Resources

A Girl Called Ananya. Author: Karen Hardwicke Photographs: Pranali Patil Published: 2021

Summary: This book follows Ananya who is deaf and aims to show that is not all she is. It helps children understand using cochlear implants and shows an example of what it can be like to be deaf.

Ada and the Helpers. Author: Travis D. Peterson Illustrator: Melissa Fischer Published 2022

Summary: This story is about Ada, the fox who is deaf and wears hearing aids. Ada loves music and to dance. She is encouraged by her parents to enter a local talent competition. On her way she meets a series of new friends who she helps, they accompany her to the competition and then help her. The story includes fingerspelling of words but not the full signs. The characters in the story use speech.

Can Bears Ski? Author: Raymond Antrobus (deaf author) Illustrator: Polly Dunbar Published: 2020

Summary: Can Bears Ski tells the story of a young bear who is deaf, the story focusses on this bears experience of struggling to hear. Dad Bear takes the young Bear to audiology where he gets hearing aids and the story follows his experience of wearing them. This book shows how the young bear feels sound, his experience of isolation and some of the social challenges he faces. This story does not include British Sign Language though there is a fingerspelling guide at the end.

Come Over to my House. Authors: Eliza Hull (disabled author) and Sally Rippin Illustrator: Daniel Gray-Barnett Published: 2022

Summary: In this book the reader meets different families with varying different disabilities, one of the families has a deaf parent and the reader sees different adaptations such as flashing doorbells and British Sign Language examples. This is an inclusive and diverse picture book.

Dad and Me in the Morning. Author: Patricia Lakin Illustrator: Robert G. Steele Published: 1994

Dad and me in the morning follows a father and son’s early morning adventure to see the sunrise. The son (who narrates the story and is nameless is deaf) they communicate through lip reading, speech and sign language. The key part is their ability to communicate silently which enables them to have this secret morning adventure. It’s a lovely story of a father and son. The illustrations are beautiful in watercolour. The text mentions all communication but signing is not explicit in the illustrations.

Daisy and Ted’s Awesome Adventures. Author and illustrator: Alex Naidoo Published: 2016

Summary: This is a story about new friends. Daisy moves next door to Ted and they build a friendship based on various adventures. Daisy is deaf and wears hearing aids, on one of her adventures she uses British Sign Language but she also speaks. This book also includes deaf awareness tips in a fun and imaginative way. 

Dachy’s Deaf. Author and illustrator: Jack Hughes Published 2013

Summary: Dachy is a deaf dinosaur who wears hearing aids. He is overwhelmed by the noise and chatter of this friends, while he goes off alone, he falls into a river and is at risk of being eaten by a crocodile. His friends help to rescue him. The characters all use speech, and this story does not include British Sign Language.

Elephant and the lost blanket. Author and illustrator: Alex Naidoo Published: 2018

Summary: A book for younger children, this is a simple story of Elephant who loses her blanket. With the help of her friends, she searches for the lost blanket. This book shows Elephant wearing her hearing aids and her friend Tiger has cochlear implants. The characters all use speech, and this story does not include British Sign Language. There is a link at the end of the book to the NDCS website which has a BSL video of key words from the story.  

Fairy Magic. Author: Cerrie Burnell (disabled author) Illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson Published 2017

Summary: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Isabelle who is deaf and wears a hearing band, she uses speech and there is a minor reference to communication using your hands. Isabelle’s deafness allows her to communicate with the fairies of the forest and she learns about other animals that use other senses to interpret sounds. Her family don’t initially believe in fairies or her story, but eventually come round. This book includes examples of feeling and seeing sound. This story does not include British Sign Language.

Freddie and the Fairy. Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Karen George Published: 2010

Summary: This is a story of deaf awareness, the fairy is deaf and Freddie mumbles which means the fairy makes mistakes with his wishes. The Fairy Queen arrives and teaches Freddie some deaf awareness techniques to ensure that the communication between him and the fairy improves. This book does not include British Sign Language.

Goat goes to Playgroup. Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt Published: 2013

Summary: This is a colourful and helpful story to prepare children for attending playgroup or nursery. There is a monkey character who wears hearing aids but is not a main character. This story does not include British Sign Language.

