The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher

He told me last night this is his "favorite book" -- his first use of the word "favorite," actually. We read it pretty much every night. And when my toddler started riding a scooter he told me that he was a "goddess on a skateboard" (one of the scenes in this book). It's really a captivating story. So unusual, so creative. There is no text but there amazing illustrations of a creature chasing down the grey lady to try to eat her strawberries. She diverts him to a berry patch. The last scenes are of the creature gleefully downing berries, and the grey lady sharing her own berries with her beautiful household. I think there is an old lady who is queer (rainbow stockings -- my interpretation). This book has tension and drama, and a truly kind and nonviolent resolution. Awesome for creative families and their toddlers.

This was one of my favorite stories to “read” my daughter. There are no words, but the illustrations are so extraordinary that you make up the story as you go. I know by this book whenever I know someone is having a baby shower in hopes that they enjoy it as much as my daughter and I did.

All time favorite wordless book! Had to have it. “Reading” Molly Bang’s clever story-telling Art makes this book a blast and a half. Examine each page closely, you will chuckle then be impressed! I love both characters equally: steady, clever, determined Strawberry Lady and that persistent purple caped bandito! When I share it, I place my hand causally over the glimpse of the snatcher, and move my hand slowly revealing him after the double page spreads has been examined by my audience. Ending is most satisfying. Brilliant Molly Bang, I love you! (I bought it for myself, but I’ll share it with anyone....any age.)

This is the first wordless book I bought for my son, and I must say that I am struck by the beauty of the illustrations. They're almost too pretty for a pre-schooler . . . . Without words, the illustrations tell an engaging and suspenseful story about a woman, her strawberries and a dark creature in hot pursuit. Wordless books are nice to have in a household like mine where Mom and Dad speak different languages, because we can both read them to our child without resorting to translations on-the-fly. And, when he gets big enough, the child can read the book to himself or his siblings. This book, though, is especially enjoyable. I am sure it will remain a favorite in our house.

I buy this book to give to everybody's little one on their 2nd birthday. My grandchildren loved it so much. I also gave a copy to each of my grandchildren's kindergarten teacher when they "finished" with them. I thought it was a great book to be in every kindergarten class. There are no words, so the parent and then the child tell the story from the pictures. Every time I give it to one of my grandchildren's friend's baby they are entranced to look at it one more time Every time I give it, I order another copy to have ready.

The illustrations in this book are amazing. My 2 year old is obsessed w/ this book. I can just see her imagination going wild when she flips through the pages and stares into the illustrations. It is a must read every night before bed. At first I thought the snatcher was a little bit scary, but she loves him!

I have an eight-year-old son who hates books and reading--except for stuff he thinks will shock me, like gory "Goosebumps" paperbacks. When I first saw this book at the library, I thought it was just plain weird. The illustrations didn't even seem to follow any kind of spacial logic. But I have a habit of trying out all books that have won honors and awards, so I brought it home. My bibliophobic son fell in love with it immediately. He laughed and laughed and wanted to "read it to me" dozens of times with sound effects and commentary added. He found things in it I had not spotted--such as, did you know that the Strawberry Snatcher leaves a mushroom trail? I bought this book for Alex's Christmas present and have noticed that it also has special appeal to my smaller "kinesthetic" and mechanical children who are compelled to get their mitts on something. A unique treasure--buy it for your little squirmy bibliophobes!

No words, just great pictures, leave the story-telling open to a bit of interpretation and whimsy. A bit of literary tension builds but all ends nicely...wonderful message and great color and artwork. Highly recommended after moving through two generations and counting.

This story has no words but is beautifully told through pictures. Some reviewers found the illustrations creepy but my 3yo and I love them

Love this book