Those of us who “know” picture books are very familiar with the wordless and almost wordless variety. I’m not convinced, however, that “non bookies” are aware of the genre or that they understand the important role a wordless picture book can play in early literacy.
Wordless picture books “tell” a story using illustrations only. They encourage active participation and, as a result, are super for stimulating language development. Wordless picture books also move children and adults to a level playing field; a young child is equally able to “read” a well-designed story because there are no words to be decoded. A wordless picture book is great for multilingual families because stories can be discussed in any language. Perhaps most importantly, wordless picture books provide a great platform for story retelling. A youngster who enjoys a wordless picture book with an adult, should be encouraged to retell the story, using his own words, to another adult – a great way to improve the child’s ability to retell a story and thus helping to prepare the child for formal reading instruction.
Every kindergarten and early primary classroom ought to be stocked with some wordless picture books. Here is a brand new title you will want to consider: A Ball for Daisy – created by Chris Raschka Wordless picture book published by Schwartz and Wade Books, an imprint of Random House
Have you ever suffered the loss of favorite toy? Perhaps it was broken beyond repair? Daisy is an adorable little dog, oozing with personality. She loves her beautiful red ball. Daisy kicks it and bounces it and snuggles with it on the sofa. One day, while enjoying a walk, Daisy encounters a doggy friend who is too exuberant and accidentally punctures the red ball. Daisy is inconsolable; she can’t believe what she sees and she tries everything to make her red ball whole again. Unfortunately, the ball has been destroyed.
Thankfully, Daisy’s friend understands her distress and, when she next visits the park, a lovely new blue ball is waiting. Breezy, bright illustrations, perfect for sharing with a group, guide readers (and non “readers”) through A Ball for Daisy.
Updated January 2012 – A Ball for Daisy – created by Chris Raschka is the winner of the 2012 Randolph Caldecott Medal
The King’s Taster – written by Kenneth Oppel, paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher Picture book published by Harper Collins
Max is the king’s tester and the cook’s dog. Life is mighty fine until a new and very young king refuses the cook’s gourmet fare. “The cook went straight to work on the coronation feast. He chopped, he topped, and he tailed; he sliced, he stirred and he whisked.” Despite the cook’s valiant efforts, the obstinate young king refuses to eat. The cook is desperate – he must find new recipes to satisfy an extremely picky and powerful sovereign. After travelling the world and experimenting with all sorts of exotic culinary treats, the cook finally uncovers the truth: the New King is devouring candy, cookies and other sweet treats rather than the delicious and nutritious food prepared by the cook. To avoid having his mother hear the truth, the young king decides to make better choices. He soon rediscovers his appetite and relishes meals that are truly ‘fit for a king.’ The King’s Taster serves up a banquet of delicious language and fascinating collage illustrations.
Meet Nancy Carlson, author and illustrator of Henry and the Bully
Henry and the Bully written by Nancy Carlson A picture book about bullying in the schoolyard
Henry is in grade one and loves to play soccer during recess break. Unfortunately, Sam, who is older and considerably bigger spoils the game by teasing and stealing the soccer ball. In Henry and the Bully, Henry seeks help from Mr. McCarthy but his teacher is busy with other playground problems and does not help the grade one children. Soon, Henry feels terrible and thinks he is too sick to go to school.
A chance meeting at a department store provides Henry with an opportunity to surprise the bully and recruit a new soccer player.
Read the entire story online and give a book to a child who doesn’t have one by visiting We Give Books
Good Morning Sam – written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
I sincerely hope you are familiar with Sam and Stella. The (younger) brother and sister are featured in the wonderful books that make up Marie-Louise Gay’s Stella series.
In Good Morning, Sam , Sam is front and centre as he begins his day. As always, Ms. Gay’s depiction of the siblings’ relationship is tender and sweet – Sam strives for independence until he needs his big sister’s help. Simply illustrated and told, this story will captivate young children and their families.
Stella, Fairy of the Forest – written & illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
Picture book published by Groundwood Books
Marie-Louise Gay’s picture books about Sam and Stella are marvelous. This, their third adventure, Stella, Fairy of the Forest begins when Sam asks Stella about fairies. Stella knows just where to find some. She leads Sam on a pleasant walk through gorgeous meadows, across a sparkling stream and into a magical forest.
This Stella and Sam story is truly lovely especially in its treatment of the siblings’ relationship. Sam, who is nervous, clearly looks up to his confident older sister and Stella is more than happy to share her knowledge of the outdoors and all things magical with her younger brother.
Ms. Gay’s distinctive illustrations have a luminous quality, particularly her depictions of the delightful red-head heroine, Stella. Don’t miss it!
32 pages and suitable for children aged three and up. Stella, Fairy of the Forest is well- suited to circle time and could be used as part of a preschool or kindergarten Family or Forest theme.
Fabio, an “only” dog, longs for a brother. He dreams of exploring a park, sharing a bone and playing together with his new buddy. Imagine Fabio’s surprise when his new brother is a sister – and not at all like the playful puppy he envisioned. Thankfully, teasing neighborhood dogs help Fabio appreciate and love his newly adopted sister, Gracie.
You may also be interested in our page titled “Diversity.” We highlight picture books and chapter books that celebrate and inform us about human diversity including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, allergies, single parent families, interracial families, same sex parents, aging, death and more.
Love is You & Me written and illustrated by Monica Sheehan
Picture book published by Simon and Schuster
Just in time for February 14th, Monica Sheehan’s celebration of love arrives on bookshelves.
Intended for very young children, my copy of Love is You and Me is in a boardbook format. Fun, breezy illustrations introduce a handsome mouse and his dashing canine friend. They adore spending time together; driving in a convertable, sharing a milkshake, holding hands. riding a roller coaster. Whether doing something exciting or nothing at all, true friends know,
“Whever we go love will always be…because…love is you and me.”
A perfect book to share for Valentine’s Day, Love is You & Me (Monica Sheehan’s warmhearted follow-up to be happy!) delivers a reassuring message that will be enjoyed equally by young children and all those who care deeply for them.
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A Ball for Daisy – created by Chris Raschka
serves up a banquet of delicious language and fascinating collage illustrations. 
, Henry seeks help from Mr. McCarthy but his teacher is busy with other playground problems and does not help the grade one children. Soon, Henry feels terrible and thinks he is too sick to go to school.
, Sam is front and centre as he begins his day. As always, Ms. Gay’s depiction of the siblings’ relationship is tender and sweet – Sam strives for independence until he needs his big sister’s help. Simply illustrated and told, this story will captivate young children and their families. 
begins when Sam asks Stella about fairies. Stella knows just where to find some. She leads Sam on a pleasant walk through gorgeous meadows, across a sparkling stream and into a magical forest.
