Special Needs Children Books

Barbara Probst offers an enlightened and cogent rearrangement of perspective in her excellent new book When the Labels Don't Fit. In this compassionate guide, she asks parents to change their focus from their child's behavior to his or her temperament, regarding difficult reactions not as defiance or inscrutability, but as rich and valuable elements of personality. It's a subtle difference, but this book is all about subtle shifts that make huge impacts.

Using a comprehensive questionnaire early in the book as guide, Probst urges parents not only to examine a child's reactions, preferences and attitudes, but also to reflect keenly their own. Parents' answers help to reframe the initial question from "Why is my child doing this?" to "Who is my child?" She provides numerous examples and strategies aimed at mitigating the many bewildering incidents that parents often face. By turning the spotlight onto parents' personal tendencies and preferences, Probst encourages them to think a little deeper about their child and themselves, and guides them to embrace the uniqueness of their challenging child.

As parents we know they are unusual in their intensity and rigidity but we also sense our children do not necessarily have a disorder. We see them as eccentric, sensitive, thinkers who feel deeply. Pediatricians and mental health professionals often find they fit the criteria for Aspergers, ADHD, Anxiety or other diagnoses. But DO they really have these? Barbara Probst gives us answers for how to approach and support our challenging and often very gifted youngsters who need us to understand them, not change them. She shows us practical strategies for learning about ways in which we can work with their temperaments - especially when they are different from our own. This book is a very important contribution to the field and the children will some day thank her for writing it.

I was very excited to read Barbara Probst's book and to see the focus on our children's characteristics, rather than a slew of diagnostic conditions--the "alphabet" kids. After reading endless parenting books which set out discipline techniques which only work for a short time, this book instead helps parents look at their children as people and try to understand their specific needs and temperments. I often catch myself engaging in a dispute with my challenging son, and using Barbara's techniques I am able to take a step back and realize that he has a strong need that is interfering with what I view as a simple request. Once I change my mindset, I can often avoid a huge blowup and have him ultimately cooperative, even if it takes a few extra minutes or a little extra effort. This book can bring big changes and improvements in the lives of families with challenging children.

I started reading Barbara's book the other night and I stayed up WAY too late reading and reading and reading. What a relief to find an approach to undestanding and appreciating my very difficult little boy. Barbara's approach to temperament and to understanding the core character traits of a difficult child is really refreshing and so OPTOMISTIC. I am already recommending this book to everyone I know who is struggling with their children, and let's be honest, who isn't!!!!

With insightful explanations and easy-to-apply tips, this book is a valuable tool for parents. Probst provides strategies that can't help but improve the quality of life for both child and parent. When the Labels Don't Fit is a book that can -- and should -- be shared with family, teachers and others who are important in a child's life.
Amy Price
Executive Director
SENG

My daughter recently had twin premature baby boys--sadly one died--fortunately other twin boy very healthy survivor--and in neo natal unit for a month to gain weight and be sure okay--we needed a book on Preemies-I checked new bookstore and nothing good there--checked Amazon.com-and although this book is 9 yrs old--has everything our neo natal hospital was teaching my daughter and son in law --same neo natal basics and in a book they can use for reference during the busy times of having baby in the home finally--great book--I got an older copy too for Grandma-myself- to read at my home-0-so I can back up my daughter and son in law when they are tired--BEST PREEMIE BOOK YET AND EASILY READ.

This was the best book I have seen for premature babies. When our twin boys were born at 29 weeks, the hospital gave us a book that we could refer to. Everytime you would look at the book it scared you to death. I found this book and I kept it with me at all times. When ever anything came up I would refer to it. The book is very realistic but also very positive. I still refer to it even though our boys are 2. The book is very helpful. I would recomend this book to everyone. It really helped us out through this difficult time.

I did not use this book much at all. I thought books by Joseph A. Garcia-Prats and Dana Wechsler Linden were much more helpful.

I purchased this book after the premature birth of our son. He was considered a "micro preemie" being born at 1 lb 14 oz. We were told in the NICU that many preemies have challenges that were unlike "typical" children, and we thought it would be helpful to refer to this book and to educate ourselves so that we could help identify problems that many pediatricians overlook in preemies.

This book is an absolute must-have for any parent of a preemie. I know that weight is always a concern, and the book included boy and girl weight charts and seperated it even further to their birth weight (born less than/greater than 1500 grams.) We still use the weight chart today (our son is 2 1/2 years old)
and it can be used up to age 3.

