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Exploring Conceptually Accurate Signing with “LEFT” — A Conversation with Author Deb Myers

  • Writer: Kathleen Marcath
    Kathleen Marcath
  • Nov 25
  • 6 min read

by Kathleen Marcath


Author Deb Myers, creator of the beloved Winnie’s ASL Adventures series, brings conceptually accurate American Sign Language signing to life through her stories.


Image features author Deb Myers smiling beside the covers of her ASL picture books WASH and LEFT from the Winnie’s ASL Adventures series, illustrated by Julie Bourne. The banner highlights Deb’s dedication to creating conceptually accurate American Sign Language stories for children and families.
Author Deb Myers, creator of Winnie’s ASL Adventures, continues to inspire families with conceptually accurate ASL stories that celebrate language, learning, and love.

Before becoming an author, Deb spent years teaching ASL to families of Deaf children and school staff—helping bridge communication between Deaf and hearing communities. Though she has since retired from teaching and now works as a long-term substitute teacher, her heart remains devoted to language access and representation.


In this interview, Deb shares her inspiration behind her newest book, LEFT, how it expands on her debut WASH, and why accurate ASL representation matters deeply for Deaf and hearing children alike.


A heartfelt thank you to Deb for sharing her insight, compassion, and continued dedication to Deaf education and creative storytelling.


Winnie’s Next Adventure – Granddad’s Debut and the Meaning of “LEFT”

In our first interview, you shared how WASH was born during COVID, when you saw families’ need for books that teach conceptually accurate ASL signs—like the many variations of wash the car, wash the laundry, and wash your hands.

You once described your debut book, WASH, by saying,

“My books follow Winnie, a playful little fox, who goes on adventures with her grandparents. In WASH, Gramma asks Winnie to wash different things—until Winnie grows tired of helping. But in the end, she learns that washing can actually be fun!”

Now, with LEFT continuing Winnie’s adventures, we’re eager to see how this story explores the different meanings and signs for “left.” Can you tell us what inspired LEFT, how Granddad’s debut shapes the story, and how many books you envision in the Winnie’s ASL Adventures series?

(Deb) Julie, the illustrator, has agreed to do five books. I'm excited to continue writing, as I've come up with more conceptually accurate words I’d like to create. I’d love to do more than five books—but time will tell. Granddad is introduced as a loving and playful character. He likes to surprise Winnie and treat her as the special granddaughter that she is. He completes the grandparent bond for Winnie. While Wash reflects action verbs, LEFT helps the reader understand that conceptually accurate signs include direction as well.

Feedback from Families & Educators

You’ve said you want Deaf children to feel truly seen in literature. What kind of feedback have you received from families and educators since WASH—and now with LEFT—about the impact your books are making?

(Deb) I’ve received so many positive remarks, and everyone kept asking if I’d write more books. Educators commented that children’s books with an emphasis on conceptually accurate words are much needed. I’ve heard from both Deaf and hearing families sharing with me that their kids, regardless of their hearing status, enjoyed the stories immensely.

Teaching Conceptually Accurate Signing & Language Access

As a teacher of Deaf children, do you notice differences between students who grow up with ASL at home and those who only have access to it at school? How do you see this evolving, and what gives you hope for the future?

(Deb) Yes, I see a big difference between students who have access to full communication at home and those who only have access to communication at school. It breaks my heart because those who do not have full access do not reach their fullest potential and may never do so because the language window is closed.
Despite schools providing early interventions, families still need to do their part and learn ASL. Children need to be fully involved in family life. This begins with shared language. The book series will hopefully help in this regard.

Cochlear Implants & Family Experience

With many families choosing cochlear implants for their children, what have you observed about their experience—especially when it comes to balancing spoken language, technology, and sign language?

(Deb) It’s a challenge for students with cochlear implants if language has not already been established in their lives. Without that base, they don’t acquire ASL fully, nor do they acquire spoken English fully. They drift between the two. This inhibits learning and socialization.

Publishing Journey

With so many parents, grandparents, and professionals choosing to self-publish while others seek traditional publishing, your experience really stands out. You’ve mentioned working with a publisher—what has that journey been like for you personally? How did creating and launching LEFT compare to creating and launching WASH? We’d love to hear about the highs, challenges, and lessons you’ve discovered along the way.

(Deb) Yes, I work with a publisher in a hybrid relationship. I hired an artist to do all the illustrations. Since both the publisher and the illustrator are Deaf, communicating among the three of us has been easy. Creating LEFT has been easier than WASH since it was the second time around, and we understand what was involved with the process. The process was still not perfect, but I know with the next book, it will go much smoother. The most challenging part is incorporating the same word repeatedly in my story while keeping it enjoyable for readers of all ages. I aim to create a variety of settings, which means I have to carefully choose a word that fits naturally with the setting and/or season.
Julie, the illustrator, has an excellent way of bringing my story to life. Seeing the illustrations when she sent the drafts was one of the highlights. To see the final project was always exciting.
Trudy, the editor and publisher, has a knack for putting the final touches on the text, as well as bringing the text and illustrations together into the final product. It is wonderful to be a part of this team.

One Wish for the Future

If you could change one thing in our education system to better support Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, what would it be?

(Deb) Dedicated approach to working with hearing families to acquire and have full access to learning ASL. The earlier the child has language, the more successful s/he can be.

Where to Find Deb Myers’ Books

A heartfelt thank-you to Deb Myers for sharing her insight, passion, and dedication to creating picture books that honor conceptually accurate American Sign Language. Her Winnie’s ASL Adventures series continues to make an impact on families, educators, and young readers who are learning ASL with confidence and joy.


📘 WASH – Winnie’s first adventure with conceptually accurate action verbs

📙LEFT –  A playful exploration of directional signing and family connection

Find Deb’s books on Amazon: 

Or ask for them at your favorite local bookstore or library.


📸 Instagram: @winnieasladventures


Her dedication to ASL literacy, Deaf representation, and family connection shines through every page — and we’re honored to highlight her important work.


Keep the Journey Going


Thank you for sharing the joy of ASL through books. Every sign you share with a child builds connection, language, and a sense of belonging. Before you go, here are simple ways to continue your ASL adventure:


Thank you for being a champion of language access and literacy. Together, we’re building a kinder, more connected world — one sign, one story, one child at a time. 💜


Meet Author: Kathleen Marcath

Kathleen Marcath, smiling and seated in a light-colored chair, holds a copy of her debut picture book My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me. She is wearing a royal blue top and glasses. The book, illustrated by Deaf artist Isaac Liang, features a cheerful child and a playful purple monster truck on the cover.
Kathleen Marcath, author of My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me, shares her passion for ASL literacy through vibrant storytelling. Illustrated by Deaf artist Isaac Liang, this award-winning picture book celebrates the joy of communication and every child's limitless potential.

Kathleen Marcath is the award-winning author of My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me and the founder of ASL Picture Books. She’s on a mission to share the joy of bilingual (ASL and English) education, creating stories that help children and families discover the limitless potential of ASL.


Stay in Touch: Follow Kathleen on Facebook and Instagram, or visit ASLPictureBooks.com for more resources and community updates.



Bring the Joy of ASL to Your School!


Want Kathleen to visit your school or library? Inspire young minds with stories, sign language, and the limitless potential of ASL! 


👉 Learn more about Author Visits here.




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