Showing posts with label children's books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children's books. Show all posts

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Pick a Book Day at #OurAuthorGang

Pick a book
Pick a comfortable place, read and enjoy
Play with us:
At the end of the post, a short excerpt is posted. Guess which book it is from, add your guess in comment and win the eBook.

Romantic, historical fiction, magical realism series from:
Erika M Szabo
The Ancestors' Secrets Series:
EBOOKS ON AMAZON:
A young doctor, Ilona, is thrust from her easy and steady life and forced to face the unknown. She must uncover ancient tribal secrets but doesn't know about her heritage besides legends and rituals concealed as nursery rhymes by her mother. In her quest to protect her family and the future of her people, she obtains unimaginable abilities. She can use her powers for absolute good or absolute evil; the choice is up to her. Ilona’s birthright as a Healer runs alongside her desires as a woman. She must sort through her feelings about the men in her life. Travel with Ilona from the time her people were nomads, to the castles of the 14th century, to present day, as she struggles to overcome the obstacles placed in her path.
“This is so different from the usual fare churned out by ordinary writers.” -Valerie Byron
“The characters felt real, and the secrets are alluring. You will get hooked in right away.” -Brenda Barry
“Szabo introduces readers to a fascinating world of ancient rights conducted by a secret order.” -J.E. Rogers 
~
Educational Children's Book series from:
Toi Thomas
The ToiBox of Words @ https://etoithomas.com
Needs and Wants Duet #1
PAPERBACK AND EBOOKS 

Daddy, I need a new game.

Mommy, I don’t want to eat my veggies.

Sometimes kids have trouble understanding what they need. It can be difficult for children to grasp the concept of how true needs and wants relate to them. That’s why I’ve written my Needs and Wants duet, to help little minds grab onto their true needs and wants.

Meant for educational purposes, but still an enjoyable light and colorful read, Chip and Skip Need Each Other, explains the importance of having what you need. It follows Chip and Skip around their neighborhood, with all its diversity. You may also want to check out, What Does Joe Need?, to learn how needs and wants can be similar, but not the same.
~
Epic Fantasy from:

Rich Feitelberg
http://feitelberg.net


Twenty-five years ago, invaders captured Andropolis, the capital of Thalacia, and ended the rule of King Leonard. According to prophecy, the invaders can be ousted and the royal line restored only by wielding the Aglaril, seven elven gems of unprecedented power. 

However, the circlet in which the gems were set was destroyed millennia ago and the gems lost. At least, that was the common belief. Evan Pierce, a priest of St. Michael, discovers one of the gems belongs to the town jeweler. He also uncovers a plot to steal the gem and does what he can to keep it safe. But it is not enough. 

Now, Evan must recover the gem by relying on a motley group of adventurers for help. Together, they must overcome a series of obstacles or humanity's one hope for restoring the royal line will be lost forever.

One reviewer said: Possibly one of the best books I have read so far this year and the best fantasy I have read in a while. This book read surprisingly quick, it is easily appropriated for younger readers even early teens but it still very much so appeals to adults. There was not a lot of detailed world building that you normally expect, it just naturally flows and you learn as you read but do not feel lost at any point. There are a wide variety of characters, each with their own clear back story. There are several storylines going on at once but they mesh so well you do not feel you need to keep track of them. This was a very well written fantasy novel and now I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!


Available at Amazon and fine bestseller worldwide.
~

Historical Fantasy from

Mary Anne Yarde

Website


A generation after Arthur Pendragon ruled, Briton lies fragmented into warring kingdoms and principalities.

Eighteen-year-old Alden du Lac ruled the tiny kingdom of Cerniw. Now he half-hangs from a wooden pole, his back lashed into a mass of bloody welts exposed to the cold of a cruel winter night. He's to be executed come daybreak–should he survive that long.

When Alden notices the shadowy figure approaching, he assumes death has come to end his pain. Instead, the daughter of his enemy, Cerdic of Wessex, frees and hides him, her motives unclear.

