Dancing Hands – Chronicle Books
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Dancing Hands

A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language
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Joanna Que ; Charina Marquez ; Fran Alvarez ; Karen Llagas
Read the world to change the world with this artful picture book about friendship and sign language, originally published in the Philippines in concert with nonprofit Room to Read, and artfully revised for this global edition.Our new neighbors' ha...
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★ “This beautifully uncomplicated tale of friendship with positive disability representation is an excellent choice for story times and a first purchase for picture book collections.”

School Library Journal, Starred Review 

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Read the world to change the world with this artful picture book about friendship and sign language, originally published in the Philippines in concert with nonprofit Room to Read, and artfully revised for this global edition.
Our new neighbors' hands are dancing. Their hands move as if to music. What are they saying to each other?

Sam's new neighbors' hands make graceful movements she doesn't recognize. She watches through the window and wonders what those dancing hands and expressive faces are saying. Soon Sam meets her new neighbor, Mai. As they get closer, Mai teaches Sam some Filipino sign language, and they share with one another their passions and dreams. They both discover the joys of making a new friend, a best friend.

This sweet and perceptive picture book by author Joanna Que and Charina Marquez tells the story of two girls, one who speaks Filipino sign language and one who doesn't, learning to communicate with one another. With playful illustrations by Fran Alvarez that celebrate the beautiful movements of sign language, this sweet picture book conveys the shy and fumbling experience of making a friend, learning to overcome language barriers, and embracing the differences that make each friendship unique.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Size: 8 x 11 V
Age Range: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: 07/18/2023
ISBN: 9781797213323
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Activity Kit

Joanna Que was inspired to write Dancing Hands after being invited to join a writing workshop with Room to Read, a global nonprofit, and Adarna House, a prominent Filipino publisher. She finds sign language beautiful and wants to spark more conversations about the importance of inclusion. Apart from writing, Joanna finds joy in making things with her hands and spending time in nature. She lives with her dog and cat friends in Manila, Philippines.
 
Charina Marquez is a baker, researcher, sign language instructor, and deaf rights advocate. Born deaf, she loves languages and communicates using sign language and written English and Tagalog. She holds a degree in Visual Communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman, and worked as an animator, art restorer, and graphic designer before opening Silent Baker Charina, her very own cake and pastry business. She lives in Quezon City, Philippines, where she also enjoys skating and surfing. 

Fran Alvarez is an illustrator and graphic designer who does a special happy dance whenever merienda time comes. She was invited to join Room to Read's illustrators' workshop where she created the art for Dancing Hands. She is a member of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK), a Filipino association of artists committed to the creation and promotion of illustrations for children. These days she is mostly inspired by nature, pop culture, childhood memories, and day-to-day life. When she is not at her desk, her cat Chimken is. She lives in Rizal, Philippines.

“A gentle and charming introduction to Filipino Sign Language.” — Kirkus Reviews  

★ “This beautifully uncomplicated tale of friendship with positive disability representation is an excellent choice for story times and a first purchase for picture book collections.” 

School Library Journal, Starred Review 

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