We are honoured to have three Walker titles nominated for IBBY UK's Silent Books!
In response to the waves of refugees from Africa and the Middle East arriving in the Italian island, Lampedusa, IBBY launched the project “Silent Books, from the world to Lampedusa and back” in 2012. The project involved creating the first library on Lampedusa to be used by local and immigrant children.
The second part required creating a collection of silent books (wordless picture books) that could be understood and enjoyed by children regardless of language. These books were collected from IBBY National Sections, over one hundred books from over twenty countries. This set of books was deposited at the documentation and research archive in Rome, a set delivered to the library in Lampedusa, and a further set was part of a travelling exhibition.
Once again this year, all national sections of the International
Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) were called to support this initiative
by nominating and submitting the best silent books published in their country
since 2017.
Due to the absence of language restrictions, wordless picture
books have become an excellent tool not only for second language teaching but
also for early readers and anyone who enjoys visual stories. Most importantly though, these books can enhance visual literacy skills and their art,
aesthetically pleasing as it is, can attract both children and adults.
We are delighted to have had the following three
titles nominated!
Dandelion’s Dream by Yoko Tanaka
"The pictures seem
to have a sepia tint, with the dandelion’s yellow halo and tail tip standing
out." IBBY UK
In a meadow filled with dandelion buds just about to flower, one dandelion blooms into a real lion. Roots and leaves unfurl into four tiny paws and a long tail with a fluffy yellow tuft. What a great wide world there is to explore when you have paws instead of roots! There are fast trains to ride, regal ships to sail, and cities with lights as bright as Dandelion’s field in full bloom. But will a real lion ever be content to go back to being a rooted dandelion?
The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer and illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio
"The atmosphere and movement in the pictures have a cinematic quality." IBBY UK
Far from the city, but not quite in the countryside, lies a fairground. When night falls and the fair is empty, something unexpected happens. Wild animals emerge from the trees, a brave raccoon pulls a lever, and the rollercoasters and rides explode back into bright, neon life. Now it’s time for the woodland creatures to have some fun…
Hike by Pete Oswald
"In the beginning, there is a clue to their specific purpose in addition
to the joys of simply walking in the countryside and the warm relationship
between parent and child is apparent throughout. Shortlisted for the 2021 CILIP
Kate Greenaway Medal." IBBY UK
In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they’re going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest. By the time they return home, they feel alive – and closer than ever – as they document their hike and take their place in family history.
In detail-rich panels and textured panoramas, Pete Oswald perfectly paces this nearly wordless adventure, allowing readers to pause for subtle wonders and marvel at the views. A touching tribute to the bond between father and child, with resonant themes for Earth Day, Hike is a breath of fresh air.
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You can find more about the Lampedusa project and the
collections of wordless picturebooks on the IBBY
official website.
For the IBBY UK section, please visit www.ibby.org.uk