Annis has loved Alden since his ill-fated marriage to her Saxon cousin–a marriage that ended in blood and guilt–and she would give anything to protect him. Annis' rescue of Alden traps them between a brutal Saxon king and Alden's remaining allies. Meanwhile, unkown forces are carefully manipulating the ruin of Arthur's legacy.
Amazon

Self-help book from
Grace Augustine

Ever wonder what having an autoimmune disease is like? In this little book, the author explores the world of Multiple Sclerosis. It is a concise clinical explanation of the disease as well as the author's own personal journey.
"When someone tells me that they have an illness, I am always empathetic, even though occasionally I don't understand it. I now understand what Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is as it is explained in terms that is easy to understand within this book. I love that Ms. Augustine has shared her own personal journey with her daily struggle but has continued to persevere and not give up like a lot of individuals would probably do, including myself. This book should be in every doctor's office as a go-to guide if a patient is ever diagnosed with having MS and should also be in every neurosurgeon's waiting room. Very awesome informative book!" ~Jennifer Bryan Yarbrough.

Dystopian adventure from

Nicola McDonagh



Whisper Gatherers Book 1 in The Song of Forgetfulness sci-fi/dystopian series
Fear stalks Cityplace – they’re coming!

“If you like action, and science fiction then you’ll appreciate one of the first books EVER that gives you high powered adrenalin with chilling revelations of utter suspense!”

The future is a dangerous place. Rising oceans and disease have wiped out most animal and human life. Those who are left are scattered, scared and hungry.

Now, starving Renegades are gathering, ready to storm the last haven in NotSoGreatBritAlbion. Whispers of a saviour have brought them to the perimeter fences. They want Adara Catcher of Birds.

17-year-old orphan, Adara, isn’t like the other girlygigs in Cityplace. She has six fingers on each hand and a power she is forbidden to use. When her brother, Deogol, is lured away from his home by a dark stranger, Agros send in troops to lay waste to the capital. Adara must choose between saving her brother or joining her Santy Breanna to defend the once peaceful metropolis from a vicious and deadly force.

“The dystopian world is fully imagined and a treat for any fantasy reader seeking proper escapism. The characters are lovely, with a gutsy heroine to get behind, but for me what really stands out is the dialogue and language, which sets this series apart. Think 'Lord of the Flies' meets the wild children in 'Beyond Thunderdome' and you're somewhere close. It's fascinating to come across the phrases and words that are disjointed from our own yet not entirely different; chinese whispers from our language passed on through the years and slowly changing as they are passed from ear to ear.

The story is fast paced and hits the ground running from the moment the sinister Praisebees enter the fray, and the tempo doesn't let up. A pleasure to read, I look forward to more in this series and from this visionary author.”

Heroic fantasy from
Joe Bonadonna

MAD SHADOWS II: DORGO THE DOWSER AND THE ORDER OF THE SERPENT is my fourth published novel. It's another Heroic Fantasy with a film noir twist, featuring more magic, murder, mystery, monsters and mayhem, all brought to you courtesy of Dorgo the Dowser. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Nook editions. (This volume includes the revised and expanded version of "The Book of Echoes," which first appeared in the Kindle anthology, Azieran Adventures Presents Artifacts and Relics: Extreme Sword and Sorcery, published by Heathen Oracle.) 


Gardening from
 Ruth de Jauregui


50 Fabulous Tomatoes for Your Garden was inspired by my mother, who jumped out of her truck and went over to look at the black tomatoes I was growing in my little container garden. She was fascinated by the 'Indigo Rose' tomatoes. From there, I gathered information on favorite heirloom and hybrid varieties, seed and plant sources, pictures and more. As a garden writer, I know that tomatoes are American gardener's favorite fruit for home gardens. The ebook was designed to show off 50 favorites in full color.


