BOOKS WITHOUT WORDS

BOOKS WITHOUT WORDS

Sometimes we set the writing curriculum aside and try a little different angle in our house. Sometimes I want to know what thoughts, ideas, and imaginations are brewing naturally beneath the surface of all the eyes that are staring at me when I teach. A couple of years ago I came across a fascinating book by Emily Winfield Martin entitled The Imaginaries: Little Scraps of Larger Stories. Martin's book is full of illustrations with a single sentence designed to set a mind on the path of creating a story. I wanted to incorporate a similar idea this year, so while at the bookstore I asked if they were familiar with any books similar to this. Of course, they were! They always come through! This year I will be using The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg. (I will include a picture from each book in the comments so you can have an idea of the layout.)

How do I use these books? I talk as little as possible. There are no rules, no expectations except that you must come up with some type of story/explanation as to what is happening in the picture. Sometimes an entire story spills out. Sometimes multiple possibilities of scenarios are shared with no ending. Either is fine.

Which one do you choose? Martin's book feels more fairy talish with softer colors in the illustrations. Van Allsburg's book has more of an adventurous feel to it.

One minor "heads up"- Martin's book has 1 picture with a quote about the future that shows a young lady walking out of a curtained area with playing cards around her. It definitely gives a vibe of fortune telling.