“Before they read words, children are reading pictures.” -David Wiesner
Picture books are an essential gateway into the world of literature for children. They provide visual clues and context, which helps beginning readers make meaning of the story. In addition, picture books often have simple, repetitive language patterns which support early literacy development.
But what happens when there are no words at all? Wordless picture books can be powerful tools for developing literacy skills and encouraging creativity.
5 Examples of Great Wordless Picture Books for Kids
1. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
This Caldecott-winning book tells the classic fable of a lion who spares a mouse’s life, only to have the mouse return the favor when hunters trap the lion. The story is told entirely through Pinkney’s stunning illustrations.
What is unique about The Lion and the Mouse: The story is familiar and easy to follow for children who love to tell stories based on the illustrations.
2. Journey (& Trilogy) by Aaron Becker
This is the tale of a lonely girl who escapes into a fantastical world of her creation, drawn with a red crayon. Aaron Becker conveys this wordless book through detailed and intricate illustrations.
What is unique about Journey: Journey is told across three books, weaving an epic story full of little details and discoveries hidden within the pictures.
3. Ballad by Blexbolex
This is a beautiful and poetic picture book about a fairytale that starts at home and gradually expands over the city and countryside. The story is told primarily through illustrations and a single word on every page.
What is so special about Ballad: The story is rich and simple, with plenty of room for interpretation by young readers. The book is long—480 pages, but the deceptively simple presentation draws you in and gives you a lot to talk about.
4. Chalk by Bill Thomson
When a group of friends finds magical chalk on the playground, they discover that their illustrations come to life.
What is so special about Chalk: The illustrations are realistic and detailed. Children love to tell this story and feel very comfortable doing so.
5. Flotsam by David Wiesner
This wordless picture book tells the story of a boy who finds a camera washed up on the beach to discover that it is full of secrets and mysteries.
What is so special about Flotsam: The illustrations are very tight. David Wiesner lays out the pages like a comic book. In addition to building clarity, sequential images help move the story along when you don’t use words.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many great wordless picture books available. So next time you’re looking for a new book to share with your child, don’t forget the power of pictures!
This post was proofread by Grammarly