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Home » Books for Kids » Book Lists » Must Have Wordless Picture Books

Must Have Wordless Picture Books

July 11, 2022 •

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wordless books for kids

There is just something about wordless picture books that elevate them to some of the best books to use with kids.

  1. They build language skills.
  2. They allow for creative thinking.
  3. They encourage critical thinking, noticing, and discriminating skills.

And, I could go on and on… But let’s jump into some of our very favorite wordless picture books available to enjoy with kids of all ages.  This list is filled with classics and new releases.

wordless books for kids

Wordless Books for Kids

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

One Little Bag: An Amazing Journey

One Little Bag: An Amazing Journey by Henry Cole is GORGEOUS. The preface pages show how a tree transforms into a paper bag.  Then, we begin the journey of one of those bags through three generations. The bag is a carrier of many things and a keeper of memories.  And, in the end, we get to see it become part of the circle of life. Don’t miss the author’s note about Henry Cole’s personal experience of the first Earth Day and a special bag in his life. And, this book is printed on paper from the Forest Stewardship Council.

Hike

When I saw the clever cover of Hike by Pete Oswald, I knew I was going to love it. A young boy and his father wake up and head out for a hike. We get to enjoy their beautiful journey through the mountains as they explore and capture their memories with photos to treasure for always. This book is perfect for Earth Day, a wordless picture book study, and/or Father’s Day. It’s one you’ll return to time and time again.

Wolf in the Snow

Let’s start with the Caldecott 2018 winner which is almost wordless- Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell. A girl and a wolf both end up being lost in a snowstorm. Two unlikely companions become friends and show us the power of kindness.

Professional Crocodile

Professional Crocodile by Giovanna Zoboli is a tale of a crocodile that preps for his day of work. You’ll be surprised what job he prepares for each day.

Another

Another by the amazing Christian Robinson is filled with imagination.  In fact, imagine you met another you!

Owl Bat Bat Owl

Two different families who live in the trees learn about each other and more importantly how to help each other in Owl Bat Bat Owl by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick.

Waltz of the Snowflakes

Waltz of the Snowflakes by Elly Mackay takes us along on a first outing to the ballet and theater to see The Nutcracker for the first time. There is an interesting play with color in the illustrations.

Bee & Me

Imagine riding on a bee throughout the city.  That is the journey you will take in Bee & Me by Alison Jay and learn a bit about ecology too.

Flora and the Peacocks

Flora and the Peacocks by Molly Idle is pure beauty. Flora loves to dance with feather friends and has to work on the intricacies of doing so just as she did in Flora and the Flamingo and Flora and the Penguin.

A Ball for Daisy

We’ve all have lost something so we can easily relate to A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka.

Pancakes for Breakfast

One of my favorite books as a child was Tomie dePaola’s Pancakes for Breakfast. Of course, you will be inspired to make pancakes with the kids after enjoying this one.

Journey

Journey, Quest, and Return by Aaron Becker are a trilogy of books about a little girl who draws a door on the wall that allows entry into a great journey of wonder and discovery.

Floatsom

A young boy finds an old camera on the beach in Floatsom by David Wiesner.  Also, check out Wiesner’s Tuesday book.

Brick by Brick

Brick by Brick by Giuliano Ferri shows us the power in taking down walls and build bridges in this simple but powerful board book.

The Carpenter

The Carpenter by Bruna Barros is all about creativity and very reminiscent of Harold and the Purple Crayon.

Float

Float by Daniel Miyares is the story of a boy and his newspaper boat on a rainy day. Also check out The Neighbor Kid by Miyares.

Good Dog, Carl

Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day is a great choice for younger students. Plus, there are other Carl books in the series.

The Snowman

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs falls on the classic side. It’s every kid’s dream to build a snowman that comes alive.

Grace for Gus

In Grace for Gus by Harry Bliss, Grace uses her musical, artistic, and dancing talents to earn money to donate to a class fund to buy a pet. The illustrations are filled with little details that will keep you staring at the pages for a long time.

The Hero of Little Street

The Hero of Little Street by Gregory Rogers is full of adventure as a little boy escapes bullies.  He jumps into a painting and continues another adventure with a trusty little dog. My boys would pick this one as a favorite on the list.

Flashlight

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd is a super creative use of dark and light to highlight all the life that exists outside during the day and night. Kids will be inspired to go on their own flashlight hunt after enjoying this book.

