Book No. 24.

This single word, translated into 8 languages.

I was overjoyed to realize Wave is written by an "L" author. That author, Suzy Lee, is marvelously talented at powerful, imaginative storytelling without the use of words.

The danger of wordless picture books is how quickly we "read" them. The reward, of course, is how much they offer without ever needing to speak.

Taunt a wave and you may get more than you bargained for.

To me, Wave is a perfect picture book in every sense of the word. The story evokes strong childhood memories. The pictures capture perfectly a child's playful afternoon with a wave, taunting and fleeing the tide until finally being knocked off her feet. The wave leaves behind a wonderful, tangible gift that makes me long for my shovel and bucket.

Oh, to be five again!

- Matthew