Kathleen Fain

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 show more 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. show less

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.

I would not hesitate to classify this book as both an ABC book and an informational one. My daughters and young students love this book, as its simple hand drawings demonstrate how to form each of the sign language letters, along with several animals which also start with that same letter. The glossary of the animals at the back is very helpful in identifying more characteristics of each of the animals as well. This could be used in the classroom if there are students who have a hearing show more disability, or in any classroom where sign language is of interest, with the added bonus of learning about many different animals. show less

It's a very clever idea - every page shows the handsign for the letter, and a picture of an animal. (Sometimes, as with B, we get two animals - bear and bee.) I firmly believe that using signs and the manual alphabet helps to reinforce literacy skills.

But some of the animals are a little obscure - like the nautilus or the urchin - and the names aren't printed on the pages. You have to flip back to the index. That makes reading the book with a young child awkward. Also, I would really have show more liked to have seen - even in the index - a list of signs for the animals themselves. show less