Pip & Pup

Pip & Pup by Eugene Yelchin is the story of two barnyard animals becoming friends. They have great fun with an eggshell until it gets broken to pieces. But, the pup has a backup toy.

Once Upon a Snowstorm

Once Upon a Snowstorm by Richard Johnson is the story of a boy and father who are separated in a snowstorm. The creatures of the forest help to reunite the boy with his father.

Dandelion’s Dream

Dandelion’s Dream by Yok Tanaka is a dandelion that actually turns into a lion.  Journey high and low with a lion it adventures around the world.

The Midnight Fair

The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer takes us to the fairgrounds at night.  As humans sleep, imagine all the animals coming to enjoy the sights and sounds of the midway. Take a ride with the animals on the carousel, watch them enjoy the cotton candy & popcorn, and win a goldfish.  There is so much to enjoy in this wordless wonder.

The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky

The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky by Kim Jihyun is another treat. In this summertime book, a boy and his dog leave the city and venture to the countryside where he feels like he has entered a different world. Get ready to explore with him.

Next Door

Next Door by Deborah Kerbel is the story of a new friendship between a deaf boy and his new neighbor.  Their languages may be different, but they still find a way to connect.

Printable List of Wordless Books for Kids

Grab a printable list of the books shared above.  Just click the purple rectangle printer button below.

I could keep adding to this list.  There are still many more wordless picture books that are fantastic. Do you have a favorite? Leave a comment below so other readers can grow their reading list.

RELATED POSTS

Books to Build Phonological Awareness

Books to Build Vocabulary

The Ultimate List of Preschool Books

*This post first appeared on Growing Book by Book 3/19/18 and has been recently updated.

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Filed Under: Book Lists Tagged With: wordless

About Jodie Rodriguez

Jodie Rodriguez is a mom of two young boys and an early childhood/elementary educator with over 20 years of experience. Jodie's passion is helping parents, teachers, librarians and anyone else interested in nurturing and reaching ALL of our youngest growing readers.

Comments

  1. Amelia says

    April 11, 2021 at 10:10 pm

    My favorite wordless book is The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher by Molly Bang.

  2. mARY says

    July 23, 2020 at 11:41 pm

    Stormy BY gUOJING, ABOUT A HOMELESS DOG WHO IS FOUND BY A GIRL.

  3. Monica says

    July 19, 2020 at 2:36 am

    Love the list, I will surely add some of them to my collection. Another one i really love is changes changes by Pat Hutchins

  4. Jeanette says

    January 16, 2020 at 10:01 pm

    The Flower man by Mark Ludy is fabulous.

  5. Donna Holmen says

    May 2, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    My favorite wordless book is Good Night Gorilla! Love that naughty monkey! 🙂

    • Jodie Rodriguez says

      May 9, 2018 at 6:28 am

      Oh yes!

  6. Melissa says

    April 29, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    My local library has WHere is the cake? by t. T. Khing. Fun book with lots of pictures to enjoy

  7. Sigrid Sindel says

    April 9, 2018 at 5:02 pm

    Thank you for this list! I love wordless picture books, and some of these are new to me. I would also recommend The Farmer and the Clown, By Marla frazee, and the old classic, a boy,a DOg, and a frog by Mercer Mayer.

    • Jodie Rodriguez says

      April 9, 2018 at 5:31 pm

      Oh yes, Sigrid! Those are both great ones. Thanks for the reminder.

  8. Stephanie@Fairday's Blog says

    March 30, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    I am familiar with some of these like Journey, and a Ball for Daisy- but many are new. SO many gorgeous illustrations begging to be put to words by kids and storytellers of all ages. THanks for sharing. I look forward to checking these out.

    • Jodie Rodriguez says

      March 30, 2018 at 6:20 pm

      Thanks Stephanie! I hope you finds some new ones that you love.

  9. Elizabeth says

    March 27, 2018 at 9:18 am

    Would love a printable list of the picture books. Is there one that i just didnt find?

    Thank you for all tou do!!

  10. aMY lOSAK says

    March 22, 2018 at 11:39 am

    Dear Growing book by book,

    this is a lovely list of wordless picture books. i encourage you to check out “the hunt” by margaux othats, published by penny candy books, a small traditional publisher dedicated to diversity. “the hunt” is about a young girl’s creative force and courage in the face of destruction and violence. it makes an empowering statement for young women. pennybooks.com

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