Wave by Suzy Lee.

Through simple lines and a deft use of color, Lee tells the wordless story of a young girl playing on the beach with a wave.  The story is the universal one of a sunny day on the beach and playing in the water, having the ocean as a playmate, and just enjoying the moment.

Lee’s restraint in her illustrations is what makes it all work so well.  Her use of blue, gray, black and white as the only colors in the book adds to the book’s impact.  The figure of the mother who is obviously present but somewhere off the page is evocative of childhood where play makes you forget or ignore all else.  It is truly a study in a moment of childhood.

Highly recommended.  This book is a small wonder.  Share it with very young children who will enjoy telling you the story.  Appropriate for a wide range of ages: 2-7.