As we navigate the world of picture books, many of us tend to overlook the hidden gems that lie beyond the realm of children’s literature. Picture books for adults, on the other hand, offer a unique blend of storytelling and visual artistry that can captivate even the most discerning readers. In this post, I’ll be exploring 10 unconventional picture books for adults you need to read.

The Art of Storytelling

Picture books are often associated with children’s literature, but they can also be a powerful medium for telling stories that appeal to adults. One such example is The Arrival by Shaun Tan. This wordless graphic novel tells the story of a young migrant who leaves his homeland in search of a better life. The book’s use of symbolism and imagery creates a powerful narrative that resonates with readers long after they finish reading it.

Unconventional Storytelling

Not all picture books have to be straightforward narratives. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs is a prime example of unconventional storytelling. This wordless graphic novel tells the story of a young boy who builds a snowman and brings it to life. The book’s use of visual storytelling creates a powerful narrative that resonates with readers long after they finish reading it.

Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are another form of picture books that can captivate adults. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is a prime example of this genre. This graphic novel tells the story of a young Iranian girl who grows up during the Iran-Iraq War. The book’s use of visual storytelling creates a powerful narrative that resonates with readers long after they finish reading it.

Wordless Picture Books

Wordless picture books can be just as effective as worded ones in telling stories that appeal to adults. The Red Book by Barbara Lehman is a prime example of this genre. This book tells the story of a young girl who discovers a mysterious red book and uses its pages to create a new world for herself. The book’s use of visual storytelling creates a powerful narrative that resonates with readers long after they finish reading it.

Unconventional Illustrations

Not all picture books have to feature traditional illustrations. The Graphic Canon by Russ Manning is a prime example of unconventional illustrations. This graphic novel tells the story of the world’s greatest works of literature, from Shakespeare to Dickens, in a unique and innovative way. The book’s use of visual storytelling creates a powerful narrative that resonates with readers long after they finish reading it.

Unconventional Storytelling Techniques

Not all picture books have to feature traditional storytelling techniques. The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé is a prime example of unconventional storytelling techniques. This graphic novel tells the story of a young journalist who travels the world and gets involved in various adventures. The book’s use of visual storytelling creates a powerful narrative that resonates with readers long after they finish reading it.

Unconventional Illustrations

Not all picture books have to feature traditional illustrations. The Graphic Canon by Russ Manning is a prime example of unconventional illustrations. This graphic novel tells the story of the world’s greatest works of literature, from Shakespeare to Dickens, in a unique and innovative way. The book’s use of visual storytelling creates a powerful narrative that resonates with readers long after they finish reading it.

Unconventional Storytelling Techniques

Not all picture books have to feature traditional storytelling techniques. The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé is a prime example of unconventional storytelling techniques. This graphic novel tells the story of a young journalist who travels the world and gets involved in various adventures. The book’s use of visual storytelling creates a powerful narrative that resonates with readers long after they finish reading it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, picture books for adults offer a unique blend of storytelling and visual artistry that can captivate even the most discerning readers. From unconventional illustrations to wordless graphic novels, there are many ways to tell stories that appeal to adults. Whether you’re looking for a powerful narrative or simply something visually stunning, these 10 unconventional picture books for adults will surely satisfy your cravings.