Wonderfully Wordless

November 1, 2015

Martin, an educator and politician, after discovering the joy and value of wordless picture books, sought to create an authoritative reference of the best wordless picture books and graphic novels. His database includes more than 7,000 title entries that represent over 140 different sources (reference books, award lists, blogs, etc.) as well as the authors conversations with librarians from many prominent U.S. institutions. Each entry for a book counts as a "vote," and the volume presents the top 500 books from the database. Although the author is to be commended in his efforts to create an "authoritative" reference, it falters a bit in that a number of the library-accessed "best of" lists are adapted from one another. This isn't to say that librarians might not recommend these works on their own, but the "votes" on these lists aren't surefire indicators of actual perceptions. In addition, Martin allows his biases to show through in his chapter choices, such as "Christmas Cheer" and "Character Values," which lean heavily on wordless biblical retellings. VERDICT While useful in that it lists a variety of types of wordless books, this volume will not be relevant to many library collections.--Andy Shuping, White River Junction, VT

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 15, 2015
A growing body of research and classroom experience shows the crucial role wordless picture books can play in promoting discussion, inspiring creativity, and boosting language development, notes Martin's introduction. When schools and libraries do wholeheartedly embrace the format, they will be most fortunate to have this spectacularly authoritative resource waiting for them. As this is compiled out of the choices of librarians, educators, and reviewers from around the world, no dark corner is left unexplored, illuminating a far greater array of choices than any reader might have guessed. The choices, furthermore, are ideally arranged for both browsing and targeted navigation, with more than 30 topic-focused chapters covering everything from fantasy, mystery, and comedy to curricular topics like friendship, numbers and letters, and environmental awareness, even delving into the format's history in woodcut picture books. The choices themselves range from the greats (The Snowman, 1978; Flotsam, 2006; The Arrival, 2007) to the most obscure (ever hear of The Creepy Thing, 1982, or Ben's Bunny Trouble, 2007?), and each one is accompanied by an astute paragraph of commentary. Further sections break the choices down more specifically, granting even greater maneuverability and guaranteeing that every teacher, librarian, parent, or casual reader will find a wellspring of heretofore unimagined possibilities. Absolutely indispensable.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)