I took the book Where the Wild Things Are and photocopied just the images and gave them (in order) to groups of students. They had to look at the picture sequence and discuss what they thought the story was about. Then I had them write out their story, writing 2-3 sentences for each picture. Once they completed the story I had them go back and add in 7 adjectives anywhere in the story.

Afterwards, you can have the groups try to tell their story just using the pictures. Don't have them memorize it, but do allow them to help each other.

Finally, I read the actual story.

This activity went over really well and I explained afterwards that this (telling a story) is an important part of communication and tried to reinforce the idea that "You can do this. See here it is."

I did this with JHS and HS classes. It can be done with any picture book as long as the pictures themselves lead/help to promote the story.