Just one wave

PreS-K--Jonker has written a charming sequel to Just One Flake; once again, the book uses tongue-in-cheek humor, is seasonally set, and continues to tell of Liam's family (mother, Liam, little sister), this time as they head to the ocean. Liam's current elusive goal is to attempt to catch one wave. However, the body of water is placid and not a wave is seen. Liam is persistent: at first, he is patient, then he scares a flock of birds, and finally he jumps into the body of water, thereby providing his baby sister with her first experience of a wave. The full-color spreads feature heavy line drawings painted with watercolor in child-friendly, vibrant splotches. There is limited text, but the story is mostly conveyed wordlessly through the artwork and with interjections from Liam. That makes it an ideal book for sharing aloud or to hand to beginning readers anxious to read a book--on their own. VERDICT A great purchase for libraries for showing persistence, patience, and acceptance; additionally, this book shows a single-parent family.--Vi Ha

Liam's seasonal demands are modest. In winter, the young narrator longed forJust One Flake (2023). Now that it's a perfect summer beach day, Liam hopes for "just one wave." The shore offers sun, sand, and sea gulls, but--"Oh no"--not the faintest swell. Liam is willing to wait--and WAIT--but some problems can't be solved, even with patience and perseverance. Scattering a flock of sea gulls doesn't produce surf, nor does an attempt at sneaking up on the sea and scaring it. Finally, Liam builds a sand castle and taunts the sea: "Come and get it!" But it's baby sister Sonja who reduces the ramparts to rubble. Now it's already "Time to go!" Suddenly Liam has an idea. Climbing the castle ruins, the youngster cannonballs into the water, creating a big wave that breaks over Sonja, who, after a moment's uncertainty, is thrilled. Liam may not have enjoyed any waves today, but the child rejoices at having provided Sonja with her first wave. Upon leaving, calm as the water itself, Liam waves at the sea from the car window, with the hopeful thought "until next summer." Like the earlier book, this tale features deceptively simple, expressive, flat illustrations with heavy, wavering outlines and touches of soft color. Its plot is positive, unpredictable, and engaging; realistic, relatable dialogue and clear lettering make this a good option for burgeoning readers. Liam and Sonja are tan-skinned. A satisfying tale that sees its protagonist striving once more for a single iconic experience.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.