The Wave

by Tyler Charlton

When a boy is swept up in a wave of sadness, he finds himself tumbling. But when he remembers that this sadness won't last forever, and that the wave will eventually carry him back to shore, he discovers his friends and family waiting to gently pull him out of the water and back home.

With hopeful text and gorgeous art, The Wave takes us on a journey through one child's experience with depression that fosters empathy for those on the outside, and solidarity for those still caught in the midst of their own wave. It is an honest look at depression which affects almost 2 million children in the United States.

The Wave is a must-read for anyone who finds themselves tumbling, and a beautiful reminder that we can reach out to others to keep our heads - and hearts - above water.

Genres: Picture Books, Mental Health, Emotion, Childrens, Parenting, Storytime, Kids

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt that this was way too metaphorical for the children it would be read to. As someone who did suffer from severe bouts of anxiety and depression and almost died, I don't feel this book encapsulates what children really needs to hear and learn about depression and coping. And quite frankly, it's not an all of a sudden thing.

[Laura Salas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, necessary book for kids to have. <3

[Faith Pray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler Charlton’s THE WAVE is a picture book about depression and hope.
Laid out in striking compositions, the illustrations are powerful, painted in a soft, muted palette in contrasts with large swaths of black. The story is narrated by a child who encounters waves of depression. “Sometimes I lose my joy and I don’t know why…and the wave takes me away.” The spare text is just enough - carries the reader through the experience, sharing different aspects and tools the child has discovered to help ride the wave to hope. I think this book and the helpful resources in the back matter will be such a gift for readers - as a lifeline for those affected by depression, but also, as a means to grow empathy in others. Definitely a must-add for schools and libraries everywhere!

[Pamela S Van Dyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read your book. Incredible. A masterpiece. I cried with tears of deep joy that someone nailed it, to provide a gentle warm blanket of words and compelling illustrations to comfort our children AND peers who are going through troubled waters in our world today. If heaven has a library THE WAVE would surely occupy its shelves. ♥️. Thank you for every word, every page, every inspiration to keep moving when the wave hits.

Buckle your seat belts, big and little ones, you are about to be encouraged beyond words.

Pamela Van Dyk
Santa Barbara, CA.

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though the market is producing a glut of books about kids who worry or are anxious (ahem...), there are less about depression for littles (perhaps it's diagnosed at a later age?) -- so I am thankful for The Wave, a necessary and age-appropriate book. I also like that unlike the other two I would recommend, this book address the destructive lashing out than can occur during episodes of despair.
Note: The Wave could also work just as well work for a kid experiencing situational sadness

[Ellie Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and moving story of a boy expressing his feelings of sadness, which he likens to a wave. Charlton's illustrations are truly stunning and take you on an emotional journey with the protagonist. I love that this book reminds children that they can ride the wave out and that the love of family and friends is unconditional, despite the turmoil. This would be such a great addition to any classroom collection or home library!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This journey through one child's experience with depression can help adults and peers to foster empathy and solidarity for anyone caught in a “wave”. (It is also a sobering reminder to look at the fact that depression affects about 2 million children in the U.S.)

[Elona · Rating 4 out of 5]

It can be hard for kids to explain the way they feel. This book is a great depiction of how sadness, depression, etc. can make us feel and it's so relatable.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very kid-friendly exploration of depression.

[‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾Carissa☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

:,) this made me so sad but so seen

[Cathy Ogren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful book about depression.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've seen books for kids about an adult's depression, but this is a really interesting way to talk about/visualize what a child may be feeling.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wave depicts depression and despair so well through both the illustrations and the story. Beautiful book.

[Leelee · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WAVE is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book about a heavy subject. Depression is like a wave that can come over you at times when you least expect. Sometimes there is a reason and sometimes there isn’t. Tyler Charlton handles the subject in a gentle way that kids who experience these emotions can understand and relate to. Rather than offering a solution, the author, instead suggests finding comfort in knowing that these feelings WILL pass (though you will find some ideas that might help in the author’s notes). Children have different ways of expressing their emotions when they are caught in “the wave”. Those that care for them must be patient and simply love and support them during these times, while letting the child know they will be there for them when they are ready. The gorgeous illustrations are moody in their neutral colors and the strong use of black conveys the darkness that comes over the child. I tear up just thinking about this book!

[Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book by Tyler Charlton truly exemplifies how it feels when you're trapped in a wave of depression. You struggle, scratch, and claw, fighting to get back to the surface, but somehow, that wave knocks you right back down, even when you least expect it. Parents who may be working to understand their child's mental health will find this picture book informative and touching. It is certainly a book we will add to our collection once it debuts.

[Polina Gortman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Wave: When You Find Yourself Tumbling" is a touching picture book that delicately addresses childhood depression. With its hopeful text and captivating illustrations, the story follows a boy navigating his emotions. The digital, painterly artwork adds depth. An empathetic, heartwarming, must-read.

[Anait Semirdzhyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depression isn't only something adults go through – kids can feel it too. THE WAVE is a powerful book that depicts what sadness is like. The stunning illustrations show a boy's tough times and help us understand his emotions. This book tells us that even when things are truly hard, there's hope, and things will get better, just like waves that eventually settle down.

[Michaele Razi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful message-perfect for little kids to understand and gorgeous artwork. Wonderful!

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful picture book abut depression/sadness.