I’m Deaf and that’s Okay. Author: Emily Bisby (deaf author) Illustrators: Reka Kadar and Joey Wall Published: 2021

Summary: This story reflects Emily’s lived experience, Timmy is going into year 2 at primary school, he wears hearing aids and his classmates make fun of him and do not want to play with him. He creates a presentation for show and tell explaining his deafness, his hearing aids and his ability to lipread. This book does not contain British Sign Language.

Jack Signs! Author: Karen Hardwicke (Mother to a deaf child and a Teacher of the Deaf) Illustrator: Amanda Walker Published: 2022

Summary: This story follows mum and Jack as they start to learn British Sign Language together. The story depicts Jack as a challenging young boy due to his communication difficulties. He wears hearing aids, is learning to hear and has not developed speech. This book is probably more relatable to parents than engaging for a child. This book does contain British Sign Language and has supporting videos to learn signs and see the whole story in BSL. There is also an ASL option.

Jack Signs Colours! Author: Karen Hardwicke (Mother to a deaf child and a Teacher of the Deaf) Illustrator: Amanda Walker Published: 2024

Summary: Jack, Caitlin and their mum spend a rainy-day learning the colours in British Sign Language and finding matching objects. The book references sign language but no examples are given in the illustrations, and a glossary is not included. To learn the BSL signs for colours you need to access the BSL videos on the Avid Language website. There are many regional signs for different colours and these videos may not match your area.

Jack Signs Farm Animals! Author: Karen Hardwicke (Mother to a deaf child and a Teacher of the Deaf) Illustrator: Amanda Walker Published: 2024

Summary: Jack, Caitlin and their mum have a day out at the farm and learn British Sign Language signs for a selection of farm animals. The book references sign language but no examples are given in the illustrations, and a glossary is not included. To learn the BSL signs for colours you need to access the BSL videos on the Avid Language website.

Jake and Jasmine to the Rescue. Author: Karen Harlow Illustrator: Sandra Aguilar Published: 2017

Summary: Jake and Jasmine attend a school for superheroes. Jake is deaf, wears cochlear implants and can use British Sign Language. The school’s pet tortoise is missing and Jake and Jasmine set out on an adventure to find him. This story includes deaf awareness and British Sign Language.

Jasper’s Tale. Author Karen Hardwicke Illustrator: Nicholas Child Published: 2022

Summary: Jasper is a deaf puppy dog who wears hearing aids. He does not like wearing his hearing aids, however, on one occasion when he chooses not to wear them, it results in him a dangerous situation on the road and his mum is there to save him. This story aims to prompt hearing aid use. It does not include British Sign Language.

Jazz and Pop’s Adventure. Author: Tarnelia Matthews Illustrator: Lucy Rogers (deaf illustrator) Published: 2022

Summary: This is a school reader book with information about phonics and reading skills at the start. The story focuses on Pop, a hearing dog, who supports Jazz, who is deaf, and wears hearing aids. Jazz uses British Sign Language to communicate in the story which is shown in the illustrations. The start of the book explains Pop’s job as a hearing dog, and then there is an adventure in the park where Pop goes missing.

Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion Author: Shannon Stocker (disabled author) Illustrator: Devon Holzwarth Published: 2022

Summary: This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the autobiographical story of Evelyn Glennie, from her childhood in rural Aberdeenshire, her love of music, her gradual hearing loss in childhood and her ambition to play and make music. The story shows how Evelyn learnt to feel the music and listen in a different way, this comes through the text and illustrations. This story does not include British Sign Language.

Listening to the Quiet. Author: Cassir Silva Illustrator: Frances Ives Published: 2023

Summary: This is the story of a young girl, Jacki whose mother is losing her hearing. Jacki tries to understand and process this while learning new ways to listen. Jacki and her mum use British Sign Language in the story and there are examples in the illustrations. This story features ways of feeling sound and promotes inclusion and understanding.

Little Beauty. Author and Illustrator: Anthony Browne Published: 2009

Summary: This is story is based on Koko the Gorilla who learnt sign language and adopted a cat. This story is one of an unlikely friendship and the lengths they go to in order to stay together. This book references sign language and includes one illustration of American Sign Language.

Moonbird. Author: Joyce Dunbar (deaf author) Illustrator: Jane Ray Published: 2006

Summary: In a faraway Kingdom, a deaf Prince is born. His parents grieve at this situation especially when no cure can be found. Orla, the Prince, then follows the Moonbird on an adventure where animals talk with their hands and teach him to do the same. He returns to his family proud and excited to share his new skills, the Moonbird helps his parents to learn to sign too. This book references sign language but does not include examples of British Sign Language.

