Today's read heads in a direction, which interested me as a child: sign language. Although I never got too far past the usual language basics (asking name, locations, etc), my siblings and I became very good at spelling everything out. Why? (get ready for this because it is SO kid...) So we could talk to each other during church services and other quiet places without anyone complaining. It's not hard to hold a hand down by your knee and sign like crazy. And considering my parents didn't know it... well, you can just imagine how golden that was.
Anyway, this read takes a dive into friendships formed with people who need to use sign language in daily life. I knew a few at school and thought this would open some young readers' eyes and maybe, inspire them to take a peek at this language. If nothing else, I hope it raises awareness.
So, let's open this one up and see what goodness it holds!
SIGN UP FOR ADVENTURE!
The Doodling Duo vs. Spaghetti Monster
by Lavanya Karthik
Modern Marigold Books
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 5 to 8
Finding ways to understand each other when words-and languages-aren't easy.
Adil is the new kid in Neel's class and Neel thinks he's pretty cool! Adil runs like the wind and swims like a fish. He also uses his hands and body to make words. This is because Adil is Deaf and he uses sign language. Neel wants to be Adil's friend but can't figure out how to communicate with him. One day at lunch, Adil spots Neel sketching in his notebook. What if Adil learns to draw like Neel and Neel learns to sign like Adil? Just imagine the amazing adventures the Doodling Duo could go on!
A heartwarming picture book that centers empathy and the surprising superpowers of friendship between a Deaf student and his hearing classmate.
MY TIDBITS
Friendship flows naturally and brings tons of fun in these pages.
Neel finds the new kid at school really neat and would like to be friends with him. After all, the boy is amazing at so many things. But Neel has no idea how to approach him, since the boy is Deaf and uses sign language to communicate. When the boy sits down next to Neel one day during lunch, Neel realizes that the notebook he's sketching his comics in might be perfect for the task, and soon, he and the boy are forming a great friendship.
This book is full of good feelings and illustrates how easy friendship can be if just a little bit of effort is given. While there's a little hesitation on Neel's part, since he really isn't sure how to talk to Adil, this stays light (doesn't weigh down). Instead, the two hit it off immediately after the first step, which leaves this to be an inspiring read. But then, positivity radiates the entire way through, anyway.
While readers can smile at the warmth the new friendship brings, the author also works in some aspects to raise awareness for such situations. I appreciate that Adil doesn't behave any different than the other kids, and Neel is drawn to him out of admiration for things like swimming and running. Adli also has a great sense of humor and imagination, and is, actually, the one who takes the first step in the friendship. It also shows that learning sign language isn't instantaneous, but like with every language, takes time and practice. There are also a few basic phrases highlighted in the illustrations, so that readers can do these themselves.
The story flows well and works nicely for the intended age group. It can easily be used as a read aloud in a group or single setting and also works in connection with a theme surrounding the topic. The illustrations stay light-hearted and offer visual assistance when necessary. The inside flaps of the book hold the alphabet for anyone who wants to start learning a little. It's mentioned in the author's note at the end, that this book was originally written with Indian Sign Language in mind, so the reader can use the flaps to compare the differences this holds with American Sign Language.
It's a enjoyable tale for anyone interested in learning more about this theme.
And here she is...
Lavanya Karthik is an award-winning Indian author and illustrator of children’s books, most notably the ongoing Ninja Nani series of middle grade novels. She has written over fifteen picture books and middle grade novels and has contributed to several story anthologies. She has also illustrated over twenty books. Lavanya lives in Mumbai, India with her husband and daughter. When not writing or illustrating, she enjoys visiting schools and literature festivals across the country, meeting readers of all ages.
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