Silent book

The Project

The project I am presenting is an entirely visual adaptation of Selma Lagerlöf’s much-loved classic. Through the format of a Silent Book — a wordless picture book — the original story is transformed into a purely visual journey.

The Approach

Without the mediation of text, the narrative relies entirely on the power of the image, the flow of the spreads, and the emotional intensity of the characters.

Nils, a somewhat mischievous and unruly child, is transformed into a tiny boy by an elf and sets off on a journey on the back of Martin, a white goose. Along the way, he discovers the value of nature and friendship, as well as the importance of empathy.

It is a journey of freedom across the Scandinavian landscape, but also a coming-of-age journey for the young hero.

Why a Silent Book?

The absence of text makes the book accessible to children of all ages and languages. It encourages young readers to “read” the images, discover the details within them, and become co-creators of the story.