When pictures replace words: the collection “Images that speak”, published by Pato Lógico

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze a collection of wordless picture books entitled “Imagens que Contam” “Images that Speak”, issued by the Portuguese publisher Pato Lógico between 2014 and 2017, considering contemporary theories on picture books and the narrative meaning of images. Special emphasis is given to peritextual elements and the themes of the picture books. An individual and comparative analysis is then conducted of each volume, emphasizing the coherence of the collection. Authored by some of the most important contemporary Portuguese illustrators, the six volumes analyzed received national and international awards. They reflect the quality and  vitality of contemporary children’s and young adult’s literature in Portugal. As wordless picture books, these volumes depend exclusively on peritextual and visual elements to tell their stories. In the books analyzed, images totally replace words, and printed text is completely absent from the books. Even the title and credits are handwritten by the authors, becoming part of the illustrations. These wordless picture books have common visual and graphic aspects that are crucial to the reading process, and suggest clues for reading. They deserve study and reflection.