Nothing can prepare you for the experience of having a premature baby. Often, once home with baby, parents are confronted with a child who is obviously different from the typical infant. Finding information and support is difficult, because of the very isolating nature of the experience- a tiny, often ill baby isn't able to cope with being carried to environments where parents could find support. In addition, outcomes are difficult to predict and preemies' issues can be as diverse as their personalities. Fortunately, Amy Tracy and Dianne Maroney's Your Premature Baby and Child provides insight and information in a practical guide that should reside on every preemie parent's bookshelf. Each chapter offers honest assurances about the emotional aspects of caring for a preemie, as well as accurate and detailed information about everything ranging from the homecoming experience, medical concerns, development and early intervention all the way through to beginning school. The epilogue is especially helpful; it validates the emotional effects of prematurity and offers insights from other parents, whose hope and understanding encourage those new to the roller coaster of prematurity. This book is one of the best resources written yet for parents of children born prematurely.

You can't miss the hard-headed commitment, the dogged won't-take-no-for-an-answer determination of this father in his loving and relentless pursuit of appropriate services for his son with autism. Bill Davis "tells it like it is" -- no wishy-washiness, no pie-in-the sky, no empty promises or fairy tale endings. His book makes clear the unfathomable depth of his love -- his passion -- for his beautiful son Chris, and the unyielding belief that no work is too hard, no frustration too crippling, no sacrifice too great if the goals are to provide for his son avenues by which this child with autism can make sense of our complex, swirling, overstimulating world, and find ways to express his own rich perceptions, ideas, and wit.

Read this book if you have a child with autism. Buy it and give it as a gift (as I have twice already) to someone you know who has a child with autism.

Read this book, too, if you have or know a child with ANY disability, for in Bill and Jae Davis' story of working with educational authorities, "working the system", "fighting the system" , improving the system, and not "settling" for halfway measures is a model for all parents of ALL kids with so-called special needs.

But read this book if what you're looking for is just a good love story. The love that springs out of every page is real and unsentimental. The whole story is here -- the love of Bill and Jae for each other despite fatigue and frustrations and fights, the love for their daughter Jessica and Jessica's love for Chris, and the loving personality of Chris himself, the true hero of the book.

When starting this book I felt it would be a technical rendition of an Autistic child's life. Boy was I surprised to read the heart felt story about a father, a mother and two children caught up in the baffling world of Autism. From the diagnosis, through the stress of daily life the commitment between these family members was so touching and compelling forcing me to reexamine my own life's priorities. The Davis' obstacle ridden devotion to further education and community awareness of this disease is nothing less than admirable, and hopes that through Mr. Davis' advocacy work he can compel others to open their eyes. I would encourage everyone to read this book, you will never regret or forget it.

I think this book is amazing because it let's you go into the mind of the author who is a man full of love for his son. He writes this book as if he is sitting in the room talking to you, and I like that. It's easy to read and easy to understand. And that is what people look for especially on Autism. I applaud this man and his family for doing wonderful things for the Austism Society and I'm proud to say that I'm a part of his world. I hope more people will read his books and get to know the love and suffering he and his family have been through. If anything he should get a medal in his honor.

Bill is so candid in his telling of the Davis family's life with Chris. He gives so much of himself and asks nothing in return. He is constantly out in the community advocating for not only his child but all children and adults with Autism. I'm proud to say I know him and I throughly enjoyed his book. If your child has been diagnosed you really should read this. Some parts will make you cry but many will make you laugh and say "Oh my god I'm not the only one!" It's an excellent book told from a point of view many never get to see. -Tracy Gipe, mother of a ten year old with ASD and his two younger siblings without.

When starting this book I felt it would be a technical rendition of an Autistics child's life. Boy was I surprised to read the heart felt story about a father, a mother and two children caught up in the baffling world of Autism. From the diagnosis, through the stress of daily life the commitment between these family members was so touching and compelling forcing me to reexamine my own life's priorities. The Davis' obstacle ridden devotion to further education and community awareness of this disease is nothing less than admirable, and hopes that through Mr. Davis' advocacy work he can compel others to open their eyes.

What a fascinating read. I thought I knew a lot about mental illness but this family went the extra mile in their efforts to help a gravely disabled daughter. What dedication and love this family provided. A real page turner and so insightful.

For loved ones with any sort of mental abnormalities within the family this is a wonderful story of dedication, love, and tireless patience. I was amazed at these two parents and how they stretched themselves in every direction to help their suffering daughter.

