{"id":33108,"date":"2024-04-12T02:41:03","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T06:41:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/?p=33108"},"modified":"2024-04-15T06:50:32","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T10:50:32","slug":"wordless-picture-books","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/wordless-picture-books\/","title":{"rendered":"Wordless Picture Books Worth “Reading”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sharing wordless picture books with your child is a fantastic way to develop essential literacy skills, such as vocabulary, comprehension, and an understanding of story structure. Since these books have no words, readers must pay close attention to the illustrations and use context clues to follow the plot and determine how the characters feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you share a wordless book with a child, you can \u201cread\u201d it differently each time, encouraging your child to use their imagination to interpret the story in different ways. Here is our list of 20 incredible wordless picture books. Enjoy! <\/p>\n\n\n

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Join our Patreon community<\/a> to get the printable version of this li<\/b>st<\/strong>! You’ll also get access to other kid lit resources and perks, like our seasonal guides and educator interviews, to inspire you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once, a Bird<\/h2><\/div>
By Rina Singh (Author), Nathalie Dion (Illustrator)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: September 12, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this wordless book inspired by the pandemic lockdown, a little bird emerges after winter to find that the world has \u201cgone quiet.\u201d Although confused, the bird searches for a place to nest and stops to rest in a tree outside an apartment building. Through the little bird\u2019s songs, the people begin to feel hopeful. Once, a Bird <\/em>is a story about the rhythms of nature and the importance of connectedness, even amidst change and disruption.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Door:<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Door<\/h2><\/div>
By Jihyeon Lee <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: October 2, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s on the other side of the door? There\u2019s only one way to find out. You\u2019ll have to go through it. <\/em>When the book begins, a little boy holds a key and watches people walk by. Every person on the page is depicted with a scowl on their face, and the little boy\u2019s world is presented in drab gray tones. When the little boy finds the mysterious door, he enters a world full of vibrant colors and creatures, a world where his curiosity and acceptance of others is rewarded.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bunny & Tree<\/h2><\/div>
By Balint Zsako<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: July 18, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gorgeous picture book is divided into nine wordless acts, plus a prologue and epilogue. Bunny and Tree first meet when Tree protects Bunny from a wolf who is pursuing him. This begins their amazing adventure to see the world, find Bunny\u2019s rabbit friends, and find a place to call home. Children will love this story and adults will love the handpainted art.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Wolf in the Snow<\/h2><\/div>
By Matthew Cordell<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: January 3, 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winner of the 2017 Caldecott Medal, Wolf in the Snow is a tender story of kindness, bravery, and trust. A little girl loses her way home in a sudden snowstorm. At the same time, a wolf pup is separated from his pack. When the two meet, they help one another find their families. The watercolor illustrations bring the setting to life while capturing the characters’ emotions. My children especially loved that the wolves aren’t portrayed as villains as they typically are in other tales!<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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I Walk with Vanessa<\/h2><\/div>
By  Kerasco\u00ebt<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: April 24, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspired by real events, I Walk with Vanessa <\/em>is a powerful story of kindness and standing up for others. Vanessa is the new girl at school, and a classmate watches as a bully tries to make her feel small. The illustrations beautifully convey the classmate\u2019s initial feelings of anger and helplessness as a bystander. Eventually, the entire community is inspired to support Vanessa. The story is wordless, but the book does include a section for children on how to help someone being bullied and one for adults on how to talk about the book with children. This is the first wordless book I shared with my own children, and it sparked an important conversation about standing up for people being mistreated.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Journey<\/h2><\/div>
By Aaron Becker<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: August 6, 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Journey, a lonely little girl draws a door on her bedroom wall and escapes into a magical world. She arrives in an enchanted forest and uses her red crayon to travel by boat, hot air balloon, and magic carpet but when she is captured and put in a cage, only friendship can save the day. If your child likes this gorgeously illustrated book, it\u2019s the first in a trilogy that includes Quest<\/a> and Return<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Olive<\/h2><\/div>
By  Jed Alexander<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: October 3, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this wordless retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, Olive is a little girl who explores what it means to be a \u201cgiant\u201d in her own world. My children loved how Olive spent the day playing with the friendly giant who lives in the clouds. Many picture books tell the \u201cJack\u201d story in various ways, but this one is the most creative I\u2019ve seen, with a surprising twist that young readers will love.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Afterward, Everything was Different<\/h2><\/div>
By  Jairo Buitrago (Author), Rafael Yockteng (Illustrator)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: May 9, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this stunning black-and-white picture book, a Pleistocene family travels through the world, hunting for food and searching for shelter. Shown from the perspective of a young girl in the group, this story imagines the inspiration for humanity\u2019s first cave drawing. An information page at the back of the book shares the facts\u2013and mysteries\u2013surrounding this ancient artwork. A captivating book that will appeal to all ages.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Book from Far Away<\/h2><\/div>
