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Three-Story Books
SheHeWe
Alex hosts a tea party and makes new friends. Drew soars through the sky, searching for adventure. Two kids play in a park, imagining they're somewhere else. In one afternoon, the worlds of imagination and reality collide.
In this clever wordless comic, Lee Nordling's simple storytelling engages young readers and provides a gateway into understanding multiple perspectives and points of view.
In this clever wordless comic, Lee Nordling's simple storytelling engages young readers and provides a gateway into understanding multiple perspectives and points of view.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
3 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Lee Nordling
30 books7 followersLee Nordling is an award-winning writer, editor, and creative director who has worked on staff at Disney Publishing, DC Comics, and Nickelodeon Magazine. His book, The Bramble, won the 2013 Moonbeam Gold Medal for Picture Books (ages 4-8), and BirdCatDog was chosen by Kirkus Reviews as one of the best children's books of 2014. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Cheri, and numerous pets that earn their kibbles by offering inspiration.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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February 10, 2016I think this is my favorite of the series so far. Seems more layered than the others. Especially interesting is the subtle way gender is addressed. We learn on the back that our characters' names are Drew and Alex, both unisex names. On the front, the word SHE is associated with the tea party and the word HE is associated with the dragon adventure. But on the third to last page we discover that the kid in the dragon adventure has long hair!! Nordling seems to be intentionally obscuring the gender of both kids so that any gender could potentially relate to either of the stories. It's pretty clever and pretty subversive.
March 5, 2017
Were will YOU go with YOUR imagination? Children will learn that you can share the same space yet travel to different destinations through imagination.
May 10, 2017
Concept & story line: 4 stars
Illustrations: 4 stars
The format is the most interesting part of this full-color wordless children's graphic novel. The three rows of panels on each page can be read through separately and each represent a different POV. But the pages can also be read sequentially in the ordinary fashion, providing the full story.
Each of the three stories have a full arc, but they are very similar to one another, and all are repetitive. However, the blending of reality with fantasy is handled well, and will likely stir children's imaginations. Still, the most interesting aspect of this book is the bending of gender expectations. At the end readers discover that she is he and he is she.
Illustrations: 4 stars
The format is the most interesting part of this full-color wordless children's graphic novel. The three rows of panels on each page can be read through separately and each represent a different POV. But the pages can also be read sequentially in the ordinary fashion, providing the full story.
Each of the three stories have a full arc, but they are very similar to one another, and all are repetitive. However, the blending of reality with fantasy is handled well, and will likely stir children's imaginations. Still, the most interesting aspect of this book is the bending of gender expectations. At the end readers discover that she is he and he is she.
October 31, 2015
This book will be released tomorrow! (Nov. 1, 2015) I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Shehewe is an interesting take on a wordless comic in which three stories happen parallel and intertwine. Each page contains three rows of three panels each. The top row, in pink, shows the story from the perspective of a young child wandering happily through an enchanted park and having a tea party with a stuffed animal. The middle row, in purple, focuses on another child frolicking in the same park but imagining a world full of treacherous obstacles and dragons. The bottom row, in green, illustrates how the two narratives cross. While the top two rows show what each child imagines is happening, the bottom row depicts the reality (sans metamorphosis into fantastical beasts). I read each page top to bottom, though the introduction also suggests reading one full story from beginning to end before reading the others. The book is also interesting for its manipulation of gender norms. The pronouns seem fluid as the story progresses.
Some interesting discussion questions for children include: How do you know the stories are happening at the same time? What is real, and what is imaginary? In what ways do the two children see (or imagine) the situation differently?
In a language learning setting, students could craft a narrative for the story or take one section and guess what will happen next. The book could also be used as an inspiration for students to craft their own comics written from simultaneous but differing perspectives. Shehewe could be a great prompt for a variety of conversational, storytelling, or art making lessons. I look forward to checking out other titles in the Three Story Books series.