BROKEN GLASS: A FAMILY'S JOURNEY THROUGH MENTAL ILLNESS tells of an unhappy child who grows up to have a serious personality disorder. Elene reached her teens in the middle of the counterculture years: her professor father here shares his story of the family's struggles with Elene's ongoing mental health issues, charting hospital and doctor snafus and interactions, family adjustments, and ups and downs which eventually led to helping her raise her own children. An eye-opening story evolves with plenty of lessons for other families struggling with mental illness.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I have read "Broken Glass" and found it extremely good.
I notice one of your reviewers calls it a novel. I can understand that
because it reads like a novel, a real page-turner. But it really is
not fiction but what the author says, a heartfelt account of a
father's relations with his daughter. Being a parent to a beautiful daughter, this book makes me realize that I should always support my daughter as Dr Hine always did.
I assume Dr Hine is right in saying everything is told as it was.
I have friends who can be called mentally ill, and reading
this book has helped me enormously in my feelings toward them.
Dr Hine is thoughtful, kind, and generous, and he understands and
explains all the paraphernalia of the mental health world. I completely agree with the W. Los Angeles reviewer, this book should be a must for people majoring in Health and Human Studies. A high recommend.

Dr Hine thanks for the beautiful, very descriptive and magic way of your writing, I also enjoyed your "Second Sight" book very much (a must) !!
I guess I'm an avid fun !!

This helpful book is aimed at parents who struggle everyday with their mentally ill children. The author, Robert Hine, not only helps the reader understand mental illness in children, but also provides the tools and resources to help assist parents deal with such a challenge. Parents play an important role in the first line offense of mental illness in children. In being able to identify the early warning symptoms, it is the author's hope that we can reduce the stigma and improve the quality of life for such children.

This book should definitely be a required text for those majoring in Health and Human Studies. It is also a great resource for practicing mental health services providers such as, social workers, psychologists, nurses, etc. Needless to say, law enforcement officers and law practitioners are not immune to the type of problems parents and mental health providers encounter because they also assist individuals with severe mental and emotional problems.

The focus of the book is on communication and patience and its approach is humanitarian, emphasizing empathy in dealing with the child welfare system and the juvenile justice system, as well as practical in suggesting guideliness for dealing with specific situations. Elene is among the few fortunate children whose parents never give up on them and support them in all aspects trying to figure out what's in their children's best interest. Broken Glass is the type of book you will want to read to the end. It is a remarkable story about Mr. and Mrs. Hine's strength and determination to travel in any direction on any road at any given time, just so that they could provide their daughter with the tools to achieve self sufficiency.

Dr. Hine, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story of heartache and triumph. Your unbreakable spirit shines throughout this book.

"Disabled and Challenged" is a well-written personal account of Terry's successful struggle with a severe disability. As Terry and Dr. Cohen so aptly put it, Terry is a person with a disability, not a disabled person. Terry's medical problems do not define "who he is", but rather, Terry defines who he is by how he deals with his disabilites and, like all of us, seeks fulfillment and happiness in life. A great read, I couldn't put it down.
Gerald M. Groe, Ph.D.

This is one of the greatest resources regarding MMD that we have found so far. Hearing Terry's challenges and his positive attitude about the cards he has been dealt have been a great inspiration to myself and my son, who also has MMD. Terry's positive attitude and ability to always find the good in every situation really encourages my son, and would appeal to anyone with any type of disability. We would be interested in any future books the author may write as well. This book is very easy to read and understand as well. We have read it many times.

This book brings courage, heart and wisdom to living with disabilities and challenge' and reminds everyone to do so with their own lives. Terry shares his story, his thinking, and feelings profoundly and so offers a real perspective on what impacts disabilities may have. And his strategies, realistic thinking, and commitment to live his dream are inspiring. A great collaboration of father and son.

I am a kid living with a disability. I am learning how to deal with it. This book showed me that when I am tired, it is ok to stop and rest.

As a teacher and a tutor of challenged students, I feel as if many of my questions have been answered. I have always made an effort to walk in the footsteps of my students ,and the Cohen Family has invited me to do so in DISABLED & CHALLENGED .I applaud you for your sincere honesty in sharing the rewards and challenges of your lives. I highly recommend this deep and heartfelt book .It is a gift to be shared among all .My sincere thanks and hopes that one day we will meet . YOU Terry Cohen, use your abilities to the fullest . One day ,I will shake your hand !
Sincerely, Judie Curry

I got this book for my daughter and she loves it. She is constantly reading it and learning from it. She just wished it was about a girl!

