Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.
Screenwise Verdict
Quest is a rare gem that works on multiple levels—toddlers will follow the adventure visually, kindergarteners will narrate elaborate stories, and third-graders will appreciate the artistic technique and thematic depth. The wordless format isn't a gimmick; it's an invitation for kids to become co-creators of the story.
Becker's watercolors are legitimately stunning (this dude worked at Disney, and it shows), and the imagination-as-superpower theme feels earned rather than forced. Some reviewers note it doesn't quite reach the perfection of the first book 'Journey'—the pacing is faster, giving less time to linger—but that's like saying the second Pixar movie isn't as good as the first. It's still excellent.
This is the kind of book that gets requested at bedtime for months, inspires art projects, and actually builds literacy skills while feeling like pure entertainment. At 4.8 stars on Amazon and consistent praise from parent reviewers, it delivers. Grab the whole trilogy and watch your kid's storytelling skills bloom.
Age Fit
Perfect for ages 3-8 as a read-together experience, though older kids (up to 10 or 11) who love fantasy and art will still appreciate the craft. The wordless format makes it accessible to toddlers while the sophisticated visual storytelling keeps it interesting for elementary schoolers.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92
A wordless picture book celebrating friendship, cooperation, and courage. Two children work together to rescue a king from darkness, modeling teamwork and bravery without any conflict between characters. The gentle, contemplative pacing invites lingering over each watercolor spread rather than rushing through—perfect for building patience and shared reading moments.
Imaginative
96
This is peak imagination fuel. The wordless format means every reader creates their own narrative, dialogue, and interpretations. The core mechanic—children using colored markers to draw portals and objects that become real—is a direct invitation for kids to grab their own markers and create. Becker's detailed watercolor worlds (underwater kingdoms, tropical paradises, perilous bridges, flying sequences) are visual feasts that reward close examination and inspire 'what happens next?' storytelling.
Safe
98
Essentially zero safety concerns. No text means no inappropriate language. The 'hostile forces' that capture the king are abstract and non-graphic—this is fantasy adventure without violence, scary imagery, or anything that would startle a young child. The 'darkness' threatening the kingdom is conceptual rather than frightening. Common Sense Media reviews confirm it's parent-approved with no content warnings.
Enriching
88
Wordless books are literacy gold—they build visual literacy, sequencing skills, narrative comprehension, and vocabulary as kids describe what they see. The story rewards careful observation (finding details across pages, following visual clues) and encourages creative problem-solving as characters use imagination to overcome obstacles. The meta-narrative about imagination as a tool for transformation is sophisticated without being heavy-handed. Strong Amazon rating (4.8/5) suggests it delivers on entertainment too.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Wordless format means it works for pre-readers, early readers, reluctant readers, and kids who speak any language—true universal access
The central conceit (drawing with markers creates real portals and objects) is pure childhood wish-fulfillment that will have kids grabbing crayons immediately
Becker's watercolors are museum-quality gorgeous—detailed enough to reward multiple re-reads as kids spot new details
Builds critical visual literacy and narrative skills as kids practice sequencing, inferring, and describing what they see
Strong emotional core about friendship and courage without being preachy or saccharine
⚠
What to Watch For
Some reviewers note it's not quite as magical as the first book 'Journey'—the rapid pacing means less time to savor each scene
Kids who need explicit text or struggle with open-ended stories might find wordless books frustrating initially (though they're worth the patience)
The 'hostile forces' and 'darkness' are abstract but could prompt questions from very sensitive kids—easy to explain as fantasy adventure
You'll probably end up buying the whole trilogy because one book won't be enough
Conversation Starters
"What do you think the kids are saying to each other on this page? What would you say?"
"If you had a magic marker that could draw portals, where would you go first?"
"Why do you think the king gave them the map? What do you think he was feeling?"
"Look at all the colors Becker used here—which one is your favorite and why?"
"What do you think happens after the last page? Want to draw it?"