Shehewe is an interesting take on a wordless comic in which three stories happen parallel and intertwine. Each page contains three rows of three panels each. The top row, in pink, shows the story from the perspective of a young child wandering happily through an enchanted park and having a tea party with a stuffed animal. The middle row, in purple, focuses on another child frolicking in the same park but imagining a world full of treacherous obstacles and dragons. The bottom row, in green, illustrates how the two narratives cross. While the top two rows show what each child imagines is happening, the bottom row depicts the reality (sans metamorphosis into fantastical beasts). I read each page top to bottom, though the introduction also suggests reading one full story from beginning to end before reading the others. The book is also interesting for its manipulation of gender norms. The pronouns seem fluid as the story progresses.
Some interesting discussion questions for children include: How do you know the stories are happening at the same time? What is real, and what is imaginary? In what ways do the two children see (or imagine) the situation differently?
In a language learning setting, students could craft a narrative for the story or take one section and guess what will happen next. The book could also be used as an inspiration for students to craft their own comics written from simultaneous but differing perspectives. Shehewe could be a great prompt for a variety of conversational, storytelling, or art making lessons. I look forward to checking out other titles in the Three Story Books series.
November 15, 2015
Wordless comics are fantastic for engaging young, reluctant readers. Years ago I gave my youngest niece (a reluctant reader at the time) Owly, Vol. 1: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer and had great fun as she went through articulating her own version of the story, which she pulled from the visuals, as well as her own imagination. SheHeWe offers the same opportunity of interpretation and imagination.
SheHeWe has the added benefit of encouraging the reader to think about the ways in which they employ their own imagination and to consider how the world of imagination might be viewed from someone else's perspective. I like the inclusive message that values both of the character's very different world-creation equally. I also like the underlying encouragement that the reader see beyond the ordinary world and open themselves up to their own creativity.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
SheHeWe has the added benefit of encouraging the reader to think about the ways in which they employ their own imagination and to consider how the world of imagination might be viewed from someone else's perspective. I like the inclusive message that values both of the character's very different world-creation equally. I also like the underlying encouragement that the reader see beyond the ordinary world and open themselves up to their own creativity.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2016
A stuffed bunny a girl a boy and his dog. This is a GN told in three different story format that can be read across for each full story or page by page for multiple perspectives throughout the book. Each story has a different color hue to differentiate the separate panels. The little girl is having a tea party with a friend while the boy is off to deal with dangerous dragons and sinister things. Sounds stereotypical, but in the story at the bottom we see they're playtime fuse together.
Many ways to read this book and many ways to understand it. In the end it's really about 2 kids with creative imagination playing in the park. The other two books in this series are of note also- Fish fish fish and bird cat dog. Also written in three story format.
Many ways to read this book and many ways to understand it. In the end it's really about 2 kids with creative imagination playing in the park. The other two books in this series are of note also- Fish fish fish and bird cat dog. Also written in three story format.
November 25, 2015
SheHeWe tells three different (but interwoven) stories in three different sequential panels. It's an inventive look at children's imaginations with respect for the diversity of how kids dream.
February 26, 2020
The concept of this wordless picture book is great. Two characters play their own stories but both intertwine in the real world setting of the third panel. There is also the added bonus of it being a gender neutral story. The introductory, end pages (interior front cover and back) let you know how to read the story. Reading the story though is another matter. There is a lot going on in the panels and, for my brain for some reason, it was just too much to read in this graphic novel. I found it a challenge to maintain the various stories and to see what happened at the same time in real time. For some readers, this book will be the most amazing thing ever. For others, this is going to be very confusing to read especially because of the 3-6 ways to read it.
December 12, 2023
This book is a simple adventure. Wordless, the images paint the story and draw the reader in.
Each page is split into three layers ~ which can be read separately (either the He, She, or We storyline) or all together (a blending of melodies for a more full composition).
