Visual Narratives

Visual Narratives encompasses “silent” and “wordless” books.

Every Little Kindness

When one act of kindness sparks another, anything is possible As a girl searches for her lost dog, a simple act of generosity ripples into a wave of good deeds. In the course of a single day, each considerate action weaves lives together and transforms a neighborhood for the better.
This wordless story, told in beautiful illustrations reminiscent of a graphic novel, demonstrates how every little kindness, shared from person to person, can turn a collection of strangers into a community, and–even though we might not always see it–make the world a more vibrant and compassionate place to be.

The Wanderer

As with Shaun Tan’s The Arrival, it gives us collective goosebumps to introduce the singular talent and imagination of Peter Van den Ende to North America. Without a word, and with Escher-like precision, Van den Ende presents one little paper boat’s journey across the ocean, past reefs and between icebergs, through schools of fish, swaying water plants, and terrifying sea monsters. The little boat is all alone, and while its aloneness gives it the chance to wonder at the fairy-tale world above and below the waves uninterrupted, that also means it must save itself when it storms. And so it does. We hope that readers young and old will find the strength and inspiration that we did in this quietly powerful story about growing, learning, and life’s ups and downs.

Picture This…

In this first word book for the very young, the simple format and primitive-style paintings invite children to participate. Watchful readers will note that each turn of a page reveals a new perspective on what has come before–and what’s to follow. The effect invites imaginative storytelling. Full color.

Creepy Castle

Full and half-page watercolors depict the adventures of a brave, knightly mouse and his fair lady who venture into a dark, deserted castle, unaware that a villainous outlaw has been skulking behind them. Reissue.

The Tooth Fairy

In the wordless storyboard format and soft pastel drawings that have become his trademark, Peter Collington offers an enchanting solution to the age-old mystery of what the tooth fairy does with all those teeth! He follows an industrious tooth fairy on an arduous night’s work of creating a perfect silver coin and exchanging it for a precious baby tooth. Back in her cozy parlor, she lovingly transforms her prize into a new ivory key for her broken piano, then sits down to play a tune. The trade edition includes a make-it-yourself tooth box for commemorating a milestone of every childhood–losing the first baby tooth.

The Surprise Picnic

Enchanting, vivid watercolor paintings chronicle the adventures of a cat and her two kittens, after their picnic basket mysteriously vanishes while they explore a small island, in a new edition of the acclaimed wordless picture book. Reissue.

Shrewbettina’s Birthday

In a picture book with no words, Shrewbettina’s birthday has an unfortunate start when a thief snatches her purse, but it ends with a glorious birthday party filled with feasting, dancing, and merriment.

Naughty Nancy

Nancy, a mischievous, venturesome little mouse, creates a series of entertaining crises during her sister’s wedding and reception, in a wordless picture book featuring charming watercolor illustrations. Reissue.

Lights On Wonder Rock

Heather wants more than anything to go to outer space, where the stars sparkle with magic and wonder. When a UFO lands behind her house and she meets a friendly alien, it seems that all of her dreams have come true. But soon her new friend has to return home. Will the spaceship ever come back for her? And if it does, is Heather ready to leave everything on Earth behind?

The Mediterranean

A lifeless body. One of many in the waters of the Mediterranean. Precarious boats navigate the waters of the sea, from south to north. And more often than not, it is not only hope that drowns. From the creator of The Island.