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Wordless picture books

Wordless picture books

Wordless picture books are often overlooked in the classroom. They are excellent for developing children’s reading, storytelling and writing skills, not to mention boosting their confidence.

So in no particular order here is a list of wordless picture books that we love using in the classroom. The target ages for the books are just recommendations, here at PlanBee we think you are never too old to enjoy a book.

 

Flotsam
Flotsam by David Wiesner

Ages 5 - 7
A boy goes to the beach to collect and examine flotsam. But there's no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery.

 

Flora and the Flamingo
Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle

Ages 4 - 6
In this innovative wordless picture book with interactive flaps, Flora and her graceful flamingo friend explore the trials and joys of friendship through an elaborate synchronized dance.

 

The Snowman
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Ages 2 - 6
A little boy rushes out into the wintry day to build a snowman, which comes alive in his dreams that night. The boy invites him home and in return is taken on a flight high above the countryside.

If you are a teacher looking for resources related to this book, you might be interested in PlanBee's Year 3 The Snowman English scheme, which includes 6 ready-to-teach lessons!

 

Owl Bat Bat Owl 
Owl Bat Bat Owl by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Ages 1 - 3
A mother owl and her three little owlets live happily on their branch. That is, until the bat family moves in. The newfound neighbours can’t help but feel a little wary of one another.

 

Clown
Clown by Quentin Blake

Ages 5 - 7
Follow the fortunes of Clown who starts in a garbage can and ends up in a happy family.

 

Mirror 
Mirror by Jeannie Baker

Ages 5 - 7
Somewhere in Sydney, Australia, a boy and his family wake up, eat breakfast, and head out for a busy day of shopping. Meanwhile, in a small village in Morocco, a boy and his family go through their own morning routines and set out to a bustling market.

 

Journey 
Journey by Aaron Becker

Ages 5 - 7
A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it escapes into a world where wonder, adventure, and danger abound.

If you are a teacher looking for resources related to this book, you might be interested in PlanBee's Year 4 Journey English scheme, which includes 7 ready-to-teach lessons!

 

Once upon a snowstorm 
Once Upon a Snowstorm by Richard Johnson

Ages 3 - 7
The story of a father and his child who live in a cosy cabin in the woods. But, one day they are separated in the beautifully falling snow.

 

Varmints 
Varmints by Helen Ward, Marc Craste

Ages 5 - 7
The most overlooked threat in the world is that of the loss of peace and quiet. The Varmints come and build their city where there once was grass. Before they realise what they have done, there is nothing but a huge dark city. Can someone find the time and space to stop, think and plant seeds of change?

 

Wheres the starfish 
Where's the Starfish? by Barroux

Ages 3 - 5
Find the whale, the clownfish and the starfish on every page - until the piles of rubbish start to make it much too difficult.

 

Island 
Island by Mark Janssen

Ages 3 - 7
Shipwreck! A father, daughter and their dog wash up on a small island. Little do the castaways know that the island isn’t what it seems at all.

 

I walk with Vanessa 
I walk with Vanessa by Kerascoet

Ages 5 - 8
This simple yet powerful picture book tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying.

 
 

Waltz of the snowflakes 
Waltz of the Snowflakes by Elly MacKay

Ages 4 - 8
It is a cold and rainy evening when Gran gives her granddaughter something special: tickets to the ballet. Her granddaughter is reluctant to go. But as the curtains rise on The Nutcracker, the girl's eyes light up as she's introduced to the magic of the theatre.

 

The Arrival 
The Arrival by Shaun Tan

Ages 3 - 8
What drives so many to leave everything behind and journey alone to a mysterious country, a place without family or friends, where everything is nameless and the future is unknown. This silent graphic novel is the story of every migrant, every refugee, every displaced person, and a tribute to all those who have made the journey.

 

If you would like to know more about reading then make sure you read our 10 Storytelling Tips for Parents blog.

 

If you would like to add some counter stereotypes books to your book collection, or learn why it is important to expose children to a range of books then read our Combat Harmful Gender Stereotypes blog.

 

If you have any suggestions to add to our wordless picture book list then let us know via our contact form or email us directly to info@planbee.com.

 

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