The artwork is simple yet lovely, and the story reveals two children allowing their imagination to drive their play. While they may imagine different worlds, they are still able to intertwine their play, engaging in each other stories.
A bonus perk is (despite the title literally being pronouns) gender not being a huge focus of this story. It is just two kids, having fun, imagining and spending time together.
Each page is split into three layers ~ which can be read separately (either the He, She, or We storyline) or all together (a blending of melodies for a more full composition).
The artwork is simple yet lovely, and the story reveals two children allowing their imagination to drive their play. While they may imagine different worlds, they are still able to intertwine their play, engaging in each other stories.
A bonus perk is (despite the title literally being pronouns) gender not being a huge focus of this story. It is just two kids, having fun, imagining and spending time together.
March 13, 2023
Told in three rows of wordless pictures, this story shows how two children at the same place can be experiencing a completely different imaginary adventure. Plenty to see and dramatic elements keep the reader engaged. You can read one row at a time or read all of them at once and compare/contrast the differences.
December 28, 2017
I struggle to enjoy graphic novels, and this one is no different. The story of child interactions in the park include playing alone, and then playing with others, and learning to get along with those who are different than us.
October 12, 2018
I'm torn. I like the concept for this. I wasn't invested in the story. Personally the format while clever was very difficult for me to follow. Also I definitely assumed this was a cool book about gender so that was disapppointing haha
September 27, 2017
3 stories or 1 story from 3 perspectives in 3 rows top to bottom of page
December 3, 2017
2.5 The three different stories in one is clever, but could potentially be problematic/challenging for new/younger readers.
April 7, 2018
The power of kids' imagination is celebrated in this graphic novel. Lots of cool details, but it bothered me that at one point one child appeared to be intentionally frightening the little dog.
April 18, 2018
Very creative! Liked it even though after reading, I felt the title was a little misleading... but it was a fun reveal.
Want to read
April 16, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 8, 2022
Hard to follow. The pictures were too busy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2023
Honestly too much work for me, but the concept is cute.
May 19, 2023
Confusing
February 15, 2025
〈MuscleBound〉¦ Manufactured in the USA : 1 - BP - 7/15/15"
What kind of pet did that boy have? The bottom is what things look like objectively- yet it's like a tiny winged mythical creature!
What kind of pet did that boy have? The bottom is what things look like objectively- yet it's like a tiny winged mythical creature!
Read
February 12, 2017A graphic novel without words, "She He We", by Lee Nordling told a story about a boy and a girl's world colliding. Starting out with a girl and a boy showing up at the same park, they started playing in their own fantasy game. The girl's containing her pet unicorn in a pink, orange, and purple princess world. The boy creates a purple, blue and black fantasy world with his pet dragon that he flies around. As the story goes on, the boy's world and the girl's world collides. The dragon interrupts the unicorn and the girl flying around, disrupting the peace. The same thing happens to the boys world as he tries to rule his world. The more their world collides the more the boy and girl learn about sharing and including others.
This story teaches children about how to play together and include others. It does this without any added word bubbles or captions. It's interesting because the story tells itself through a ply-by-play of images. The gutters showing the fantasy worlds because of the wavy edges, while the real-world images have distinct lines outlining the image. Overall, this was an interesting graphic novel because it teaches children such important life lessons with just the power of a few pictures.
This story teaches children about how to play together and include others. It does this without any added word bubbles or captions. It's interesting because the story tells itself through a ply-by-play of images. The gutters showing the fantasy worlds because of the wavy edges, while the real-world images have distinct lines outlining the image. Overall, this was an interesting graphic novel because it teaches children such important life lessons with just the power of a few pictures.
