Helpful Little Hands by Kristin Blakely

A Celebration of Independence, Action, and the Power of Signing

Nate is a busy toddler, and his hands are the stars of the show! From the messy fun of painting and peeling to the focused work of stirring and scrubbing, Nate is discovering just how much he can do on his own. But there is one thing Nate’s hands do that is extra special: they speak!

Helpful Little Hands is a tender, interactive board book that introduces young readers to American Sign Language (ASL) or British Sign Language (BSL). Each page pairs a relatable daily activity—like high-fiving or shushing—with the corresponding sign. It’s a human-centric celebration of independence that normalizes the use of signs alongside speech, making it a vital resource for children with hearing loss and a brilliant language-building tool for those without.

Why this book is helpful:

• Promotes Inclusive Representation: Actively centers a hard-of-hearing character, fostering compassion and normalizing diverse communication journeys.
• Dual-Language Development: By combining words, gestures, and signs, it boosts speech and language milestones for all toddlers.
• Expert-Verified Content: Developed alongside ASL/BSL interpreters and Teachers of the Deaf to ensure technical accuracy.
• Supports Independence: Highlights Nate engaging in daily chores and play, encouraging toddlers to be “helpful” in their own lives.

You might remember Nate from Kristin’s first book, I’ve Never Sawn That Before! (which we absolutely loved). Kristin writes from her own lived experience as a hearing aid wearer and a parent. She isn’t just writing stories; she’s building a world where hard-of-hearing kids can see themselves as the heroes of their own “helpful” adventures.

Sign language is such a powerful tool for reducing toddler frustration before they have the verbal words to express themselves. Whether your child is hard of hearing or not, learning these signs together is a beautiful way to bond.

Note: Make sure you double-check whether you need the ASL or BSL version before ordering to get the right signs for your region!

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