Proud to be Deaf. Author: Ava Lilli (deaf child author) and Nick Beese Illustrator: Romina Marti Photographer: James Jordan Published: 2017

Summary: This is a factual book about Ava and her family. Ava introduces the reader to British Sign Language, to her Deaf heroes, about different hearing equipment, and her daily life. This story includes examples of British Sign Language in the photos and illustrations.

Ranvir Cannot Hear. Author: Genevieve Yusuf Illustrator: Shermain Philip Published: 2017

Summary: Ranvir the elephant is deaf and sets off on an adventure to find his hearing. Along the way he meets various characters who are all different in unique ways. Together they help Ranvir accept who he is. This story does not include British Sign Language but does have both a BSL and ASL fingerspelling chart at the end.

Sammy and his Super Ears. Author: Kay Hoffman Brocato Illustrator: Cameron Wilson Published: 2019

Summary: Sammy is a sea turtle who wears cochlear implants and is bullied by the other sea creature children. Sammy is repeatedly bullied and at his mother’s encouragement stands up to the bullies and becomes their friend. This book is self-published and the author is American. This book does not include any sign language.

The Amazing History of the Deaf Academy. Author: Created by the Paddleboat Theatre and the Deaf Academy Illustrator: Lucy Rogers (deaf illustrator) Published: 2022

Summary: Learn all about the history of the Deaf Academy in Devon. This book shows the history of the school and of Deaf history more generally, covering key events like the Milan Conference in 1880, the legal recognition of BSL, the closures of Deaf schools and the Where’s the Interpreter campaign during the Covid 19 pandemic. The book includes illustrations of British Sign Language and has a freely accessible BSL version.

The Half Deaf Chef. Author and illustrator: Christopher Rose Published: 2021

Summary: This is a self-published story about a deaf chef, Gordy, who through miscommunication makes a series of mistakes. Gordy makes himself a badge identifying himself as hard of hearing which helps his co-workers adapt to ensure they communicate more effectively with him.

The Hospital Dog. Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie Published: 2020

Summary: Dot is a special dog who is trained to visit children in the children’s ward at hospital. The story follows Dot meeting various children, one of whom is deaf, Joe. Joe, his mum, Dot and her owner leave the hospital at the same time. Joe sees a friend across the road and goes to say hello, Dot watches and saves him from being hit by a car, but Dot is hit and breaks her leg. Dot cannot visit the hospital so the children visit Dot instead. This story references sign language but does not include visual examples.

The Quest for the Cockle Implant. Author: Maya Wasserman (deaf child author) Illustrator: Lucy Rogers (deaf illustrator) Published: 2020

Summary: Coral and Angel are mermaids, Angel wears cochlear implants (or cockle implants). Angel loses one of her cockle implants, so Angel, Coral and merboy Finn, go on an adventure to find it. They meet the scary Merkitty who is also deaf. There are examples of British Sign Language in the illustrations and it is used as a communication method in the story. There is a paid BSL version of this story on the ITV Signed Stories App.

The Moonlight Zoo. Author: Maudie Powell-Tuck Illustrator: Karl James Mountford Published: 2020

Summary: Eva goes to bed, upset because her cat, Luna has not come home. Hearing something under her bed, she enters the Moonlight Zoo, guided by a friendly wolf they go looking for Luna. It is a beautifully illustrated book with cut out which help lead the reader from one page to the next. The story does not reference deafness or sign language but Eva wears hearing aids which are shown throughout the story. This story does not include British Sign Language.

The Visible Sounds. Author: Yin Jianling Illustrator: Yu Rong Translator: Filip Selucky Published: 2021

Summary: This story is inspired by the true story of Tai Lihua, a deaf dancer from China. This story was originally written in Chinese and has been translated into English. MiLi loses her hearing at 2 years old, her parents take her to see doctors to no avail. MiLi learns to feel and see sounds, developing her skills as a dancer. This story contains stunning illustrations. There are illustrated references to fingerspelling with fingerspelling handshapes from British, American and Chinese Sign Language included.

What the Jackdaw Saw Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt Published: 2015

Summary: A friendly Jackdaw tries to invite various animal friends to his party. They all use British Sign Language to warn him of an oncoming storm but he does not understand and flies into the storm. He meets a wise Owl who teaches him to sign and he then invites everyone to his party again. This is a fun story reversing the situation of that the non-signer is struggling to understand. This book contains British Sign Language and examples at the end. There is a full BSL version available for free on YouTube.  