A wonderful resource to have as part of your professional library when working with children.

I have my own "don't give up kid", and he loves to pull this book out sometimes at night and we read it AGAIN ! Since he is the one that requests to read it, I know that it must be hitting home for him and helping him to feel good about himself. I have purchased a copy for the teacher's library at our school. A must have for a LD child's home library.

Awsome book!!! Not only is it a great motivation book for students with learning disabilties but it is also a great book to teach adults and children about Learning disabilities. I myself grew up with a learning disability now persuing a carrer to be a teacher. Many people have the wrong idea about LD and I feel this book says it all. People think that LD students lack Knowledge. LD Students dont Lack Knowlage as pointed out in the book as well but Ld students lack SKILL!!!!!! Skill can be acquired and then knowledge can be learned. Or you can develop other skills to gain the knowledge needed as a supplement for the skill missing. LD Students can do anything they put their minds to!!!! Don't give up was always my motto and to ingnore nunsence people as well with negitive stigmas or stero types for LD People. The ingnorance that people have about LD is what makes LD people feel so insecure because society lacks information about LD. I tend to use this book to teach all my classes about LD. This book is great for all student Ld or not. Society needs to be informed to prevent society from provoking negitivity or wrong statistics on to LD students. People with LD dont succeed when they believe in all that society has provoked on to us. I belive in ingoring those that dont know and keep going. I am smart!!! I can do it!!!! and this book brings that out in people just like me!!!!! AWSOME BOOK!!!!

I notice that some reviews refer to ADD and some refer to LD. The author writes of learning differences which could apply to children with different problems. I really like the way she writes. It is warm and from the heart. It helps put labels aside and look at the child and what the child can do. Another book that does that is Whoa Wiggle-worm which addresses name calling (by adults and children), helping others, understanding and self-conrol.

After my 8 year old granddaughter was diagnosed with Dyslexia, we have researched and read as much as possible on the subject. This book opened our eyes to understanding dyslexia. We learned what to expect from teachers, administrators, and tutors as well as how she processes information in her ability to learn and communicate. Our granddaughter has experienced frustration and low self esteem issues that go along with this learning disability and this book gave us more insight as how to deal with all the issues surrounding dyslexia better than other books we had reviewed.

There was nothing in this book that I
wasn't satisfied with. Your book is wonderful! I really mean that.
It was very informative,insightful,helpful,and most of all - it
helped me easily identify with it. After all, I am Dyslexic. I have
always been Dyslexic,and I will always will be Dyslexic. I felt like
I was reading all about myself in your book. I am glad that you
pointed out that Dyslexics can be able to sound out words and spell
well but they often have problems with nonsense words and also
comprehension. I also liked that you mentioned the possibility that
Dyslexic symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis of disorders like ADD. I
don't even know if I have inattentive type ADHD that I was diagnosed
last year at the age of 32 years old. My Dyslexic symptoms can
easily can account for the inattentive type ADHD. I have been paying
more attention to how I write. I noticed that when I was beginning
to write the word, diaphragm, I wrote a b instead of a d. I have
read ground as brounds and an as no. It's like my Dyslexia hasn't
really gone away.


I took the Nelson Denny reading test when I got assessed for
learning disability. I scored 49th percentile on the reading
comprehension, but there were things on that test that I have read
about in the past. There were things on Carl Jung and Homer. Carl
Jung's psychology is something that really interests me. He believed
in the metaphysical and was seen as a mystic. I knew about Homer. I
read the Iliad as a kid. I loved reading about the Trojan War. I
just loved mythology because it was great for my unharnessed
imagination which you noted in people labeled ADD. I was like the
posterboy for ADD. If there were no things on that test that I never
read before, I would have scored well below the 30th percentile,and
I would have qualified as having a reading disorder. I was never
given a nonsense word reading test which is used to measure decoding
ability and diagose Dyslexia. The psychologist told me that I didn't
have Dyslexia. I had most of the symptoms of Dyslexia as a child.
Maybe I did have problems with reversing letters as a child. It's
hard for me to remember. 3 years of special education could have
helped correct my Dyslexia.



