• Age: 3 to 5
• Grade: p to k

In this wordless picture book, Woodrow the elephant rows off to find adventure and discovers a mouse marooned at sea. As the two go through many adventures and rescue each other from dangers, they discover that the best thing to find on a journey is a true friend.

Award-winning author-illustrator Wallace Edwards is striking out in a bold, new artistic direction. Woodrow At Sea is a friendship story in the tradition of the great epics, but made accessible to the very young. Loose, energetic illustrations carry the story in this wordless picture book, which is packaged in a sturdy book format with a padded cover, extra-heavy pages, rounded corners, and a reinforced binding.

Little ones will cheer for Woodrow the elephant and his mouse friend while narrating the companions’ tale: a lonely journey; an unlikely encounter; a brave rescue; and a series of adventures, each more exciting than the last.

The story will vary with the imagination of each teller, but in the end everyone will agree on one thing: no matter what you are seeking on your journey, the best treasure you can find is a true friend.

WALLACE EDWARDS, diplômé de l’École d’art et de design de l’Ontario, était un auteur-illustrateur primé. Ses peintures et ses illustrations se retrouvent dans des collections privées et publiques, des livres, des magazines et des expositions au Canada et aux États-Unis. Il est le créateur de Sur ma route…, Qu’est-ce que la paix?, Tombé du ciel et Alphabeasts. Ce dernier a remporté le Prix littéraire du Gouverneur général en 2002. Depuis, il continue à recevoir des nominations et des récompenses prestigieuses soulignant son approche géniale des albums illustrés. Il est malheureusement décédé en 2022.

WALLACE EDWARDS was a beloved children’s book writer and illustrator, known for his richly imaginative paintings, and the sense of wonder and humour in his work. His picture books were nominated for three Governor General’s Literary Awards; he won the award for Alphabeasts. Other honours include the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award, two Independent Publisher Book Awards, a CLA Honour Book and two OLA Best Bets, among many others; and his work is on the International Youth Library White Ravens list. Edwards completed work on his final picture book, Pigs Can’t Fly, before his sad passing in December 2022.

Wallace Edwards' profile page

• Commended, Kirkus Best Wordless Picture Books selection
• Commended, Bank Street Book of the Month, August
• Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens selection
• Commended, IBBY Italia Silent Books Collection fourth edition selection

Praise for Woodrow at Sea

2018 IBBY Italia Silent Books Collection fourth edition selection

2018 Kirkus Reviews Best Wordless Picture Books of 2018 selection

2018 Bank Street Book of the Month, August

2018 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens selection

★ STARRED REVIEW "A lively, intelligent variation of full-page illustrations, double-page spreads, and spot vignettes keeps the pace active....A story of adventure and friendship without the boundaries of words, which becomes more personal and satisfying as a consequence."—Kirkus Reviews Starred Review

"This wordless book could also be called a beginning graphic novel...[A] good exemplar to show children how to create a wordless book (using illustrations to tell a story) as well as a fantastic example of a book that allows for elaboration and multiple interpretations by each reader...[A] strong addition to any library."—Resource Links Magazine

"Unquestionably, there is something quite refreshing in this excitingly new creative direction which Edwards has fully embraced in this latest publication....Woodrow at Sea is a fun-filled tale that offers something new with each reread....A beautiful reminder of the joy of a newfound friendship rooted in kindness, Woodrow at Sea is sure to become an instant favourite. Highly Recommended."—CM Magazine

"The characters are likeable in their animation and the 'plot' finds just the right mix of silly and scary....With this book, Edwards is moving in a different direction...embracing simplicity in his drawings...Woodrow at Sea is a delight."—Quill & Quire

"The elephant and the mouse went to sea ... and the rest of the story Woodrow at Sea is up to your interpretation of the cute and colorful watercolor illustrations in this wordless book."—Hakai Magazine

"Wallace Edwards wonderfully captures the adventure of a sea voyage...In vibrant watercolor-and-ink drawings, Edwards tells a delightful story of friendship, peril, teamwork, and song."—Christian Science Monitor

"For a story told with no words, Woodrow at Sea has much to tell. And a lesson in creative thinking and visual literacy would not go amiss here."—CanLit for LittleCanadians