Zip and the Rainy Day. Author and illustrator: Signature Published: 2013

This is one book in the series of 12 designed to help children learn British Sign Language

Summary: Zip and his friends are aliens who visit Earth and learn about different things, in this story the focus is weather. Zip and his friends have fun playing hide and seek as the weather changes. This story includes a BSL fingerspelling chart at the start, BSL signs of key weather words in the illustrations and a glossary at the end.

Future Girl by Asphyxia (2020) Published by Allan and Unwin

Piper is 16 and living in a near future Melbourne, we follow her story through her art journal which is feast of words and illustrations. Piper is deaf and we follow her story as she develops her Deaf identity as she meets Marley a CODA and his Deaf mother.

The backdrop of the story is a realistically dystopian future where food and fuel are scarce. Piper’s interests, curiosity, intelligence and willingness to try new things and develop her skills means we watch as she becomes an independent, determined, activist, not only growing personally but influencing her friends and neighbours.

Through this Asphyxia manages to naturally weave in the challenges, barriers and discrimination that Piper faces as a deaf young adult. She also allows the readers understanding to grow alongside Piper’s who explores her oral upbringing as she begins to be embrace and be embraced by the Deaf community.

Beautifully written and illustrated, a great read for both young adults and adults alike. Asphyxia is an Australian Deaf author and Auslan user.

True Biz by Sara Novic (2022)

The story follows Charlie, in a coming of age narrative which is not only a natural teen to young adult story but also Charlie’s enlightening as she starts to learn American sign language (ASL) and board at a Deaf school. The narrative switches between key characters but Charlie is the main protagonist. The story explores various family challenges including divorce, caring for elderly parents, relationships and friendships. The book also explores issues facing the Deaf community in terms of school closures, discrimination and the use of cochlear implants.

Charlie’s experience as a deaf child brought up oral and then finding and immersing herself in the Deaf community and interest in activism is a beautifully and engaging coming of age story. It highlights the challenges and positives that deafness can bring but that being deaf does not constitute an identity, with all the characters being rounded, interesting, intelligent, curious with their own talents and interests.  

Sarah Novic is an American writer, translator and Professor. She is Deaf and an ASL user.

El Deafo by Cece Bell (2014)

El Deafo is a graphic novel which is a memoir of Cece’s own childhood experiences of growing up as a deaf child. The story follows Cece experience of meningitis and her deafness. Her family then moves and she has to start a new school. The story is humorous, sad and educational using both the words and illustrations to tell the story. Cece is an oral deaf child and the story focuses on this experience of being in an oral school reliant on hearing equipment.

Ultimately it is a story of understanding who you are and one of friendship. It is a well written graphic novel that will be engaging for younger teen readers. This was published in 2014 so can now seem dated in parts. Cece Bell is an American deaf author.

Talk Talk by T. C. Boyle (2006)

The novel is a crime mystery story based in America. The main character is Dana Halter, a deaf ASL user. After accidentally running a red light Dana is arrested and eventually discovers that there are numerous warrants for her arrest, which is turns out to be from her identity being stolen. Dana and her hearing partner, Bridger then embark on an adventure to find the true perpetrator and prove her innocence.

The book is an enjoyable, fast paced read. It offers an insight into the American criminal system and also explores the way that Dana experiences and navigates the world as a deaf person. There is a focus on the American focus.

The Shape of Sound by Fiona Murphy (2021)

Fiona Murphy’s memoir explores her experience and relationship to sound. Growing up in a hearing family  and how her parents supported her to speak, lip read and use her residual hearing to assimilate into the hearing world. Fiona writing demonstrates the embodied experience of experiencing sound, how she experiences the world, the joy and pleasures as well as the challenges and barriers. Fiona shares her experiences vividly and takes the reader on her journey to developing a deeper understanding of her deafness, what it can mean to be deaf, her assimilation into the Australian Deaf community and experience of learning Auslan. This is an insightful book, which places the reader in her shoes and well worth a read, while it is not necessarily reflective of the British experience there are distinct parallels which will be helpful to many parents of deaf children or anyone wanting to learn more about the experience of being deaf.

