Handsigns
A Sign Language Alphabet
By Kathleen Fain
10 x 10 in; 40 pp ; Full Color Throughout, Ages 2-10
Paperback
Published in September, 1995
ISBN 0811811964
ISBN13 9780811811965
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$7.95
Reviews
--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, June 14, 1993
In this unusual abecedary, 26 animal pin-ups on their best, most serene behavior pose for page-size portraits which are then accompanied by insets demonstrating handsigns of the American Manual Alphabet. First-time author Fain's tidy saturated oil pastels, executed with confidence, encourage letter-learning and signing--in tandem. Indeed, parents and teachers may find that the two-way associ-ation of reading and hand gestures boosts a child's memory. Each signing inset is large and clear, easily interpreted and imitated. Two prefaces include information on American Sign Language ("the fourth most-used language in the United States") and a brief history of manual speech (beginning with a 16th-century pioneer); the first also supplies tips for finger spelling, e.g., "Try to keep each letter sign distinct from the others, and slowly mouth the word (not the individual let-ters) as you spell it." A glossary (not seen by PW) will identify and provide facts about each creature, including the three or four not readily recognized. An enjoyable learning tool that will give many beginning readers an immediate sense of accomplishment. All ages.
--KIRKUS REVIEWS, June 15, 1993
To introduce American Sign, "the fourth most-used language in the United States," a simple alphabet, from anteater to zebra, in a generous square format that nicely accommodates appealing, handsomely designed color portraits of the animals--quietly escaping their boundaries into the surrounding white space--plus, on each page, the appropriate letter (cap and l.c.) and a clear depiction of its handsign. The animals' names appear only in a glossary (not seen)--a real necessity for some of the more ambiguous (jack rabbit vuren) or obscure (nautilus) species. Not as imaginative as Laura Rankin's The Handmade Alphabet (1991), but a useful addition to a small field and a fine illustration debut for Fain.
--SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
A full-page painting of one or more animals is used to represent each letter of the alphabet. Upper and lowercase letters are printed on the page, along with an illustration of its sign. An explanation and brief history of American Sign Language (ASL) and a glossary of the creatures are provided. The appealing illustrations are done in soft pastels and include less obvious examples than some ABC books--a nautilus, an urchin, and a xenosaur. It's an attractive enough title and an adequate introduction to the manual alphabet. The book is reminiscent of Laura Rankin's Handmade Alphabet, which cleverly incorporates the hand into its illustrations. An additional purchase on this popular topic.
Author Info
Kathleen Fain is a freelance artist who has worked in a variety of art-related jobs, including designing newpapers, books, and toys. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons. She is also the illustrator of Handsigns: A Sign Language Alphabet, published by Chonicle Books.
Quotes
. . . appealing, handsomely designed color portraits of the animals, plus, on each page, the appropriate letter and a clear depiction of its handsign. Kirkus Reviews
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