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Aug 04, 2014forbesrachel rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A mother and daughter spend the day at the beach. This premise may not sound special, and by itself it would not be, but the author includes several standout aspects that elevate this book to outstanding worth. Upon opening the cover we immediately notice the panels running parallel to the text. Within each is a single word, represented in both writing and sign language. The girl in the story is deaf. Just like how she uses a visual language, the text mimics this by using image-filled descriptions. This absolutely beautiful writing is energetic and fun, just like the child. To accompany this, the artist employs a softly-lined style of brightly-coloured and warmly-painted images that brim over with the love between a mother and daughter. Not once does the story paint the girl as someone to be pitied. Afterall she does not have a disability; this point alone shows the author understands the deaf community. Due to this, Hands and Hearts is not only the perfect picture book for deaf children, but for all kids as well. It teaches that this girl is no different from them, she just speaks a different language. She enjoys the same things, and loves the same way they do, but she expresses it with her hands. Each sign is depicted in a way that children can easily pick it up too. Few titles capture the contents of their books as well as this one.