Guess which book the following snippet is from, add your guess in comment and if you're correct, you win the eBook:

I had a strange, but beautiful dream. I was standing by a bush that spread a delicious fragrance from its white, waxy flowers. There was a hint of sweetness, and it was a little spicy but clean and refreshing. It made my senses shiver as it washed over me like gentle ripples on the surface of a tranquil lake. Before me, lay an ocean of tall, green grass swaying gently in the cool breeze as far as I could see. The sea of grass was colored with flowers in bright yellows and brilliant reds, dark violets and light blue, and in all shapes and sizes. I fought the urge to run into the field and gather a rainbow of colors and scents into my arms, but I felt something nudging me to glance up. My eyes swept over the rolling sea of grass, and on the horizon, I noticed the misty outline of a row of mountains. A figure caught my eye, barely visible; it was backlit by the first glimmer of dawn hinted from behind it. As it moved, I saw a black mare walking in the tall grass with liquid, graceful movements. She was so beautiful; the sight of her left me breathless, and although she was far away I could see her very clearly. She had a shiny coat, and her face was chiseled, yet soft and symmetrical. The horse whinnied and started galloping towards me, looking at me with deep, liquid eyes. I felt as if she was looking into my soul, making an ancient connection. I saw a white crescent-shaped patch in the middle of her forehead, and her strong muscles vibrated in harmony under her skin as she galloped closer and closer. Her long mane swayed to her left knee, and her long tail just barely touched the grass.

The beautiful images from my dream shimmered and evaporated away as rapidly as it had appeared. I woke. Still feverish, I licked my dry lips and released a low moan as I turned over in my bed. My body ached all over. I threw the covers off. Elza’s muffled voice came near but sounded as if it were under water.
“Here, love, drink this,” she said, and I felt a cup touch my lips. I drank the cool liquid and slumped back onto the pillow. Elza placed a wet towel on me, and the coolness on my forehead was comforting. Gypsy’s raspy tongue on my hand was the last thing I had remembered before I drifted back to sleep and back to my beautiful dream.



Thursday, October 12, 2017

New Release The Power of the Sapphire Wand #OurAuthorGang

Creepy Hollow Adventures
For kids 8-17


Golden Book Award Winner, spooky and funny heroic fantasy adventure series for middle-grade children and young adults. 
“Szabo and Bonadonna’s story crackles with action and excitement. Their storytelling moves with the speed of lightning, but never lets the reader get lost. The atmosphere is just spooky enough to be fun but never enough to be too scary.” 

EBOOK:
PRINT:









EBOOK:
PRINT:


“I was instantly swept up into an adventure of limitless possibilities. Though written for children, I as an adult felt drawn into a mystical place where anything can happen—where children can be mighty warriors, and battle the forces of evil.” ~Lee Porche

The perfect Trick or Treat gift for kids 8-17


Book 1, Three Ghosts in a Black Pumpkin

Golden Book Award Winner, spooky and funny heroic fantasy adventure for middle-grade children and young adults.
Nikki and her impish cousin, Jack, find a mysterious black pumpkin in the forest on Halloween. A wise talking skeleton, Wishbone, tells them that the ghosts of the Trinity of Wishmothers are trapped inside the pumpkin and can’t be freed without their wands.  The children offer their help, so the skeleton takes them on a journey to the world of Creepy Hollow to retrieve the three wands he hid long ago in Red Crow Forest, the Tower of Shadows, and the Cave of Spooks. Ghoulina, the beautiful vegetarian ghoul, and Catman, who was once a man, join them on their quest. They must face danger and conquer evil every step of the way as they search for the Wands before the wicked Hobgoblin and his henchman, a Tasmanian Devil, can get their hands on them. This is a fun, humorous and touching story for kids, with plenty of character interaction woven into a backdrop of scary danger, heroic action and lessons to be learned.