August 26, 2015
Wow was SheHeWe an interesting and different comic! I really liked how the story was constructed. We have these two kids who have their own fantasy world and then the real world. Basically there are three different story lines happening at the same time on their own lines or so to speak. The first two show what the children imagine what is happening when they play and the third shows how it looks in the real world. Dragons end up being dogs and whatnot. An amazing idea! The imagination is great and how the kids can turn anything to a part of their play. My only complain is that the comic has no speech in it and it kind of needs it, at least to a some degree. Now the plot doesn't really run smoothly and it takes time to get what is happening. Also, why did the kids change their sexes suddenly?
The art looks cute and very fitting for the story. The colors are delicious and the art works for kids. The inking is a bit lazy and shady sometimes as well as too thick from time to time. The lines look somewhat smeary due to this. What I really liked was that the panels continued as if we only saw a part of the world. The panels looked fun too, instead of conventional square boxes and the color schemes were a good decision too, so the comic is easier to follow. A truly wonderful oddity - with some corrections this could be a pure diamond.
The art looks cute and very fitting for the story. The colors are delicious and the art works for kids. The inking is a bit lazy and shady sometimes as well as too thick from time to time. The lines look somewhat smeary due to this. What I really liked was that the panels continued as if we only saw a part of the world. The panels looked fun too, instead of conventional square boxes and the color schemes were a good decision too, so the comic is easier to follow. A truly wonderful oddity - with some corrections this could be a pure diamond.
October 26, 2015
The cover is very eye-catching and, overall, I liked it.
The feel of the book is fun and light and definitely brings to mind summer days full of day dreams as a kid. The art is lovely, though I would have preferred it be bigger. But I think that's just my problem - I read it on my ipad.
The whole story, however, could have been about three panels. Maybe nine if you wanted to really drive the point home. I was expecting some sort of conflict and resolution, but that never came.
The book encapsulates the wonder of childhood imaginative play very well, but doesn't go much beyond that.
Still, at about 40 pages, I would recommend giving it a read.
The feel of the book is fun and light and definitely brings to mind summer days full of day dreams as a kid. The art is lovely, though I would have preferred it be bigger. But I think that's just my problem - I read it on my ipad.
The whole story, however, could have been about three panels. Maybe nine if you wanted to really drive the point home. I was expecting some sort of conflict and resolution, but that never came.
The book encapsulates the wonder of childhood imaginative play very well, but doesn't go much beyond that.
Still, at about 40 pages, I would recommend giving it a read.
May 22, 2017
I genuinely don't know what to make of this book. I know what it is, I understand what it's trying to do, I just don't know that the written book is the proper medium for it. You're basically reading a book in three (four?) dimensions, and it feels like interactive/electronic may have been the more sensible route. As it was, this wordless tale of children playing in the park was extremely difficult to follow and track, even with the great pains taken to make it as linear as possible. A for effort and concept, D for execution...
January 22, 2016
I never liked the Choose Your Own Adventure series when I was a kid, because I did not like the idea of skipping around and the idea that you would never read the WHOLE book. SheHeWe gave me that same type of stress, because I just felt like there was too much to keep track of. Do I think kids might like it? Yes. Did I like it? Meh.
April 28, 2016
I like the concept of this book (and the others in the series like it) with three separate stories going on, but the book just doesn't work for me. If a young reader decides to read the book vertically, things don't appear to be happening simultaneously or always from each character's point of view. Maybe it wouldn't be confusing to a young reader, but it's confusing to me.
January 8, 2016
WHAT in the WORLD was that? My apathy for his graphic novels in this particular format (3 ongoing storylines) is growing with each book. Was anyone else confused with the end? Was the boy a girl? Was the girl a boy? *deep sigh*
I want my 5 minutes back that I spent reading this nonsense.
I want my 5 minutes back that I spent reading this nonsense.
August 21, 2015
Netgally - ARC
A unique wordless graphic novel offering readers three different storylines. Great for reluctant readers.
A unique wordless graphic novel offering readers three different storylines. Great for reluctant readers.
September 20, 2015
Imagination and reality collides in this graphic story that can be read as three different storylines or one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews