Graphic and Wordless Books

Winner Little Rebels Award 2013 A smashing, Amnesty-endorsed, story of a family's escape from war and their journey to a strange new country (probably the UK). Realistic and positive. Told in a super child-friendly, comic-style, format. Age 7-11, Paperback 36pp

We first glimpsed this as a U.S. edition and hoped and hoped for a U.K. one. We didn't have to wait too long. A wordless picture book shows a child and his family migrating to a new, unspecified country. Stunning artwork takes us all on a journey from a confusing unfamiliar landscape to somewhere which is starting to feel a lot like home. Perfect visual literacy for children' whose first language isn't English- and for reluctant readers. 'A clever idea to tell the story in pictures, thus embracing all languages or those not yet learnt!' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Written by a Korean immigrant to the USA. Age 6-9, Paperback 39pp

A bored child in a sepia world, picks up her red crayon, draws a door and takes herself out to a forest world of Chinese lanterns and fairy lights to a kingdom of turrets and golden domes to strange flying machines in a deep blue sky to a re-entry into her world and... to a brand new friend! A rich, yet entirely wordless, narrative; a song to imaginative play, outdoor adventures, intrepid girls, friendships and extraordinary journeys. 'A wonderful picture book. The possibilities for use in literacy are endless. Beautifully illustrated and lovely to see a lead female character' (Sonia, Deputy Primary Head, LL reviewer). 'A stunning book- would provide wonderful language/story ideas for young children. So much to explore in this heart-warming book' (Jayne, Primary Inclusion manager, LL reviewer). Age 4-9, Paperback 34pp

A wordless picture book which lurches you through to an ending and an afterword (by writer and journalist Leogrande) which then flings you back to the start with a new understanding of what you've just witnessed. A silent dramatisation of the exploitation of desperate people, their perilous journeys and the transformation of the Mediterranean into a mass grave. 'A brilliant evocation not only of the impact of colonialism but of Europe's continuing refusal to take responsibility for the world created and ills wrought by colonial powers...It value for anyone involved in education or anti-discrimination work is huge' (Mark Jennett, Equalities Trainer/Consultant, LL reviewer). By the author of The Island (also listed by us). And, likewise, a picture book for older readers. Age 8-11, Hardback 36pp

Against a blackest-ink background, a group of anthropomorphic creatures, carrying just the clothes on their backs and a few pots and pans, make a perilous journey through forest and across seas, stalked constantly by the robed figure of Death and their familiar, a giant blue Ibis. A wordless picture book which movingly depicts the plight of desperate migrants. 'This is a powerful book of strength, loss, compassion and ultimately hope...wow! I loved this book!' (Sonia, Primary Headteacher, Letterbox Library reviewer). 'Wow! This is tough but stunning. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. You could start so many conversations [with this]- climate change, animal extinction as well as migration' (Patrice, children's/YA author, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 5-10, New Zealand Import, Hardback 32pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2022 Bea and her family are struggling to survive. Civil war rages between an authoritarian state and rebels, a.k.a. 'Free Kingdom'. The Daily Truth spouts fake news; street posters scream, 'Never Question Authority'; supermarket shelves are bare; power cuts are frequent; the military patrol the streets; society is breaking down. In this country, you try to pick your time to run; you become a refugee overnight. Will Bea's family get to safety in time? (Graphic novel). Age 9-13, Paperback 202pp

A chipper child lives with her grouchy, downward-turned-mouthed grandparent above their shop. When they advertise the flat above for rent, prospective tenants rush away from the dilapidated home. But then, one day, a couple peer in hopefully at the 'Flat to Rent' sign. The grandparent doesn't like the look of them and snatches the sign away. But the child thinks these new guests could be just the right fit and pleads their case. The deal is sealed and the couple move in, bringing with them help, hope, love and more than a few licks of paint. And sooner than you might expect, a new stitched-together family of four is made. It is very difficult to convey quite how beautiful this wordless book is. It is, ultimately, a story of belonging, community and prejudice overcome; of 'outsiders'- two people of colour, probably two women (in any case a queer couple)- entering an inward-looking neighbourhood and creating a new household in their wake. At the centre sits a kind, observant child who embraces all of her world. Children will enjoy the parallel plot of a wandering, neighbourhood stray cat who naturally slots into the new family at the end. Classrooms will enjoy folding out all of the layers of the visual narrative. There are discussion points everywhere. 'I absolutely adored this. The pictures are gorgeous and the story satisfyingly full of detail yet easy to follow... Subtly but delightfully affirming, this will appeal not just to children who instantly recognise families like these but to many others who will respond to the warmth and inclusiveness that pervades the book' (Mark Jennett, Equalities Trainer/Consultant, Letterbox Library reviewer). NB: many of the gender identities are ambiguous and at least one reviewer has suggested the East Asian adult in the newcomer couple is a trans man which is certainly a possible interpretation. A trained 'queer' eye will note the book's dedication and will spot some extra visual signifiers in the detailed, delicate ink-and-watercolour illustrations. Age 4-9, Hardback40pp

4 owls -a parent and 3 babies- snooze atop a branch. 4 bats -a parent and 3 babies- swoop in to hang below. Parent owl doesn't like the look of the newcomers and shuffles the flock along. But then comes a great gust of wind and a great big tumble down. Who will be saved? A simple, striking, wordless picture book about creatures (and people!) who are unalike sharing the same space in the world. 'Loved this. Everything about it made me smile- you could have a whole conversation about the birds' expressions. I love these wonderful picture books where you don't have to read English to enjoy it with children' (Patrice, YA/children's author, Letterbox Library reviewer). 'I love this. Completely accessible for kids with reading difficulties. A story told powerfully in pictures' (June, Parent, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 3-7, Paperback 29pp

'"Don't go digging up troubles," his mam called as he set off. "You and your da, you're the one pair. Digging up troubles like bad old potatoes"'. So begins this well-researched coming-of age narrative about Jim, a young traveller boy recently arrived in Dundray and the challenges he faces starting at the local 'Buffer' (non-Traveller) secondary school- including the challenge of not being able to read. Along the way, he forms a relationship with Kit who has her own painful struggles both at home and school. A wonderful, ultimately uplifting story about empathy and friendship triumphing over cruelty and prejudice. Dowd's 2004 short story is revived and recast with Shoard's atmospheric ink-and-wash illustrations which blend colours together in smudges cut across by sharp lines. 'A strongly truthful account of the conflict that arises from the deeply held prejudices within our society- in this case between 'travelling' and the 'house-based' population' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL rviewer). 'It's lovely to see The Pavee and the Buffer Girl make a reappearance, especially in these febrile times when we could all do with reminding to look for humanity in others instead of shutting them out' (The Book Bag 2018). Longlisted for the 2018 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal. By an award-winning author firmly rooted in an ethos of human rights and empathy who also had friendship circles within Traveller communities. Age 11+, Paperback 101pp

Scarlet comes from an 'itchy feet' family so moving to Norway is no big deal... but she hadn't reckoned with her new school being home to Greta the Cruel, a mean menacing giant of a child. After tearfully spilling out her woes to her Grandma (helped along by a few marshmallows) Scarlet is sent back out into the world wearing a treasured family heirloom: a scarlet hoodie. The hoodie doesn't just hug her with happiness and hope, it time-travels her off to an ancient world of Vikings. Here, Scarlet discovers hidden reserves of strength which equip her back in the present. A highly original, fun and, insightful adventure of bullying overcome with a heart-warming resolution. (Graphic novel perfect for reluctant readers.) Age 6-10, Paperback 52pp