and create their own narratives.

That's It LA · 2010-09-24
wonderful 4.00

The book is celebrated for its universal appeal, making it enjoyable for all readers, including those who may not typically engage with books. The interactive nature of the story, where readers can imagine their own storyline, is particularly highlighted.

The reviewer emphasizes that 'Wave' is a wonderful book for any reader, including non-readers, due to its wordless and interactive nature. The ability to imagine and create one's own storyline is seen as a significant strength, making the book accessible and engaging for a wide audience. The reviewer appreciates the book's simplicity and the way it invites readers to become active participants in the storytelling process. The overall sentiment is one of praise for the book's inclusivity and the joy it brings to readers of all ages.

Quick quotes

    The Wave is a wonderful book for any reader. Even non-readers can enjoy this book.

    You can imagine and create your own storyline.

    The book's simplicity and the way it invites readers to become active participants in the storytelling process are particularly noteworthy.

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