The Book With No Pictures
on Goodreads (30,034)
What’s inside...
A book with no pictures might seem boring and serious, but this innovative text plays with the idea of what a book can be. It turns the reader into a comedian, making the reading experience hilariously interactive by forcing the reader to say silly and entertaining phrases. Warning! This book looks serious but it is actually completely ridiculous! You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and serious. Except . . . here's how books work. Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say BLORK. Or BLUURF. And even if the words include things like BLAGGITY BLAGGITY and MY HEAD IS MADE OF BLUEBERRY PIZZA! That's the rule. That's the deal. Brilliantly irreverent and very, very silly, The Book With No Pictures will delight kids and have them begging for more. From award-winning US comic writer and actor, B. J. Novak.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel when you realized there were no pictures in the book?
What was the funniest word or phrase in the book for you?
Can you think of a silly sound that wasn't in the book?
How do you imagine the characters might look like, based on the words?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices and sounds to bring the text to life, mirroring the book's whimsical tone.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character based just on the descriptions heard.
Encourage your child to create their own 'book with no pictures', using funny words and sounds they like.
Discuss the creativity involved in imagining visuals from words, reinforcing the power of literacy and imagination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The Book With No Pictures uses unconventional means, through a book without images, to show children how words alone can create vivid imagery and scenarios in their minds.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to develop their creativity and storytelling skills, enriching their playtime and educational projects.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for reading and literature
Explanation: Despite having no pictures, the book engages readers through funny sounds and silly scenarios crafted by text alone, demonstrating that words have the power to entertain and amuse.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore more books and appreciate literature, bolstering their reading habits and literacy skills.
Example Lesson: The fun in playing with language
Explanation: The book showcases absurd and playful uses of language, making the experience of reading aloud delightful and hilarious.
Real-World Application: Children learn to see language as a playground, improving their linguistic skills and enjoying experimenting with new words and expressions.