Wear a Silly Hat

January 1, 2010
PreS-Gr 2-Each of these books features a silly story with one related sign highlighted on each spread. "Famous Fenton" follows the pattern of "Old MacDonald" to introduce signs for farm animals. The text is lively, and Bauer's colorful illustrations crackle with cartoony energy. Unfortunately, using that style for the pictures of the signs themselves renders them unclear to anyone unfamiliar with them. "Nest" uses a cumulative structure to introduce signs as a chicken's nest receives a stream of visitors. "Silly Hat" matches different articles of clothing with appropriate hats ("If your dress is frilly, wear a royal hat."). Each book contains a glossary of signs including illustrations and descriptions of how to produce the signs, as well as "Fun Facts about ASL," and "Signing Activities." The signs themselves are well chosen for the target audience, and the structure of the stories provides a great way to introduce and reinforce basic ASL vocabulary for hearing children. These books are useful supplements as long as readers learn the actual signs from a clearer source."Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD"

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