Alice was feeling bored while sitting next to her sister by the riverbank. She found nothing to do and tempted to look into her sister's book. However, she was disappointed because the book had no pictures or conversations, making it seem dull and uninteresting to her. She wondered aloud about the usefulness of a book that lacked visual or engaging elements, expressing her frustration and curiosity.

Her curiosity and dissatisfaction led Alice to consider how books without illustrations or dialogue might not be very entertaining for children. The scene captures her young, imaginative mind questioning the purpose of reading material that doesn't appeal to her love of pictures and lively conversation. This moment highlights her initial desire for more engaging and colorful stories before the fantastical adventures in Wonderland begin.