By  Bruce Handy (Author), Julie Benbassat (Illustrator)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: August 15, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this fantastical picture book, a boy who is reading in a tree suddenly notices an alien family that has just landed in a clearing nearby. The boy and the young alien become fast friends and spend time playing together. They also exchange books, each taking home a book from the other’s “far away” world. This creative tale highlights the significance of building connections and celebrates the joy of reading.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Forever<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Forever Home: A Dog and Boy Love Story<\/h2><\/div>
By Henry Cole <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: August 16, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forever Home is a poignant story that celebrates the bond between children and their pets. In this story, a little boy longs for a dog, but his parents don\u2019t think he\u2019s responsible enough. Meanwhile, an unwanted dog is lost and afraid. The black and white illustrations are beautifully detailed, with the red leash being the only spot of color. Young readers will love how the little boy proves he\u2019s responsible and is rewarded with a dog who needs him.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lines<\/h2><\/div>
By Suzy Lee<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: September 5, 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines is a truly unique wordless picture book. In this story, an unseen artist sketches a young skater on a frozen pond. As the girl skates, she makes beautiful lines on the ice. When she falls, readers actually see the artist erasing marks and crumpling the paper to start anew. The message is clear: everyone makes mistakes and it\u2019s important to find the courage to try again.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Blanket<\/h2><\/div>
By  Ruth Ohi<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: August 2, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this truly adorable wordless picture book, Cat wakes up feeling sad. She hides under a blanket until Dog comes to cheer her up. Through playing games and sharing stories, Dog helps Cat start to feel better. This is a gentle story about the \u201cgray\u201d times\u2013and how much it means to have a friend to keep you company. This is a perfect book to share with a young reader just starting to form friendships.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Field Trip to Volcano Island<\/h2><\/div>
By John Hare <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: February 8, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this book, students travel in a yellow school bus helicopter to a tropical volcano island. This book is part of the \u201cField Trip Adventures\u201d series, and observant readers will recognize characters from the other adventures. The illustrations are incredibly detailed and will appeal to a wide variety of ages.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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I Forgive Alex<\/h2><\/div>
By KERASCOET , Sebastien Cosset and  Marie Pommepuy <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: July 12, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the author of I Walk with Vanessa<\/em> comes another poignant wordless tale about compassion. Alex is a young, energetic boy who unintentionally destroys another child’s project at school. As a result, the whole class becomes upset with him. The book portrays both perspectives, highlighting the importance of both apologizing and forgiving. It shows how difficult these actions can be, but also how crucial they are for building strong relationships.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Midnight Fair<\/h2><\/div>
By  Gideon Sterer (Author), Mariachiara Di Giorgio (Illustrator)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: February 2, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this beautifully painted book, wild animals wait in the shadows at the edge of a forest as a carnival is set up. At night they emerge to play games, eat hot dogs, and take a spin on all kinds of rides. The artwork is full of detail and humor; kids will love this peek into what the animals are up to while the humans are away.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Every Little Kindness <\/h2><\/div>
By Marta Bartolj<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: October 12, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every Little Kindness shows how small actions can make a huge difference. As a girl searches for her lost dog, one kind gesture leads to another until an entire community is transformed for the better. Our family loved that although the girl was obviously distraught about her pet, she found time to help make someone else\u2019s day better.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Monkey on the Run <\/h2><\/div>
By Leo Timmers<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: March 5, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perfect for young vehicle lovers, Monkey on the Run is filled with colorful action and humor. When Little Monkey loses patience while sitting in traffic with his father, he turns his surroundings into a playground. Kids will love the happy chaos, reminiscent of Richard Scarry\u2019s Busy Town.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Another<\/h2><\/div>
By Christian Robinson<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: March 5, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another is a playful, colorful book perfect for young readers with big imaginations. As a little girl sleeps, a portal of light appears in her room. The girl and her cat adventure to another world, a world full of toys and children from every background happily playing together. Readers will have fun deciding: is this a parallel universe, or is it all a dream?<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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I Got It!<\/h2><\/div>
By David Wiesner <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: April 3, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I Got It! is a suspenseful story that takes readers on a journey in a few seconds on a baseball field, exploring what could happen between the words “I got it!” and the actual catch. The young outfielder in the story imagines scenarios that could prevent him from catching the ball, but despite these thoughts, he uses his imagination to help him succeed. A great pick for young sports enthusiasts.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Yellow Butterfly: A story from Ukraine<\/h2><\/div>
By Oleksandr Shatokhin <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: January 31, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This multi-award winning book is a powerful testament to the resiliency of people enduring war. Told from the perspective of a young girl in Ukraine, Yellow Butterfly relies on visual symbolism and metaphor to describe the ravages of war and the possibility of hope in the future. This would be a fantastic book to share with young children who are just becoming aware of the devastation of war.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Join our Patreon community<\/a> to get the printable version of this li<\/b>st<\/strong>! You’ll also get access to other kid lit resources and perks, like our seasonal guides and educator interviews, to inspire you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More Picture Book Lists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n