Book 2, The Power of the Sapphire Wand

Nikki and Jack return to Creepy Hollow in this new, action-packed fantasy adventure for middle-grade children and young adults.
On her 13th birthday, Nikki discovers she has magical powers. During a surprise attack by the giant Mutanto, his henchmen Howler and a gang of Werewolves, Wishbone, Ghoulina and Catman arrive to save the kids and tell them about Evila the Grim Witch’s plans to conquer Creepy Hollow. Nikki also learns the truth about what happened to her parents twelve years ago. She and Jack go back to Creepy Hollow with their friends to help them defeat Evila. Jack discovers he can talk to animals when they meet a herd of Wild Horses and he becomes friends with Champ, the clumsy young colt, and Sparky, the orphaned dragon.
Together, Nikki and Jack conquer their fears and gain courage, and in the final battle against Evila and her minions they grow into the warriors they were destined to become.
The authors
 






Joe Bonadonna 
Erika M Szabo

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Happy Birthday To Me! #OurAuthorGang

It's My Birthday


I'm not a fan of huge birthday parties and getting presents make me kind of uncomfortable.
When my friends ask me what I would like for my birthday, holidays, or other occasions, I tell them to buy one of my books for themselves, or if they read my books already, for their friends and family members.
Having my books read and enjoyed by children and adults is the best present for me.

I'm not too lucky with birthday cakes.

My 6th birthday was memorable. Mom baked a beautiful cake and dad carried it to the table. Well, he tried... The fancy paper under the cake slipped on the tray and the cake flew across the room as he scrambled to catch it. Mom saved some of the cake but I never got to blow out the candles because there was a very icy atmosphere in the house for days. 

One year when my coworkers surprised me with a cake but put a candle on it that shoots out flame and sparkles. I lost an eyebrow, lashes, and half my bangs because I didn't know I wasn't supposed to blow it out.

Another time I did CPR on a patient with chocolate icing on my face and scrubs because an overzealous coworker pushed my face into the cake. Of course, the code was called 2 seconds later and I had no time to clean up.

I just hope this year I'm not getting a cake from these guys LOL




Oh, yes, this post is going to be a shameless promo as it's expected from a writer. It's my Birthday after all, so I'm allowed to brag a little about my books. Right?

Let me brag about a few of my books that I'm very proud of: 

The Ancestors' Secrets Series: romantic fantasy, magical realism, historical fiction
Amazon eBook:
Amazon print:
B&N:
Universal link:
Amazon eBook:
Amazon print:
B&N:
Universal link:
Romance novella
Amazon:
B&N:
Universal link:
Bilingual children's book for ages 4-12
Amazon print:
Universal link:
Children's book for ages 4-12
Amazon eBook:
Amazon print:
B&N:
Universal link:
Children's book for ages 4-12
Amazon eBook:
Amazon print:
B&N:
Universal link:


If you'd like to see all my published books, click on this link:


Thank you for your interest and support!

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

On a Dare She Wrote: Erika M Szabo #OurAuthorGang

We invited authors, aspiring authors, and poets to be our guest on the Author Gang's blog.

Author Erika M Szabo submitted her story and chose this picture to match.

Erika's story will be featured in the Golden Box Books Publishing's Readers' Magazine.

TIME AND TIME AGAIN


Searing pain squeezed my chest as I struggled to breathe. Let it be over, I begged silently. I'm so tired. My wish was finally granted and I was floating over my withered, old body.

The pain was gone and I was finally free. My earthly feelings of jealousy, hate, pity, entitledness and vanity peeled off and left only acceptance, serenity and love behind.

The tranquil feeling enveloped me as if I was wrapped in a comforting blanket. Basking in the brilliant white light I floated up in the familiar, wide tunnel. My memories slowly surfaced and by the time I reached the end of the long tunnel and floated into the beautiful gathering place, I remembered every single lifetime I lived.

"Welcome home Tiana," the familiar, soft voice in my head greeted me with my real name that was given to me so long ago. A large group souls surrounded and greeted me with loving embrace. Their gentle touch gave me pure joy. I saw my parents from many lifetimes along with my children, relatives, and friends.

"Finally you’re home," came the thought of my soulmate from the crowd. The souls parted to make way for him. "I’ve been waiting for you for so long."

