Simple Signs

Children's Literature - Deborah Zink Roffino

Going beyond the alphabet, this picture book offers common phrases and essential signs from American Sign Language.

Children's Literature - Mary Clayton Rowen

This book contains a picture, diagram and simple hint for each of the 28 word-signs presented. Each is an example of American Sign Language (ASL). It presents a great way to communicate; one that takes advantage of a child's natural tendency to gesture and mimic. The signs introduce youngsters to silent communication, which is an essential, and sometimes the only means of communication for certain people. There is an author's note that explains the relevance of ASL in her life.

School Library Journal

PreS-This slight volume introduces a few basic words as expressed in American Sign Language. Each page is devoted to a single word or concept, e.g., ``hello,'' ``cat,'' and ``happy.'' A pen-and-ink diagram of the ASL gesture or sign appears beside a full-color watercolor illustration of the object or emotion being described. While this title is both attractive and straightforward, much of the same vocabulary is covered in Pamela Baker's My First Book of Sign (Kendall Green, 1986), which is more comprehensive. Also, it lacks the whimsical appeal of more specialized sign language picture books such as Remy Charlip and Mary Beth Miller's ``Handtalk'' books (Four Winds) or Laura Rankin's Handmade Alphabet (Dial, 1991). Libraries will be better served buying other titles that teach readers more sign language or those that take a more innovative approach to presenting this fascinating form of communication.-Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA