"Mailbox", Primary, Oct/Nov 1995

Amazing book for children who are kinetic learners. This book follows the alphabet from a-z however from the perspective of hand signs using the format of American Sign Language. Each page is filled with illustrations that include the letter, an animal associated with the letter and the hand sign for that letter. This is also a great way to introduce a new form of communication to children as well.

This clever and unusual book is both a simple alphabet book for very young children and an introduction to American Sign Language for readers of all ages. The easy to follow format presents 26 full color illustrations, each revealing not only one, but sometimes two or three animals that begin with a particular letter. An inset picture of a human hand showing the sign for that same letter also appears on each page. In addition, a glossary highlights the animals from A to Z, and an afterword provides important information on sign language (including both its origin and how it can be used) that parents and teachers will want to share with children. One of only a few books that teaches children how to sign, "Handsigns" is a colorful way to learn the alphabet while learning about fascinating animals. ( )

I'd love to teach my students how to sign the alphabet. They could present their knowledge to the whole school during one of our "share and learn" assemblies! ( )

This clever and unusual book is both a simple alphabet book for very young children and an introduction to American Sign Language for readers of all ages.