"I missed you so much, Joland," I projected my thoughts. "I couldn’t find you and I was so lonely without you."

"My last lifetime was too short, only fifteen earthly years," he sent me his loving thoughts and longing vibes. "I love you so much! Come, I have so many memories to share with you."

We floated toward our beautiful, comfortable home that we shared while we both waited to be reborn again.

Finally, after spending a long life without him, we had a chance again to embrace in the purest form of lovemaking. We held each other in silence for a long time, floating in the warm light and enjoying our reunion.

"How was your life, my love? Would you show me?" Joland asked.

"It was too long," I showed him a mental picture of my last life.

My short childhood years were uneventful, so I started with my wedding day that was a sad occasion because my parents married me off young. I didn't love my husband but I learned to respect him over the years. We struggled and he worked very hard to provide for our growing family. He died in the war and I was left alone to raise ten children. Sadly, after all that struggle and hard time, I outlived them all and I died alone in a nursing home.

"Sorry, love. My last, short life wasn't happy either," Joland replied sadly.

He showed me a mental picture of a young boy who was abused by his brother from the time he turned nine, until his fifteenth birthday when he gathered the courage and strength and stabbed his brother to death. His father was heartbroken over the death of his favorite first born and shot Joland in the head, killing him.

We recalled happier lives for a while and then a group of souls we've connected with through so many lifetimes and resting periods, came over to visit us.

"How was your life since I’ve seen you?" I asked Kira, who was a cook in King Tut's court when I was a dressmaker.  

Kira replied, "I haven’t been sent back for a long time, but I didn’t tell you about the last one. Although I was born to a rich family and had a chance to travel a lot and study, I kept bumping into brick walls in the men's world. I found out a lot about how the human body works and learned herbal medicine from healers but I was not allowed to enter medical school because I was a woman."

She showed us a mental picture of her travels in many European countries when she visited healers, shamans, and medicine women.

Then she continued with a bitter tone of her voice, "I became a midwife but when the doctors who believed in bloodletting as the only form of medicine found out that I've been using herbs to heal people, they declared me incompetent and locked me up in a mental asylum where I died years later."
"So sorry, Kira," I tried to console my friend.

“It’s okay but under different circumstances, I could have earned my permanent stay. Well, maybe next time. Oh, I hope you don’t mind me inviting Sandor,” she pointed toward soul floating alone by the window.

“Of course I don’t mind. Who’s he?”

“He’s been a permanent for a long time but he’s kind of a loner and doesn’t make friends easily. You see, all his lifetimes, that happened to be war-times every time, he was destined to be the underdog, sickly and weak. He couldn’t fight but in his last lifetime he wrote a poem that moved an entire nation which led them to victory.”

“Wow! I never knew writing a poem would be enough to earn someone a permanent stay,” I mused and then spotted my dear friend in the crowd. “Have you met Gertrude?” I asked Kira.

“No, but I see she’s a permanent. How did she earn it?”

“She invented the first antiretroviral drug to treat AIDS. I wish I could achieve something similar in my next life.”

“Yes, me too,” Kira projected her words.

We mingled, socialized, enjoyed each other’s company and learned from each other’s earthly experiences. Later we played our favorite games, listened to music and went to see a play.

Although we don't measure time in our resting periods, this time Joland and I had a longer than usual time together. We spent the time enjoying the pure happiness that only soulmates have a chance to experience.

"I hope in our next earthly lives we could be together in body and soul." he wished.

"I hope we will be born at least on the same continent so we could have a chance to meet,” I replied. “But, let's not waste time worrying. Let's enjoy what we have."

We did for a long time but then the voice came, "Tiana, Joland, it's time for both of you to go."
"Can we stay for just a little bit longer?" I begged.

"No, you know the rule," the stern voice replied. "Both of you must keep going back until you achieve something in one of your lifetimes that helps to move humanity forward. You must do something that people find worthy to remember your name for. Then you can reunite and stay together for eternity."

