Mr. Bear Goes To Sea by Chizuko Kuratomi, illustrated by Kozo Kakimoto (published 1967)

I could spend hours looking at all the lovable characters in this book. Just simple shapes but so well observed and balanced. It's a shame that the colours in my copy of the book (1978 edition) are not showing as well but still brilliant work. There is much narrative, playfulness and humour in every picture (note the carrot on the flag!). There is also reference to impressionism in the way the reflexions in the sea are portrayed which creates atmosphere and certain nostalgia.