Sound Switch Wonder (Paperback or Softback)

Inspired by the authors’ real lives, this picture book shares what sound means for one young deaf boy as he experiences the world with cochlear implants.

Most people either can or cannot hear sound . . . but some people can do both! Meet a deaf boy with cochlear implants as he moves about his day. Sometimes he prefers not to hear, but when he wants to connect with the hearing world, he puts on his cochlear implants. Can he explain to his hearing parents what the absence of sound is like? Suddenly he has an idea of how to share this part of him with those he loves.

With whimsical, bright illustrations and lyrical words, Sound Switch Wonder is a tender story about sharing and embracing differences.

Dr. Christine Ko is an author, mother, and a Professor of Dermatology and Pathology at Yale University. Her debut children’s book, Sound Switch Wonder, was inspired by her son and was written to include more representation of deaf people in books and the spectrum and range of deafness. Christine lives with husband and their daughter and son in New Haven, Connecticut.

Owen Whang is currently in 8th grade. He has bilateral cochlear implants as he was diagnosed with auditory neuropathy at age two. He has an older sister, and they enjoy spending time together. His favorite class is gym. He enjoys video games, playing sports, and hanging out with friends.

Katie Crumpton is an illustrator for children’s books and consumer products. Born in South Carolina, she started drawing since she could hold a pencil and decided at five years old that she was going to be professional artist someday. As she is deaf and blind on one side, she believes it is important to see deaf representation in children’s books. Katie now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.