Sign Language ABC

Publishers Weekly

In this compact alphabet book and introduction to American Sign Language, Heller, who founded the New York City Baby Fingers sign language program, presents finger spelling as both a useful skill and a fun way to communicate with friends. Small hands, placed within inset circles, model how to spell letters A to Z, appearing alongside friendly cartoon characters that include a mermaid, robot, and whale. A final page includes a chart of all of the signs for quick reference. The inviting images and accessible format make this an encouraging primer on ASL. Ages 4–7. (Mar.)

School Library Journal

Pre S-Gr 1—This basic alphabet book presents the American Sign Language Manual Alphabet. Each letter is accompanied by a simple sentence in English and a picture of an object or activity beginning with that letter. Many of the choices are standard fare ("B is for bird," "X is for xylophone"), but others surprise ("A is for astronaut," "M is for mermaid," "P is for pirate"). Close-up illustrations of hands in a variety of skin tones clearly show the manual letters. The illustrations are bright and have a computer-generated, cartoon feel. The bold style and simple, clean design make this book an ideal way to introduce the ASL alphabet to young children.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Kirkus Reviews

Clean, digital illustrations depict one word for each letter of the alphabet in sign language. For example, "F is for Fish" shows a boy catching a fish: The letter F is at the top of the page, and in a circle underneath is the hand sign with the simple sentence printed across the bottom. Most of the letter choices are common, with a few that are less so: J for Juggle; R for Robot; V for Vegetables; Y for Yo-yo. A one-page pictograph of all of the signs finishes the book. It all seems innocuous enough, but the total de-contextualization of the manual alphabet and sign language in general is breathtakingly irresponsible. The introduction, which is directed to child readers, entices children into the activity by promoting sign-language finger spelling as "your own secret language." "Imagine… spelling something to your brother or sister that your parents don't understand. You can--with sign language!" Nowhere is there a reference to American Sign Language as a major communication system for people who are deaf or any encouragement to use this skill with them. Other books do it better (with sensitivity): Handsigns, by Kathleen Fain (1993), and The Handmade Alphabet, by Laura Rankin (1991). (Picture book. 5-8)