The Book with No Pictures, written by B.J. Novak, is a humorous children’s book in which the reader is the narrator instead of an author. The reader is asked to repeat words and phrases that Novak’s narrator has written on the page.
Chapter 1: In this chapter, the reader is asked to read the words on the page while the reader is looking at an empty page. The reader is then asked to repeat the words as they read, such as “Blork” and “Blaggity-Bloo.” This chapter demonstrates how words can become the storyteller instead of a narrator.
Chapter 2: In this chapter, the reader is asked to read the words on the page and then to create a silly story out of the words “hip hat,” “POP” and “Top.” For example, you might read, “Once upon a time there was a hip hat who wanted to POP to the top of a tree. He jumped and jumped but he just couldn’t reach it, so he decided to fly up instead. He flapped his arms and flew to the top of the tree and he was so proud of himself.”
Chapter 3: In this chapter, the reader is asked to read a list of nonsensical words, such as “Floop,” “Bleeve” and “Gloop,” and then act out each word. The reader can get silly and act out what they think these words sound like. For example, if the reader reads “Floop,” the reader might use their hands to pucker up their lips and pretend to blow a bubble.
Chapter 4: In this chapter, the reader is asked to read the words on the page and then to think of what each word could mean. For example, if the reader reads the word “Doosenger,” the reader might think of a crazy dance move that looks like a duck-waddle. The reader could then act out that move.
Chapter 5: In this chapter, the reader is asked to read the words on the page and then to repeat a silly tongue twister. For example, the reader might read, “She sells seashells down by the seashore,” and then repeat the phrase three times as quickly as possible.
Chapter 6: In this chapter, the reader is asked to read the words on the page and then to make funny noises with their mouth. For example, the reader might read “blilblou” and practice making noises like a car engine revving up.
Chapter 7: In this chapter, the reader is asked to read the words on the page and then create a story out of the sounds. For example, the reader might read, “woomp,” “ching,” and “Ding,” and then create a story about a robot that is trying to find its home.
Chapter 8: In this chapter, the reader is asked to read the words on the page and to act out what they think the words mean. The reader might read, “Wozzick,” and then wave their arms in the air like they are doing a silly waltz.
Chapter 9: In this chapter, the reader is asked to read the words on the page and then to play charades with the words. The reader might read, “Snip Snip,” and then act out what sounds like a person cutting with scissors.
Chapter 10: In this chapter, the reader is asked to read the words on the page and then to draw a silly picture that relates to each word. For example, if the reader reads “blupper,” the reader might draw a silly blue monster with big eyes and a wide smile.
The Book with No Pictures is a hilarious children’s book that encourages young readers to use their imaginations and have a lot of fun. Through the use of nonsensical words and prompts, Novak takes the reader on a humorous journey full of crazy word-play and unique experiences.
