Jack Signs!: The heart-warming tale of a little boy who is deaf, wears hearing aids and discovers the magic of sign language - based on a true story!

by Karen Hardwicke, Amanda Walker (Illustrator), Tanya Saunders (Editor)

Overview

It's time for Nursery.

NO!

It's time to leave the sticks outside.

NO!

It's time to walk home.

NO!

Meet Jack. A little boy with sparkly blue eyes and two hearing aids. A little boy whose only word is "NO!".

When "No!" is a battle and Mummy is tired and Jack is tired too, what does Mummy try next?

Based on a true story, Jack Signs! follows the journey of a little boy who is deaf, his typically hearing sister and their Mum. When his Mum discovers a book of sign language, their family life is transformed and Jack blossoms with his new-found communication skills.

The book integrates "sign along with me" icons, which prompt children (and their parents) to sign along with Jack as they read the story (British Sign Language - BSL and American Sign Language - ASL).

Jack Signs! is written by Karen Hardwicke, who is the parent of a young deaf adult and has been a Teacher of the Deaf for over ten years.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781913968151
Publisher:	Avid Language
Publication date:	07/28/2022
Pages:	42
Sales rank:	533,419
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.11(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

Karen is a Teacher of the Deaf but if she were a stick of rock, at her centre it would say 'parent'. She is mum to a daughter and two sons; one of whom is deaf. The diagnosis of the latter's deafness changed everything. Initially there was shock and grieving for the future she thought was in store. And the grieving never really went away but remained buried under layers of time and positivity and a determination to make the best of things. The journey was also characterised by trainspotter levels of excitement about language development; in particular, sign language! Sign language was a game changer, transforming her son from a very frustrated little boy who had several tantrums a day to one who could communicate his thoughts and feelings. For sign language, Karen is very grateful. It is said that teachers are frustrated writers and Karen is no different. She began creating stories with deaf characters in 2014, largely for her own entertainment and because writing is cathartic. It is important to her that deaf characters are represented in a positive way and that her stories carry an affirming message for children and their parents.Karen currently works as a Teacher of the Deaf at Laycock Primary School, an incredible provision for deaf children in London. She is passionate about language acquisition and the development of listening skills. She loves using music with deaf children and has a back catalogue of slightly rubbish made-up songs for every occasion. Karen lives in the heart of the Berkshire countryside with her husband, her son and their two chocolate Labradors.

Amanda Walker is an illustrator and artist from Berkshire, UK. As well as illustrating colouring and children's books, she enjoys painting and making quilts - but doesn't like parting with any of them. She has a large collection of paintings and quilts.