Get in touch

Our Montessori Bookshelf: Wordless Picture Books Part 2

Meagan Ledendecker • Jul 31, 2023

Image from the book Float by Daniel Miyares

Because we love wordless picture books so much, we wanted to share a few more of our favorites. If you are exploring wordless picture books for the first time, or have been enjoying them for quite a while, we hope you enjoy this collection.

If you are looking for some new ways to “read” wordless picture books, we offer these tips:

When you first look at the book, think about the experience as a picture walk. Notice and discuss the illustrations and details, especially how they tell a story of what is happening.
The next time you explore the same book, take time to name what is happening on each page. This is a little bit like constructing the outline of the story.
The third time you “read” the book, narrate the story as if you were reading text.
After these experiences, invite your child to use their own words to tell the story of what they see.

These steps strengthen children’s ability to be storytellers. As they “read” wordless picture books, they build the skills for their own future story writing.

Just a quick reminder that the books we are sharing are grounded in the real world. There are some wonderful fantasy-based wordless picture books for older children, too. Our two-part collection is appropriate for any age!

A Ball for Daisy

by Chris Raschka

This award-winning book shows a bit of life from a dog’s perspective. The story begins with Daisy, the dog, and her big red, beloved ball. When Daisy goes on a walk and another dog plays with (and bursts) the ball, Daisy tries to still use it but to no avail. The kindness of children shines through and Daisy gets a new ball (as well as a new friend).

Float

by Daniel Miyares

A simple origami boat leads a young boy on a neighborhood adventure. The story begins with a bit of rain and puddles of fun. But what happens when the boat drifts away and through the grate? The arc of the story, as well as the use of color in this book, bring a resounding sense of a young child’s struggle, the support that allows for resilience, and the joy of possibility.

Found

by Jeff Newman and Larry Day

This lovely story of loss and connection begins with a girl gazing sadly out her window and a little dog in the rain. The simple line drawings, with just the right splash of color, give us clues about the girl’s own lost dog as she brings this new pup into her care. We witness the two bonding only to discover that this dog is someone else’s lost pet. The story unfolds with the girl’s internal struggle (brilliantly illustrated), her decision to return the dog to its owner, and her discovery of another dog wanting to be found.

The Lion and the Mouse

by Jerry Pinkney

Based on Aesop’s fable of the same name, this richly illustrated book uses every space on the page to show the expansiveness of the African Serengeti and the power of relationship. The story begins when a mouse escapes an owl, only to find itself on the back of a lion. Given the gift of freedom, the mouse returns the favor when the lion gets caught in a trap. The illustrations are enhanced by the sounds in written form. The squeaks, growls, roars, and scratches remind us of the power of communication in all its forms!

Mirror

by Jeannie Baker

Inspired by her travels and the idea of seeing ourselves reflected in those who could be considered strangers, Baker has created two stories within one book: one set in southern Morocco and the other in her home of Sydney, Australia. Each story follows a family throughout their day, from waking up to meals to errands to time as a family. The lives of the boys in each story may look very different, yet Baker offers a delightful challenge to find what connects them.

That Neighbor Kid

by Daniel Miyares

When a new boy moves in next door, a young girl’s curiosity gets the best of her especially after he uses planks from the fence to create a ladder up a tree. When she goes to investigate, she discovers not only a new friend but also the power of collaboration. As they create a treehouse together, even the leaves of the tree come to life with color and joy.

Click here for a downloadable PDF of this booklist! We hope you and your children enjoy these books as much as we do!

< Older Post Newer Post >

Image of three children's legs and feet as they walk along a line drawn on pavement

Walking on the Line

By Meagan Ledendecker • 30 Apr, 2024

Montessori's "Walking on the Line" fosters body control and focus in children through structured exercises, enhancing equilibrium and rhythmic awareness.

overhead image of an elementary aged child working with the Timeline of Life

Materials Spotlight: The Timeline of Life

By Meagan Ledendecker • 29 Apr, 2024

Montessori's Timeline of Life captivates elementary students, fostering wonder and understanding of Earth's history and life's complexity.

Closeup image of a child's hands using a sponge to clean dust off the leaves of a spider plant

Our Montessori Bookshelf: The Power of Plants

By Meagan Ledendecker • 22 Apr, 2024

Montessori integrates biology into daily life, fostering wonder for nature. Recommended botany books inspire exploration and gardening in children.

image looking down on children's heads as they dig their hands into dark soil

Let’s Go Outside: Benefits for Our Children (and Ourselves!)

By Meagan Ledendecker • 15 Apr, 2024

Montessori advocates reconnecting with nature for emotional resilience, social skills, and environmental stewardship in children.

image of a low shelf and cabinet with a few toys and activities on them

Setting up a Montessori-Based Space at Home

By Meagan Ledendecker • 08 Apr, 2024

Montessori philosophy guides parents in creating nurturing home environments for toddlers, focusing on autonomy, simplicity, safety, and natural materials.

image of a preschool aged child kneeling on a carpet on the floor working with 3-D shapes and cards

A Subtle Art: The Beauty of the Montessori Three-Period Lesson

By Meagan Ledendecker • 01 Apr, 2024

Montessori's Three-Period Lesson nurtures learning through Naming, Association, and Recall, empowering children as active learners.

Contact Us

PO Box 422, 21 Patterson Road, Lenox Dale, MA 01242

The Montessori School of the Berkshires (MSB) is a private independent coed school which inspires children to develop independent thinking, self-assurance, inner discipline, and a love of learning in an authentic Montessori environment nestled in the scenic Berkshire hills. We serve children in toddler, preschool, elementary, middle, and adolescent programs. MSB is an equal opportunity employer and provider. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, cultural beliefs, marital status, or ethnic origin in employment or the administration of admissions programs or policies.