The Quiet Ear. An Investigation of Missing Sound by Raymond Antrobus (2025)

Raymond Antrobus brings his poetic and lyrical style to his narrative writing which makes the narrative flow and wash around you as you read. Antrobus shares his experiences as a child growing up in the 1990s as a mixed race, deaf child. He has a challenging home life which adds to the complexity of his experiences. Antrobus is thoughtful, reflective and brings his childhood experiences and adult reflections together to understand his early years with more clarity and context.

Signed Stories in BSL

There are 15 seasons of Signed Stories available on Amazon Prime Video but they are not included in Prime and need to be purchased, one episode costs between 99p and £1.89 and a season cost between £5.99 to £24.49. Contain ranges from nursery rhymes to stories.

StorySign

This is an app available on Android and Apple created by Ardman Productions. They have created an 3d avatar who signs the story in your phone while you read the physical book. However, the stories available appear to be limited to Spot the Dog and Max the Brave

Leanne Signed Stories

This is a YouTube channel created by Leanne a Teacher of the Deaf who started creating contain during the Covid 19 pandemic. There are a wide range of freely available signed stories.

Sign BSL

Weblink: https://www.signbsl.com/

Sign BSL is available as an app on Android and Apple and an online site. The site and app have a searchable library of videos showing you the BSL sign for the word. There are often multiple signs to reflect regional variation, and the multiple meanings of many words. Sign BSL is a free app.

Spread the Sign

Weblink: https://spreadthesign.com/en.gb/search/

Spread the Sign is available as an app on Android and Apple and an online site. The site and apps have a searchable library of videos showing you the for the sign. Spread the Sign has BSL and a wide variety of other Signed Languages. Spread the Sign is a free app but does have paid for content.

National Children’s Deaf Society

Weblink: https://www.ndcs.org.uk/

NDCS are a leading charity supporting deaf children and their families. Their website outlines all the support available both nationally and locally. They offer professional advice and support, local peer support groups, youth activities and opportunities.

Royal National Institute for the Deaf

Weblink: https://rnid.org.uk/

RNID is a national charity working to support anyone who is deaf. RNID offer advice and support. They can direct you to locally available services.

British Deaf Association

Weblink: https://bda.org.uk/

The BDA are a Deaf-led membership organisation and exist to ensure a world in which the language, culture, community, diversity and heritage of Deaf people in the UK is respected and fully protected.

BSL Alliance

Weblink: https://bslalliance.org.uk/

The BSL Alliance are an organisation membership organisation. They advocate on behalf of the deaf community on deaf issues. They also have a helpful list of membership organisations on their website.

Regional support

There are a variety of smaller local charities which can be found online. Your local authority or Teacher of the Deaf should also be able to signpost you to the local supports.

Sign Language and Deaf Studies at Heriot Watt University
Weblink: https://signs.hw.ac.uk/

SIGNS@HW is a group of researchers who focus on sign language studies and Deaf Studies. We are situated in the Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies, Heriot-Watt University. SIGNS@HWU was established as a cluster of the Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies in Scotland, to profile the world-leading interdisciplinary research being conducted at Heriot-Watt University.
 
The range of research interests and expertise include sign linguistics, language policy, sign language interpreting, translation, developing deaf identities, deaf representation in media,  deaf history and heritage, deaf geographies, ethnography, language ideologies, multilingualism, brokering and mediation, film and TV. Our combined (current and recent) sites of in-depth research projects include the UK, Australia, the US, Indonesia, Kenya, India, Belgium, and Denmark.

The READY Study at the University of Manchester.
Weblink: https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/thereadystudy/

READY stands for Recording Emerging Adulthood in Deaf Youth. This is a research study following over 500 young deaf people from a wide variety of backgrounds living in England, Scotland or Wales. Aged at least 16 at the point they join the study, they will be contacted each year for five years.

The results will help us to understand better how to support young deaf people to achieve their goals on their way to becoming independent adults.

There are yearly reports which show interesting insights into the lives of young deaf people in the UK.

The educational outcomes of deaf children in England from Education Policy Institute
Weblink: https://epi.org.uk/publications-and-research/the-educational-outcomes-of-deaf-children-in-england/

EPI’s report into the attainment of deaf children in England reveals considerable attainment gaps facing deaf children during their time in education. To counter this, the report recommends enhanced funding and support for deaf pupils, as well as those with other special needs, alongside a broader strategy to tackle child poverty.

National Deaf Children’s Society
Weblink: https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/professionals/research-and-data/

NDCS also has good links on their website about relevant research relating to the experiences of deaf children and their families.