Booklists | May 15, 2022

10 Free Wordless Books for Children

By

Covers of BookSmart's Wordless Books

Sometimes we read life-changing stories – other times we make our own.

Books don’t have to use words to tell a story, some are driven exclusively by pictures and creativity. If you look closely, these wordless books are actually worth a thousand words. And you can find a wide range of them in our BookSmart app!

Why read wordless books?

Thanks to their indefinite nature, wordless books can be interpreted in hundreds of different ways. This gives teachers and parents powerful tools to help readers sharpen all kinds of critical skills, including:

  • Language development
  • Imagination and creativity
  • Attention to detail
  • Storytelling
  • Empathy
  • Critical thinking
  • Comfort with ambiguity 

Though primarily targeting children ages 0-5, wordless books can be enjoyed by older readers, children and parents learning a new language, and anyone looking to create a story all their own.

With that, here are 10 wordless books for you and your children to enjoy together.

Toast Cover

Toast by Alex Latimer and Helen Moffett

Published by Book Dash

Ages 0-5

A picnic leads to an adventure as a piece of toast makes its way around the gardens. In the end, who will get toast? And will they manage to keep it?

► Find it here.

Snip Cover

Snip by Canato Jimo

Published by Pratham Books

Ages 0-5

Avi and Toto’s fun with scissors takes an unexpected turn. And, the mischievous pair decide to make the best of it. 

► Find it here.

Goldfish Genius Cover

Goldfish Genius by Sam Wilson and Thea Nicole De Klerk

Published by Book Dash

Ages 0-5

Neo’s goldfish is a genius. So, when Neo goes outside to play, her goldfish hatches a brilliant plan to follow her. Only, things don’t exactly go as planned. And, before they know it, Neo and her goldfish find themselves on a whirlwind adventure. 

► Find it here.

I Can Dress Myself Cover

 I Can Dress Myself by Bridget Krone

Published by Book Dash

Ages 0-5

A little girl decides to surprise her mom by dressing herself for the first time. Find out what original outfit she chooses in this lighthearted story. 

► Find it here.

Seun Cover

Seun by Maaike Bakker, Turussa van Niekerk, Dorethea Labuschagne and Lee-Ann van Niekerk

Published by Collaborate Community Projects (NPC)

Ages 0-5

Seun follows the heartwarming relationship between a dog and his owner. Read all the things Seun’s owner does for him in this warm and vibrant picture book.

► Find it here.

Springloaded Cover

Springloaded by Sam Wilson

Published by Book Dash

Ages 0-5

After seeing her dad invent a helicopter hat, Neo decides to follow in his footsteps and create her own crazy invention. 

► Find it here. 

Moruki Cover

Moruki by Dikeledi Makou and Astrid Blumer

Published by Collaborate Community Projects (NPC)

Ages 0-5

A young girl decides to put her incredible sewing skills to use. Find out what she creates in this intricate and inspiring book. 

► Find it here.

How to Brush Your Teeth Cover

How To Brush Your Teeth by Gladys Tjeka

Published by Collaborate Community Projects (NPC)

Ages 0-5

Why should you brush your teeth? A young girl learns the hard way what a big different nice breath can have.

► Find it here.

The Boys Cover

The Boys by Gladys Moleke Mushabeleri Mlambo and Adrie le Roux

Published by Collaborate Community Projects (NPC)

Ages 0-5

A group of boys must find a new place to play soccer. And, with a little help, they find the perfect field.

► Find it here.

Serapana Cover

Serapana by Astrid Blumer and Raisibe Rosina Kekana

Published by Collaborate Community Projects (NPC)

Ages 0-5

A group of animals helps a young woman plant a garden. Serapana is a sweet story about hard work and collaboration. 

► Find it here.

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