Wordless Picture Books

 

   Last week, the American Library Association announced the 2014 Caldecott award winners for best picture books. Brian Floca’s Locomotive , which illustrates traveling on the new transcontinental railroad and the country it united, won the prestigious award. Three Honor books were also announced: Mr. Wuffles! by David Wiesner, Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle, and Journey by Aaron Becker. What common thing did all 3 of the Honor books share? They were all wordless. This is a first in recent memory.

   Do you enjoy sharing wordless picture books with your youngsters? What approach do you use? Some of us are intimidated when WE must tell the story. However, wpb’s can be used in a variety of ways resulting in an enriching experience for both child and adult. First, you might wish to say the title or subject of the book . Then, as you look at the beginning pages, ask the child what he sees pictured. What’s going on? How do you think the character feels? What might happen next? As you proceed through the story, draw attention to the continuity of the story and its ultimate conclusion. You are reinforcing pre-reading skills of left to right, plot identification, inferring and main point vis a vis details. Here’s a few more tips on reading a wpb together. 

   If your child is used to wpb's, reverse roles and have HIM tell YOU the story, all on his own. Echo what the child is telling you. You could even be doing something else like driving, stationary chores, nap time. (Try not to fall asleep!)
Go through the same book several times, even at the same sitting. Encourage your child to express himself with different words or use imagination to elaborate on what is pictured on the page. Explore wordless picture books. You'll end up making the book truly your own.


Browse other titles in our Staff Picks Lists.   Additional wordless picture books can be looked up by using the subject heading "stories without words."

P.S. Another ALA award trivia tidbit: The name Flora appears in both the Newbery Winner (chapter books) Flora & Ulysses and in the Caldecott Honor Book Flora & the Flamingo.