First experiences
Picture books are often a child’s earliest introduction to storytelling, their first experience of accessing worlds different to their own, of exploring imagination. The benefits of reading together with an adult are well known- from the importance of that special one-on-one time with a parent or close adult, to developing an understanding of narrative and eventually, learning to read independently.
Of course, the written word can be an important part of enjoying stories, but when I think back to my own earliest memories of books, it is not the words that I think of. My favourite books as a child were the Jill Barklem Brambly Hedge series, which follow a family of mice across the four seasons. I can still recall the intricate layouts of their tree-trunk homes, with their tiny store cupboards and cosy living rooms. But, while I can clearly picture the images in my head 35 years later, I’d be hard pressed to recount any of the actual stories. All of this is to say that for a child, image can play a huge and crucial role in their enjoyment of books.
The importance of image
There is so much more to picture books than the written story. For a child beginning to establish a relationship with books, images are immediately accessible, long before the squiggly lines and shapes on a page form themselves into letters and words. A child is able to view an image and extract meaning from it before learning to read.
In my experience as a parent to primary school aged children, there is no greater joy than when an image in a picture book directly contrasts with the words, creating an inside joke that they delight in being a part of. The sense of pride that this brings helps to foster a love of story and of books.
Wordless books
In wordless books, the omission of a written story allows the child to take ownership. They are able to tell their own version of the story, to lean into what interests them, what they notice on the page. The resulting sense of power can be a huge confidence boost to a young child. Children are constantly told where to go, what to do and how to behave. A wordless picture book is a safe space, where they are free to take the reins without consequence.
Without the constraints of words and sentences to explain each image, the pages of a wordless book are open to interpretation, encouraging conversation and discussion. What will happen next? What do they notice about the characters, the setting? These open questions are great ways to begin a conversation with a child and to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of books.
While enjoying the illustrations, a child will be developing an understanding of narrative, anticipating what comes next, experiencing jeopardy and conclusion and learning to decipher art and image. All without realising it. These vital skills are hugely important, both for a child’s reading journey and in many other areas of life.
Layering Meaning
Each reader may take something different from a wordless story. Some will see something of themselves reflected in the setting or characters, or maybe they will be exposed to something outside of their personal experience, which can open up whole new worlds of exploration.
In my experience, the best wordless books have layers of meaning- a basic plot that can be accessed regardless of age or ability, with more nuanced subplots to spot. Subtle details may only be noticed on subsequent reads of the book. In my own illustrations, I take great joy in hiding fun or interesting elements in the images. Children are excellent at noticing things that adults may miss, which only increases their sense of ownership of the story.
Wordless books are a hugely beneficial and significant tool that can lay the foundations to a child’s love of stories, helping to establish a life-long love of books.
Kate Herbert
Author and illustrator of What can you see, Rosie?
Find out more information about Big Cat Story Talk at collins.co.uk/StoryTalk