Observational picture books that feel like a deep breath

Clementine Book Club #7: the introverts of picture books: zero-conflict stories and why they're essential for kids (and their adults)

Last week I learned of a new-to-me author/illustrator named Alice Melvin and immediately put holds on her books “Mouse on the River” (out last year), and “Mouse by the Sea” (just released) at the library. I could tell just from snooping around on her website and instagram that I would love these books, and though I’ll have to wait for her newest one, I was able to pick up “Mouse on the River” today. I savored it alongside my afternoon cookie and iced coffee, and then promptly opened my laptop to tell you about it because it connected some dots for me.

also ft. 34 week bébé

This book is so simple in plot but utterly delightful and not at all boring. I would say most of this has to do with Melvin’s charming illustration style which is detailed and colorful but not overwhelming, as well as the intricate fold-out details that pack in even more detail. But it’s also delightful because there’s no conflict. Mouse is meandering through a river, we don’t know what his goal is or where his destination is. We have a little map in the beginning showing us his route but no text explanation. He just wanders and brings us along for the ride. He stops into town for provisions, talks to some kids on a bridge, notices the stillness of the water in the early morning, and then eventually he rows to where the river meets the sea, where his friend is waiting for him, the end.

There are no morals taught, no dragons to fight off, no trucks stuck in the mud. What we’re given is a transportive reprieve from conflict, the white space to simply observe. It’s meditation in picture book form. Conflict-free books allow kids to use their imagination, to turn the pages slowly and see what catches their eye, to ask simple questions about the details often overlooked in busier stories.

Last month Betsy Bird (multi-hyphenate in the picture book world) published a piece in the School Library Journal featuring several conflict-free picture books. After reading “Mouse on the River” I would add it to that list and also endorse the need to seek out conflict-free picture books alongside conflict-driven books. Conflict-driven books are easier to find as they are most stories. A protagonist encounters a problem to solve, has some missteps along the way and eventually solves it. It’s the classic story arc and one I realize we’re taught most to emulate by picture book writing resources. They’re crucial in guiding kids through life lessons and emotions plus they’re engaging and fun. But I would argue that conflict-free books are equally important. They’re quiet, introspective and when illustrated well, no less exciting. The introverts of picture books!

It’s the missing realization that’s been holding me back in the story I’ve been writing over the last few months. There’s no conflict in my story and I’ve been hemming and hawing trying to think of the perfect conflict, or if a conflict is necessary at all. I assumed my story would be taken more seriously if it addressed an issue or solved a problem. I didn’t intentionally write it without conflict, it just wasn’t the point and a conflict never presented itself in a logical way. Now I feel confident to listen to my initial instincts and leave it as is. The point is imagination, beautiful illustrations (hopefully), and adventure. Which is more than enough.

The more I think about it, if kids are taught to only experience life through conflict (even if they overcome it in a happy ending), they’re not taught then to simply enjoy themselves. They need to see a mouse taking himself for a joyride down the river just because he wants to experience the sounds of nature, just as much as they need to see a Knight Owl being brave and standing up to a dragon. To learn to observe the world around us at all moments of the day, not just in a forced meditation or an intentional nature walk, is how we can teach kids to be present and enjoy their lives, not to seek out conflict in order to find adventure.

Here are a few other conflict-free books that come to mind:

Observational Picture Books:

1. Windows by Julia Denos, illustrated by E.B. Goodale

   A night walk around the neighborhood, observing what happens inside people’s lit-up windows.

2. Grandfather Twilight by Barbara Berger

   A dreamy and beautiful tale about how the moon rises every night

3. Goodnight Little Bookstore by Amy Cherrix, illustrated by E.B. Goodale

   A look at how a bookstore is put to bed, in “Goodnight, Moon” fashion

4. Ocean Meets Sky, written and illustrated by the Fan Brothers

   This book has a clear question to find the answer to, but there’s no conflict, just a beautiful and exciting adventure.

I know I’ll think of 5 more as soon as I post this, so I’ll continue to update it and please share any you can think of in the comments!