A picture book without words is an invitation. There is no text to read aloud, no fixed story to follow, and no wrong way to look at the pages. The child becomes the storyteller, and the adult becomes the listener. For many families, this is a lovely change from the usual bedtime story, and it fits well into the calm end of the evening, when nobody wants to hurry.
Sit close together and let the child hold the book if they want to. Begin by saying, quite simply, that you would love to hear what is happening on this page. Then wait. Some children start talking at once, while others need a moment to look at the picture before they find the words. Do not fill the silence. Waiting is part of the game, and it shows the child that their ideas are welcome.
Following the child's lead
Ask gentle questions if the story slows down: what do you think that character is feeling? Where might they be going? What will happen next? Avoid quizzing the child as though there were right answers. If they tell the story differently from what you see in the pictures, that is perfectly fine. The pictures are only a starting point, and the story belongs to the child.
The same book can produce a different story every time. One evening the child might focus on the animals in the corner; the next, on the weather or the small details in the background. You can point out something you have noticed, and see whether it changes the tale. Over time, favourite pages and favourite voices tend to appear, and these little traditions are well worth keeping.
Libraries are a good place to find such books, and children can choose them with you. Keep the mood calm, with soft lighting and a comfortable spot. Let the story end naturally, perhaps with a last picture and a quiet goodnight to the characters. Afterwards, the child can carry the story into bed with them, and tomorrow you can ask whether the characters had a good night too.
