Nate is learning that he can do a lot with his hands. He can clap, write, paint, high-five, drive, scoop, tie, peel, wipe, pat, stir, scrub, shush, and wave. Nate can also sign! Little hands are helpful indeed!
In this tender book for toddlers, each page shows Nate signing the corresponding ASL sign for all of the different actions. By combining gestures, words, and signs, "Helpful Little Hands" promotes speech and language development for children with and without hearing loss. It shows a hard-of-hearing child communicating with signs and engaging independently in play and daily activities. Developed in consultation with an American Sign Language Interpreter and Teacher of the Deaf, this book is a gentle introduction to sign language and an applause-worthy celebration of all the amazing things that helpful little hands can do!
Important Note: We have two separate versions available of this book - one which illustrates ASL signs, the other which illustrates BSL signs - so please be sure to order the right version for you!
If you have a soft spot for Nate, don't miss him in the award-winning book for reluctant sleepers, "I've Never Sawn That Before!", another successful collaboration between author Kristin Blakely and Illustrator, Julia Galotta.
Kristin Blakely is a Toronto-based author with a PhD in Sociology and Gender & Women's Studies who loves (in no particular order) writing children's books, her fantastic family and friends, Popsicles and popcorn and peanut butter (but not at the same time), her goofy Bernedoodle, and working to make the world a more equal, just, and sustainable place for us all. Before writing for children, Kristin taught in the university sector and has held many leadership positions as a gender scholar and advocate.As a hearing aid user herself, Kristin has first-hand experience with hearing, speech, and language development challenges, both personally and as a parent. She wholeheartedly supports the AVID Language mission to foster compassion, acceptance, and inclusion with stories that normalize our diverse hearing and language journeys.
Julia Galotta is a Calgary-based illustrator and graduate of Sheridan College's Bachelor of Illustration program. She is drawn (pardon the pun) to bright colours, fun textures, and bold shapes. Julia has a soft spot for animals and our vast, beautiful natural world. When Julia isn't illustrating, she can be found crocheting a sweater and listening to a podcast while waiting for her sourdough to rise. She never forgets to take her dog on a walk - no matter the weather!
