A picture book & animated film

Ride along with Willy,
the little wave with a big heart

A hand-painted watercolor journey across the ocean — about love, connection, gratitude, and the beautiful cycle that carries us all to shore.

The story

Every wave begins far from shore…

Willy and his mother have been traveling the wide ocean for a very long time. Along the way — with whales, dolphins, sea turtles and the warm smiling sun — Willy learns what it means to be connected to everything, to be grateful, and to discover that reaching the shore isn't the end at all. It's the beginning.

Written by Ricky & Sharon White · Illustrated in luminous watercolor.

William the Wave title page

Peek inside

A few of the spreads families fall in love with. Tap any page to see it big.

“This story is uniquely a philosophical meditation on life itself — every sentence captures the authors' feelings and thoughts beautifully.” — THE ILLUSTRATORS

Now in production

William the Wave — The Animated Film

Willy's whole journey is becoming a hand-crafted animated short — 81 shots painted straight from the book's art, with original narration, music and ocean sound. Pre-order digital access and be there the day it premieres.

Film artwork
Trailer coming soon

All things Willy

From the keepsake hardcover to film access and wave-sized hugs.

Join Willy's wave 🌊

Book news, film premiere dates and fan-club freebies — a few emails a year, no spray.

William the Wave book cover
The picture book

William the Wave

by Ricky & Sharon White

Little Willy rolls across the great ocean beside his mother, asking the questions every child (and grown-up) wonders: Where are we going? Will we always be together? Why is the sun always smiling? Spread by glowing spread, Willy discovers gratitude, connection, and the joyful secret of the shore.

Ages 3–103for every dreamer
Watercolorhand-painted art
Read-aloudbedtime favorite
Heartlove & gratitude

Turn the pages

Tap a spread to see it big.

“Reaching the shore isn't the end at all… it's the beginning.”— WILLIAM THE WAVE

Order your copy
Hand-crafted animation

The Animated Film

The entire picture book, brought to life shot by shot from the original watercolor art — with narration, original music, and the sound of the sea.

🎬 Production notes

81 shots, each painted from the book's spreads
• Approx. 9-minute picture runtime
• Original narration & dialogue recording
• Custom score and ocean sound design

Get premiere news first

The Willy Store

Books, film access and treasures from Willy's ocean. Secure checkout by Stripe.

Willy's Fan Club

Free goodies for members — wallpapers, behind-the-scenes art and first looks. Joining is free: just create your Willy account.