The Apple and the Butterfly

By Enzo and Iela Mari

Year: 1969

Publisher: Price Stern Sloan, New York

Age: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 44

ISBN: 978 0 84317 230 0

So, this was our very first look at a wordless picture book.

The little ones' reactions were mixed. One liked its simplistic elegance. The other couldn't understand why the butterfly didn't have any bright colors on its wings. And, I thought it was time to introduce the kids to some ‘arty’ stuff. So there!

I found the illustrations exquisite and emotive. Using a stark, white background full of promise, the creators wordlessly and elegantly communicate the passing of seasons and change. 

Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Nick Sharratt

Year: 2005

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 40502 190 6

It’s a dinner party unlike any other. The guests are an odd assortment ranging from Seal to Shetland Pony to Hyena.

Some are hungry and some, angry. The others are greedy or just plain fussy. It's hard to imagine a good ending after the chaotic meal, but surprisingly, it does. And you know what they say - all’s well that ends well. :-)

This is a non-cluttered book with each page featuring an animal and just one pertinent sentence in rhyme. This book might be good for beginners.

Excerpt

“I’ll lick the bowl,” says furry Mole.

“I’ll like it cleaner,” laughs Hyena.

“It’s all gone,” says sad white Swan.

“I’ll eat the cloth,” says happy Moth.