My 9-year-old son has been interested in cartooning lately. It all started with this graphic novel memoir which spurred a new obsession with all things comics.
In particular, my son enjoys making his own comics. He particularly enjoys creating comic strips that are almost wordless. And, because of this, he’s been on the hunt for wordless or almost wordless picture books. He loves to see how graphic artists tell a story without words.
Examples of books he’s loved include The Red Book, The Lion and the Mouse, Tuesday, and Journey.
Recently, he’s discovered a new favorite. It is called Nope! and it is written and illustrated by Drew Sheneman.
‘Nope’ Is an Adorable and Hilarious Tale of First Flight
*Disclosure: I received this book at no cost. I was not required to write a review and, as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I only choose to review products and resources that I would use with my own family and those that I believe other families will enjoy.
‘Nope!’ Will Make Kids Giggle
Nope! is the debut children’s book from Drew Sheneman, a nationally syndicated editorial cartoonist… and my budding graphic novelist absolutely adored it!
While not a completely wordless picture book, Nope! uses very few words to tell a story that will make your kids giggle. In this book, a mama bird is trying to convince her baby bird to take flight for the very first time. The title says it all—baby bird does not want to leave the nest.
What ensues is a hilarious back-and-forth between mother and child. Mama bird nudges her baby to take the leap. She lovingly communicates her belief that the baby bird can fly. Meanwhile, the baby bird, wracked with fear, envisions all sorts of catastrophic endings.
Mama knows best and it’s safe to say this tale has a happy ending. This book is a sweet story about believing in yourself, trying new things, and overcoming fear. But more than that, it’s a wonderfully illustrated story that my budding comic adored. If your family loves a good almost-wordless picture book, you’ll want to add Nope! to your library bag!
Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: Do you have a favorite wordless or almost wordless picture book? Share here.
The Owly series by Andy Runton is genius. My girls and I love reading them and cannot recommend them highly enough.
Thank you so much for this recommendation! Adding to our library list.
The Red Book is my favorite, too! It needs to be more famous! Did you know there’s a sequel coming out this fall?