This book is different. It is much smaller than your average picture book, measuring approximately 15 x 15 cm, and it features only one word within its pages.
This story is about a man, but it could very well be the story of a toddler, a pre-schooler, or a young child who is exhilarated by the unexpected adventures that take place in their lives each day.
The cover shows a man standing atop a dune, delighted by the fresh air hitting his face. Rugged up in his trench coat, scarf, and hat he begins to walk along the beach on a windy day- depicted in muted colors of greens, greys, and reds.
In a moment, a strong gust of wind wipes the hat from his head and so begins his exhilarating journey.
He sets upon chasing his hat down the beach and is himself swept off his feet and propelled into the air as if he is a light piece of litter. He spins, he hangs, he soars and he glides with the planes and the birds, over glorious views of ships, rivers, and farmland. He abruptly lands with a thud, followed by his hat.
The book finishes with the man atop a box. Alongside the image, we read the only word in the book, ‘Again’. One word succinctly sums up what must have been one magical ride.
‘More’ and ‘again’ are two words quickly acquired by toddlers. Peter Schossow has successfully used a virtually wordless picture book to tap into the feelings associated with new experiences children have each day as they learn about the world around them.
You may be interested in other Wordless Picture Books.
Book Details:
Buy online from The Book Depository or The Nile
Peter Schossow
ISBN:978-1877467554
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Gecko Press, October 2010