I embraced Joland and he sent me his thoughts and his feelings of pure love, "Until we meet again."

We floated away from each other dragged by a force we couldn't fight. Suddenly, I found myself struggling to push my way through a dark, narrow, and very tight tunnel. I pleaded silently, please, let us both find our purpose in life this time.

As I wiggled my small body free and struggled to take my first breath, I tried to hold onto my memories but everything faded away. Cell memories surfaced and I remembered only sounds and the comfortable feeling of floating in warm liquid. I heard familiar, loving voices and the calming, rhythmical lub-dub sound as I was laid on a warm and soft surface and felt the reassuring vibes of love radiating toward me. I'm not alone. Everything will be alright.



I became an avid reader at a very early age, thanks to my dad who introduced me to many great books. I write alternate history, romantic fantasy, magical realism novels as well as fun, educational, and bilingual books for children ages 4-12 about acceptance, friendship, family, and moral values such as accepting people with disabilities, dealing with bullies, and not judging others before getting to know them. I also like to encourage children to use their imagination and daydream about fantasy worlds.

Read about Erika in her author magazine


Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Talking Fingers #OurAuthorGang



Look, I Can Talk With My Fingers!


When I was a young child we were having a family dinner in a restaurant. I remember watching a couple at the next table and I was mesmerized by what they were doing. They smiled at each other, their facial expression changed rapidly as they moved their lips but they didn't make any sound. They moved their hands and fingers as if they were doing a well-choreographed dance.

My mother touched my arm and whispered to me, "You know it's rude to stare at people, right?"

"What are they doing?" I whispered back.

"They're talking to each other."

"No, mom," I argued. "They're not saying anything."

"They're deaf," mom explained. "They can't hear, so they're talking to each other with sign language."

"Why can't they hear?"

"Some deaf people are born that way and others get sick and lose their hearing."

"Why can't the doctor fix it?"

"Well, some people are not completely deaf and they can use a hearing aid, but others can't be fixed so they learn sign language to talk to each other."

I will never forget the mixed feelings that swirled in my mind and I kept asking my parents about what deafness might feel like. When we got home mom handed me two cotton balls and said, "Put these in your ears if you want to find out what it feels like."

I did and it scared me that all I could hear was my heartbeat in my head. I saw my dog moving his mouth but I couldn't hear his voice. My cat swatted at him with mouth wide open but I couldn't hear her angry hiss. It felt awful, I felt alone in the silent world and removed the cotton balls quickly.

My parents always said, "You don't know what other people are going through until you walk in their shoes, so when I was older, I wanted to "walk in a deaf person's shoes" and decided to live in silence for an entire day.

I put swimmer's earplug in my ears that blocked even the loudest sounds. It felt awful not to hear the everyday sounds that I always took for granted. After about an hour I started to feel a little claustrophobic as well and I couldn't keep the plugs in for more than a couple of hours.

These experiences inspired my first children's book. The story is about a compassionate and clever little girl who found the way to communicate with her hearing impaired grandmother.


Click on this link to read a few pages from the book:
http://online.flipbuilder.com/qvwg/mceq/

Find this book in your favorite store:
https://books2read.com/u/4jKZP2

Order a signed paperback in my BOOKSTORE




This book is also published in Spanish, click to read pages from the book

Find this book in your favorite store:

Order a signed paperback in my BOOKSTORE




One of my friends purchased the book for her niece and she sent me a picture of her husband and his friend. Watch the short video with a heartwarming message.

The history of sign language

I've found this very informative website about the history of sign language. It's so sad how badly deaf people were treated before it was understood what being deaf means.

