The Book With No Pictures: questions to ask and activities to try
Everything on the page has to be said out loud, even BLORK. The Book With No Pictures is a hilarious read-aloud that makes grown-ups say very silly things.
What age is it for? The Book With No Pictures is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Making the grown-up say silly things.
The Book With No Pictures (B. J. Novak)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Making the grown-up say silly things
Read every word as written, and protest that you don't want to. Children love that the book has power over the grown-up.
What it helps with
- The fun and power of words
- Reading aloud
- Laughing together
- Print carries meaning
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why did I have to say silly things?”
- “Which word was silliest?”
- “Did the book have any pictures?”
- “Was it boring?”
- “What silly word would you write?”
- “Can you read a silly word to me?”
5-minute activities to try together
Silly word book
Make your own book of silly words for someone to read aloud.
Read to a teddy
Let your child read the funniest page to a teddy.
Free printables: The Book With No Pictures worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Press Here (Hervé Tullet)
- Best for
- Following instructions, and the magic of an interactive book
- Age
- 2-6
This Book Just Ate My Dog! (Richard Byrne)
- Best for
- A book that swallows things, and readers who help
- Age
- 3-7
The Shy Book (Howard Pearlstein)
- Best for
- Feeling shy, and worrying that others will find you boring
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.