I really enjoyed reading your book. You've helped me realize that I
am Dyslexic. There is no doubt in my mind that I am Dyslexic. I know
that my children will be Dyslexic if their mother happens to be
Dyslexic like me. I will do whatever I can to get their Dyslexia
treated. They will be given the help,tools,love,and care to help
them succeed in life. I feel that this was something that I never
really had when I was a child. I blame nobody for that. I was held
back a year because of immaturity which you noted could happen to
kids with Dyslexia. I did feel more stupid because of that. My
mother didn't know anybody. She didn't know that I was Dyslexic. She
even called me "retard" when I was in 1st grade. Later on, she told
me that I was lazy and irresponsible when I was in mainstream
education. The fact is that she never went to high school. She had
many of the symptoms of Dyslexia. If she had known about her
Dyslexia,then she would have understood me much better. She would
have understood my father who also had symptoms of Dyslexia.


Thank you very much for this book. It was the book that I needed the
most. It was more effective than any self help book. I have been
involved in psychotherapy,and it did nothing for me. It didn't
address my Dyslexic symptoms. They didn't know that I am Dyslexic
neither did I. It was a social worker who mentioned Dyslexia when I
talked about being in special ed for speech problems. That was in
1997. Learning about Dyslexia and Dyspraxia has helped me understand
that I am not retarded,stupid,lazy,nor crazy. I will keep this in
mind when my children has the same problems as me. After all, I will
easily understand them because I have been through it too. Your book
will always help me understand that.



Sincerely,

Raymond Andrews

Abigail Marshall clearly and concisely guides parents through the LD maze. This book addresses all aspects of dyslexia, the various methods for teaching dyslexics...how and why they work, or don't...All the things a parent wished their IEP team had told them, but didn't.

For any parent reeling from a meeting with educators, this is a must read!

The Gift of Dyslexia The Gift of Learning

I love this book!!! I have a dyslexic child and a home library of books the haved helped me along the way. I found this book later in my plight and could have saved alot of money if I had it first. It is informative, easy to read, helpful, and hopeful with real world suggestions. Definitely a keeper. I still refer to it when I get frustrated. It is a book I use to talk with my child about her problems. Yes there are other books with great suggestions but this is the best starter out there!!!

This book outlines valuable information that I have not found in other L.D. handbooks (such as the advantages of Omega 3 fish supplements in your child's diet), yet it's a quick read. If one is to buy only one book on L.D./dyslexia, buy this book.

Wonderful book stuffed full of easy and practical advice. I couldn't put it down. It's fun writing style makes turning each page a treat in itself. It's obvious why this book won the 06 ASA Literary Work of the Year. It's a gem! ENJOY!! Joanna Keating-Velasco, Author, A Is for Autism, F Is for Friend.

Quit reading these reviews and get this book! Every parent or professional who advocates for individuals on the autism spectrum needs to read, underline, and share this book with someone else. Parents will realize they are not alone in their feelings and experiences and professionals will gain much needed insight into the lives of the families who sit with them in IEP meetings and parent-teacher conferences.
I can't say enough good things about the practical advice in Ms. Sakai's book. For example, her chapter on tools for building a relationship with the school is priceless.
"Finding Our Way" is a unique resource that earns a spot on the "must have" list of books about Asperger Syndrome.

It takes a wise person to see the good news in the great struggles of living and Kristi Sakai has done it. Without offering any pat answers or any new "isms" she is able to show families with children with Asperger Syndrome what it means to not only survive but thrive. There is nothing in this book but good news and authentic observations. Obviously adept in the clinical and psychological issues affecting persons with AS, Mrs. Sakai takes you into her home and her heart and wants you to know that there is genuine hope and real help for you. Get it while you can. It's going fast, folks!

This is an excellent teaching tool for families with children who have Asperger's Syndrome. Kristi Sakai, the mother of three children with Asperger's provides excellent tips; explanations and vivid vignettes describing spectrum behavior. The book also includes funny little drawings that are clear and direct and people on the spectrum should have no difficulty decoding their expressions. I love this book!

Kristi Sakai was blessed with the gift of humor. Humor is one impetus that keeps this book rolling. I love her quick quips for judgmental comments people endure when their child is suffering during a meltdown or having trouble navigating on social territory. This book really is a Godsend!

One part that made me laugh was when Sakai wrote about a boy who disliked baths because of sensory issues and provided very real, very legitimate reasons for why he resisted enduring them. I also like the way she provided an alternative approach to ensure his cooperation during an unpleasant activity. The part that had me laughing was when she said her daughter Kaede, upon being needled about not liking to have her hair washed, said she didn't have to suffer that unpleasant activity - she poured the shampoo down the sink! (Sounds like the kind of thing I would have done - only I poured shampoo in the toilet at that age or in the tub and said it was bubble bath). In all honesty, hair washing is about the least favorite activity of many, myself included.

