Horn Book Review
Each book focuses on a theme and uses a mostly rhyming verse to highlight one or more signs per spread. Despite the somewhat bland text, the childlike, cheerful art (including a small demo diagram) and familiar themes (e.g., the alphabet, Halloween, and counting) will make this series welcome in classrooms looking to explore American Sign Language. Reading list. Glos. [Review covers these Story Time with Signs & Rhymes titles: A to Z Sign with Me: Sign Language for the Alphabet, Four Seasons! Five Senses! Sign Language for the Seasons and the Senses, Hip, Hip, Hooray! It's Family Day!: Sign Language for the Senses, and One Trick for One Treat: Sign Language for Numbers.] (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
This title in the Story Time with Signs & Rhymes series introduces family-themed vocabulary in American Sign Language alongside a story written in English. On the opening spread, the text on the left-hand page reads, Mommy loves to dance with me. Whirly, twirly, spin!, while the right-hand side boasts an inset line illustration of a mother, palm open, thumb touching her chin the sign for mommy. This same pattern continues throughout, introducing daddy, sister, puppy, and other members of a monkey child's family. Some of the inset illustrations are easier to follow than others, but a concluding American Sign Language glossary helpfully describes the proper hand motions. The naive-style art is uncluttered and keeps the focus squarely on signing. A preface to the text offers Alphabet Handshapes, which illustrate the finger-spelling signs for each letter of the English alphabet. In addition to the glossary, the extensive back matter includes Fun Facts about ASL, Signing Activities (comprised of two games), and additional resources. A simple, clear introduction to key ASL vocab for nonhearing and hearing alike.--Kelley, Ann Copyright 2010 Booklist
