Mini Reviews by Topic: “Wordless Books”
Title: Good Dog, Carl: A Classic Board Book
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Once get past the notion of a mother leaving an infant in the care of Carl, the family rottweiler, this wordless book is delightfully silly. The infant roams throughout the house, always safe under the dutiful watch of the canine caretaker. Simple for even young children to follow, this classic wordless book may become a favorite.
Title: Journey
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Beginner, Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
A lonely girl uses a red marker and draws a door that leads her to a series of magical adventures. Outstanding illustrations take up the entire page putting the “reader” into a fantasy-like world rendered in glowing jewel tones. Rising and falling action keep the pages turning and the satisfying ending leaves the reader wanting more (see the sequel Quest.)
Title: Unspoken
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Beginner, Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Drawing on stories he heard as a child from friends and relatives who lived during the Civil War, Henry Cole uses detailed pencil drawings in this wordless historical fiction about a young farm girl and the runaway slave she discovers in her barn. This story of courage in the face of adversity is further enhanced by an author’s note at the end. Hauntingly memorable.
Title: Where's Walrus?
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Preschool, Beginner, Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Clever Walrus escapes from the zoo and is pursued by the zookeeper who seems unable to notice Walrus hiding among a wide variety of people at work and play. This wordless picture book is simple enough to capture the interest of preschool-age children although older children will also enjoy Walrus’ funny antics.
Title: The Red Book
Illustrator: Barbara Lehman
Stage(s): Beginner, Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
White frames highlight the intriguing illustrations in this wordless book. The story begins with a little girl who finds a red book peeking out of a snowbank. A boy on an island also finds a red book in the sand. Through the magic of story, they eventually find each other and the red book is later discovered by another child. A tribute to how books can take you to places beyond your imagination, this award winner is rich in detail and is a delightful read for children of all ages.