"Early in human history, humans used simple sign language to express basic ideas. Even when vocal communication became the mainstream form of interaction, people would still use hand and facial gestures to enhance ideas in communication. When people were found to be deaf in ancient times, they were often persecuted and mistreated; therefore, deaf people were not given the chance to work on creating a language. This lasted until the 1500's Pedro Ponce de Leon, a Benedictine monk, created his own form of sign language to bypass his "vow of silence". This form of sign language may have been then taught to deaf children later on. In 1620, Juan Pablo Bonet wrote a sign language dictionary that outlined how to learn sign language and contained the first sign language alphabet. His sign language alphabet later influenced deaf communication when the first schools for the deaf were opened. In addition, Martha's Vineyard was an area that was settled by about 200 immigrants who carried dominant and recessive genes for deafness, so the inhabitants came up with their own kind of sign language and taught their descendants how to learn sign language."

If interested, read more on this website:

Sometimes we need a reminder to enjoy more that we can see, hear, smell, touch and move freely without restrictions and limitations. It makes us understand a little better what others, who can't enjoy this freedom, must go through.

How did it make you feel when you met the first deaf person?

COMMENTS

Erika M Szabo via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
A nice post about sign language
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Cristina Grau via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
A nice informative article about sign language.
 
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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on A Small Gang of Authors, author, illustrator and publishing consultant Erika M. Szabo talks about very special subject: "signing," and how she came to write her children's book, "Look, I Can Talk With My Fingers."
https://asmallgangofauthors.blogspot.com/2017/06/talking-fingers-ourauthorgang.html
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A wonderful written article. When I was younger a classmate of mine taught me how to sign the alphabet. I later learned a cousin in the family was deaf, which I honestly never knew because she had learned how to talk similarly to Helen Keller.
 
Thank you Mackenzie! A lot of deaf people read lips and learn to talk very clearly. I met a young woman and I thought she spoke with a nice accent, but when I started talking and she watched my lips instead of making eye contact. That's when I realized that she was deaf.
 
Hearing impairment can come in many forms. I known of one girl who wasn't actually deaf, she could hear perfectly, but she suffered with Auditory Processing Disorder. Something between her hear and what her brain processed wasn't working and language came to her as a gibberish. she was in the regular school up until grade 7 or so, but she relayed too much on sign language that they had to put her into a special school to learn how to read lips and pick up on other non-verbal cues. With the Cochlear implants less hearing impaired people relay on sing language. I'm glad you put yourself or at least tired, in those shoes. I suffer from Tinnitus in my right ear and all I hear is humming all the time in that ear, but if the music is louder than the low hum, I can hear it just fine. It's a blessing in disguise because if there is any kind of noise I turn on my good ear and I block the sounds and can go to sleep. Doesn't work on my husband's snoring though.
Read more
 
There are so many types of hearing impairment, the link I added is a great website to find information. Sorry you suffer with tinnitus and it's great that you can look at it on the bright sire :) My father snored, and when I was a young kid, I could hear him from two doors down behind closed doors. Now I know he must have had sleep apnea, but he was never diagnosed.
 
Fantastic post, Erika. Very insightful and a wonderful concept for a book. In the UK there is a BBC children's program called 'Something Special', which teaches basic sign language to children under 7.
 
Thank you Mary Anne! That's a wonderful program! Maybe there is one in the US too, I don't watch TV often
 
Wonderful concept that combines compassionate understanding with a commercial, niche-market practical function. Kudos for this creation, with a special thumbs-up for seeing and filling an overlooked literary need at the kid-lit level.
 
Thank you Ted! Although this book is not about popular topic for children such as princesses and pirates, hopefully the story will deliver the message to be compassionate to others.
 
Very heart-warming indeed, Erika! Sign language was something I never learned. I grew up with a deaf kid, whose name was also Joey. He could read lips better than I can hear! "Look, I can Talk with My Fingers" is a very special book, and much-street cred to you for writing it.
 
Thank you Joe! Joey was lucky and sounds like he grew up with kids who accepted his disability. Unfortunately a lot of children have to face isolation and even ridicule. Hopefully, children who read my book will have better understanding of hearing impairment and accept others who happened to be deaf.
 
Very nice informative post.
 
Thank you Cristina!

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