Wordless books are exactly what they sound like: stories told entirely through illustrations, without text. These books offer so much more than just pictures; they invite us to engage with our senses beyond listening, allowing the artwork and titles to take center stage in shaping the story. 

While our views are influenced by our personal and cultural backgrounds, wordless books encourage us to explore narratives with fresh eyes and open minds, often breaking down barriers that spoken language might create. They also inspire readers to share their unique perspectives, sparking rich conversations about the visuals on each page. 

During spring 2025, we are organizing three sessions where you can explore reading without words and learn how to read these books with your children by combining play, sounds, and movement with the illustrations! 

In these sessions, we will read and “perform” the stories together. This happens through the facilitator asking questions and us interpreting the details collectively. We’ll also test different storytelling techniques, such as completing the illustrations with sounds we create ourselves or expressing emotions through gestures and play. 

Each session is independent, with a unique program. However, the primary goal of each session is still the same: to provide parents with an opportunity to connect with their children and learn new ways to encourage creativity and support reading, a crucial life skill and a tremendous pleasure for all of us. 

We will explore carefully selected books that give you the opportunity to experience different types of children's literature. 

Wordless Books

• To whom: Parents with their children (ages 5-12) 

• Where: Cooperative 3E, 2nd floor, Funkkis (Opistokatu 1) 

• Duration: 45 minutes 

• Facilitation Language: English 

Programme

• March 13 @16:00 Wave by Suzy Lee 

• April 24 @16:00 The Red Umbrella by Ingrid & Dieter Schubert 

• May 28 @16:00 The Boy and the Elephant by Freya Blackwood 

You’re welcome to join one session or all of them! Families are encouraged to be actively involved, with parents playing an essential role in both the storytelling and the closing activity, where we discuss what has been learned together. 

Let’s celebrate the joy of reading in a whole new way! 

Keep posted and ask for further information by joining the WhatsApp group. The Wordless Books sessions are facilitated by our Expert Ivonne Carlos.

Wordless Books sessions are part of Lifting Minority Stories project funded by the Nordic Culture Point.