Happy Birthday! A Beginners Book of Signs (Beginner's Book of Signs) : Book Review

"Happy Birthday: A Beginner's Book of Signs" is a delightful children's book written by Angela M. Bednarczyk. In this heartwarming story, young girl Sofia uses sign language to wish her friend a happy birthday. With vibrant illustrations and clear writing, Bednarczyk introduces children to basic sign language while promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity.

The book's simple instructions make it easy for children to learn and follow along. Each sign is explained clearly, allowing children to practice and understand the gestures. Bednarczyk's illustrations bring the characters to life, capturing their emotions and actions in a playful and engaging way.

What sets "Happy Birthday" apart is its focus on inclusivity. The diverse backgrounds of the characters highlight the importance of embracing different cultures and abilities. Bednarczyk's message of acceptance and understanding is a valuable resource for teaching children about diversity.

While the book is educational, it also tells a heartwarming story about friendship and celebrating special occasions. Sofia's determination to learn sign language to communicate with her friend is inspiring and touching. The book emphasizes the power of communication and making others feel valued and included.

Overall, "Happy Birthday: A Beginner's Book of Signs" by Angela M. Bednarczyk is a charming and educational children's book. It teaches basic sign language while promoting diversity and inclusivity through an engaging story and beautiful illustrations. This book is a must-read for parents, teachers, and children who want to learn about sign language and the importance of acceptance and friendship.

What are readers saying?

The book "Happy Birthday: A Beginner's Book of Signs" by Angela M. Bednarczyk has garnered a range of reviews. Its main aim is to introduce young readers to American Sign Language (ASL) signs that are relevant to birthdays and celebrations.

Many reviewers commended the book for its clear and straightforward illustrations, expressing that they greatly aided in the learning and comprehension of the signs. The book's focus specifically on birthdays was seen as beneficial, as it provided a concentrated learning experience. A number of parents and educators found it to be a valuable resource for teaching ASL to children, and they appreciated the inclusion of a glossary at the end of the book.

However, there were also some negative reviews. Certain readers felt that the book lacked depth and desired more signs and information. They found it to be repetitive and thought that a wider range of signs related to celebrations beyond just birthdays should have been included. Others criticized the size of the book, noting that it was too small and made it difficult to discern the illustrations clearly. A few reviewers also believed that the book did not sufficiently depict diversity, as it primarily showcased illustrations of white individuals.

In summary, "Happy Birthday: A Beginner's Book of Signs" received mixed reviews. While some readers appreciated its simplicity and found it beneficial for teaching ASL signs connected to birthdays, others believed that it lacked depth and could have included more signs and information. The book's size and the lack of diversity in its illustrations were also points of criticism.