#kidlitpicks April Round-Up: 18 Wordless Books

Picture book text can be funny, thoughtful, tender, (insert a million other adjectives here), but some of my favorite picture books are wordless. In a wordless (or nearly wordless) book the illustrations do all the heavy lifting. They make the story accessible to all readers, regardless of language or age. And with no text to follow, the possibilities for imagination are endless by allowing an interpretational freedom that other books can’t. Wordless books also help exercise a number of literacy skills like vocabulary, inference, and sequencing—they’re a minefield of learning!

During April the @kidlitpicks book club engaged the imagination and sharpened skills by featuring Wordless & Nearly Wordless books. Thanks to Heather from @kidlitbookbits for the wordless theme!

Lines, by Suzy Lee

“…surprising, wonderful—a brilliant opportunity to discuss creative processes and the possibilities that bloom from making mistakes.” — Summer from @readingisourthing

Small Things, by ​​Mel Tregonning

“The authenticity of this book, not to mention the universality of the subject matter, makes it a tough but worthwhile read and opens up a world of conversations for children to discuss their own inner demons with the adults they trust." — Mel from @spiky_penelope

Sidewalk Flowers, by JonArno Lawson and Sydney Smith

"This story shows children empathy, compassion, and the use of observational skills." — Leah from @astoryaday

Where's the Starfish? by Barroux

“Such a fabulous book to encourage us all to make small changes for a big difference.” —  Kim from @bookbairn

Odd Couples, by Mirja Winkelmann

“Take a peek inside this nearly wordless wonder and test your homonym knowledge through beautifully rendered and seemingly strange pairings.” — Miranda from @bookbloom

Float, by Daniel Miyares

“So much action and emotion comes through in the illustrations.” — De from @books_and_babycinos

Flashlight, by Lizi Boyd

“Gives a positive perspective on darkness, presented as something to explore rather than something to fear.” — De from @books_and_babycinos

Now You See Me, Now You Don't, by Silvia Borando
“This is one I enjoy sharing with my kids again and again.” — Carissa from @bookskidslove_

Where's Walrus?, by Stephen Savage

“Can you find Walrus in this picture?” — Arielle from @childrensbooksgalore

Little Fox in the Forest, by Stephanie Graegin

“There are so many details and whimsical surprises to discover in Stephanie Graegin’s illustrations that no words are needed.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople

Professional Crocodile, by Giovanna Zoboli and Mariachiara Di Giorgio

“This wordless picture book is the perfect depiction of a Crocodile's mundane morning routine and commute with a delightful surprise ending.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople

Wallpaper, by Thao Lam

"If you are new to wordless books, Wallpaper is DEFINITELY one to begin with." — Lauren from @happily.ever.elephants

Do You Want to Be My Friend?, by Eric Carle

“Such a clever book with bright and colourful pictures.” — Angelique from @heads.shoulders.knees

Foxly's Feast, by Owen Davey

“Give your child a chance to experience a book like this and see how much they actually understand and take in!! It's very special!!” — Angelique from @heads.shoulders.knees

The Farmer and the Clown, by Marla Frazee

"Frazee creates an atmosphere of easy understanding through a dynamic use of color." — Wendy from @homegrownreader

A Stone for Sascha, by Aaron Becker

“A quiet story of healing sorrow and the journey of moving forward.” — Heather from @kidlitbookbits

Now You See Me, Now You Don't, by Silvia Borando

“The illustrations are bright and bold and it is a delightful read.” — Shannon from @ohcreativeday

Window, by Jeannie Baker

“Aspects of colour, framing, layout, and angles indicate to the reader a deeper meaning of change and human impact on the environment and all come together beautifully to tell a powerful and profound story..” — Teri from @petitbookcorner