A wordless book tells the story through pictures.  Since there's nothing to read, it presents a great opportunity for your child to tell the story.  Looking at pictures and trying to think through what the image conveys about the characters and plot, requires some creative thinking and problem solving.  Talking about the ideas a child has about what the pictures mean, helps him or her develop oral language skills and sequencing.  Many wonderful wordless books are too abstract for preschoolers, so be on the lookout for those that are age-appropriate (and ask a children's librarian for help!)

In South by Patrick McDonnell, the leaves have fallen from the trees, the birds have migrated and snow is beginning to fall, when a little bird wakes up and discovers he's missed the departure of his flock.  A cat happens by, sees the distraught bird weeping, takes his hand and begins to walk him south.  The simple story and spare pictures makes this wordless book a perfect early winter choice for sharing with your preschooler.