Regardless of where on the spectrum you are, on or off or someone directly involved with people who do have Asperger's, you will get a lot of mileage out of this book and will often turn to it. It is one of the best teaching guides I have ever come across.

This is a must read for anyone who loves or cares for a child with asperger syndrome, be they parent, teacher, paraprofessional, babysitter, grandparent, Sunday School teacher or doctor. Written by one who has been down in the trenches and knows, this book is packed full of logical, doable and compassionate systems which parents can easily master in order to facilitate a more enjoyable existence for the whole family. You will feel like you have a found a new friend as you laugh at her poignant insights and find comfort in the shared experiences of aspergers. Evaluators and doctors would do well to hand this one out to parents of newly diagnosed children to serve as a soft cushion to ease the fall from what can be a devastating diagnosis. Ms. Sakai is a true friend who will help light a path to a way through what can be a dark time and find solace on the other side. Bravo!

If you like to read about how people change from being snotty, to actually helping someone, this is the book for you. There are just so many great things about this book, that it's hard to decide where to start. Gordy has trouble fitting in at his wealthy grandmother's house, until he meets the boy next door. The boy next door has strict limitations, and is in a wheelchair. Gordy thinks that the boy's mother is babying him, and when he tries to do something, he just makes it worse. His VERY abusive father ends up coming back later in the story, so read the book if you want to know more. This is definitly a must read!!!

If you liked Stepping on the Cracks, this is the book for you!! When Gordy's family moves in with his Grandmother, Gordy acts tough, but when he meets William, things start to unwind and Gordy realizes that it's time to change his attitude!! This is a great book for all ages because it teaches you something!! A MUST READER!!

This book was awesome. It was set in the time of World War two
and the details of this book grabs you into the story, and you dont want to put it down. It gives the mind to think of the other people in the world who do get abused like the family in this book. It also gives a bit of history about the president Roosevelt and how the war began/ended. This book is a must read book to anyone who come across it.

This book was very great! I loved it! Most of the book was sad, but the ending was enjoyable! Thank you for writing such a wonderful book!

Gordy was in 6th gradewhen he moved away from Colledge Hill.He moved because his father went to jail for beating him.so,they moved away from Colledge Hill.They moved to Grandville to live with their Grandma.At Grandma's Gordy learns how to be nice.I liked it,i think you will to. Following My Own Footsteps reminds me of Tallahasee Higgens,another book M.D.Hahns.The likeness is they both move to reletives.I give it 4 stars(on a scale of 1-5)There's alot of cussing.

I saw it because a fellow asl student had it the pictures are amazing i loved the book

I purchased this book for my six year old granddaughter because she has been showing an interest in sign. It is one of the most beautifully illustrated books I have seen and the picture associated with each letter is something she can identify with.

Laura Rankin's The Handmade Alphabet portrays the letters of the alphabet along with their manual alphabet counterparts in American Sign Language. Each letter receives one page on which the uppercase letter appears in a black, serif font in the upper-left corner of the page and is accompanied by a realistic illustration of a hand demonstrating the manual alphabet of American Sign Language as well as an object cleverly representing the letter. "G" is demonstrated by a gloved hand; "K" is demonstrated by a baby's hand holding a key ring; "X" shows an x-ray of the hand demonstrating the sign. The illustrations of the hands are done in softly luminous colored pencil on charcoal paper, with exquisite detail. The hands are of different races, sexes, and ages. This book focuses solely on letters, but does offer a key that lists the words for the objects portrayed with each letter. Of course this book will be useful for deaf children or children with deaf parents or friends who are learning the alphabet, but may be useful for other children as well to drive home the concept of abstract symbol systems and the different ways sounds and meaning can be represented.

I found this book in our school library and was stunned by the artwork. I work in a school where the deaf children are mainstreamed into the school. Sign language books are always checked out! This is a big hit with the young students. I give the author an A+ for an excellent book!

The beautiful illustrations - simple yet exquisite, worthy of framing. I first framed some of the pictures and presented them as gifts to some young deaf children with self esteem problems, but it was when I taught hearing adults and did the same thing that I really saw the great impact her illustrations had. It then became a "work of art"