Inspiring Voices: ASL, DHH & Inclusive Books - Author Spotlights & Interviews
- Kathleen Marcath
- Sep 19
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Children grow so quickly—one day it’s crayons and picture books, the next it’s backpacks and independence. That’s why the stories we choose for them matter.
This month’s blog is a listicle (list + article, not popsicle 🍭)—a joyful collection of authors who are reshaping representation in picture books, Deaf culture, and early access to language. Some highlight ASL, others focus on Deaf identity or cochlear implant experiences, and all share a commitment to stories that connect, uplift, and inspire.
At ASL Picture Books, we believe every story matters—especially those that shine a light on Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and inclusive journeys.

Since our inception, we’ve had the honor of interviewing incredible authors whose voices bring something special—whether through their lived experiences, joyful representation, or stories that empower kids to embrace who they are. And now, we’ve gathered them all together in one place.
These stories highlight courage, creativity, and the power of representation. Whether you’re a parent, educator, librarian, or book lover, you’ll find inspiration (and maybe a new favorite!) in these author spotlights.
With Big Hearts and Open Hands: Inspiring Voices in ASL & Inclusive Children’s Books
From joyful adventures to heartfelt lessons, these are the books that become keepsakes—read, loved, and shared for generations.
Dr. Jasmine Simmons — Extraordinary Jordyn
Disability Advocacy & Empowerment | DeafBlind authors in children's literature | Instagram: @drjasminesimmons, LinkedIn: Jasmine Simmons, Au.D, CCC-A

Yes, You Can! Picture Books Supporting DHH Kids This Deaf Awareness Month
Dr. Jasmin Simmons is a DeafBlind medical professional, advocate, and educator living with Usher syndrome. Her debut picture book, Extraordinary Jordyn and Her Bionic Ears, shines a joyful light on children with hearing loss and progressive vision changes, celebrating resilience, inclusion, and representation.
Kathleen Marcath — My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me & Coloring & Activity Book
Founder of ASL Picture Books | Instagram: @aslpicturebooks Facebook: ASL Picture Books LinkedIn: ASL Picture Books 🌐 Visit Website»

The Heart Behind the Wheels: Interview with Kathleen Marcath, Author of My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me
As the founder of ASL Picture Books, Kathleen combines storytelling with American Sign Language (ASL) to help children feel seen, included, and empowered. Her award-winning picture book and new companion Coloring & Activity Book celebrate Deaf culture, family connection, and learning ASL through fun, vibrant play.
✨ Also featured in our Deaf Awareness Month blog: Yes, You Can!
Lora Heller — Adventures with Opal Series
Music & ASL for Families | Instagram: @babyfingersASL | Facebook: Baby Fingers | Visit Website: babyfingers.com

Lora Heller — Baby Fingers Series
Music therapist, Deaf educator, and founder of Baby Fingers, Lora Heller has spent over 25 years blending sign language and song to nurture communication and joy in families. Her latest picture book, Adventures with Opal: The Muggy Buggy Day, invites readers into a whimsical world of curiosity and connection. Discover how Lora’s love of rhythm and representation is changing the way children and families experience language.
Deb Myers — Winnie's ASL Adventures Series
ASL Education & Family Connection | Instagram: @savorywordspublishing

ASL Bridging Communication Through Stories: An Interview with Deb Myers on Her New Book, "WASH"
Author and ASL educator Deb Myers brings over 15 years of experience to her debut picture book series, Winnie’s ASL Adventures. In WASH, young readers follow Winnie the fox as she learns how simple chores can become joyful experiences—all while modeling everyday ASL signs for families learning together.
Karlie Waldrip — I Deaf-initely Can, We Deaf-initely Can
Deaf Dog Mom | I📧 Email list: www.rhetttheheeler.com Instagram: @ideafinitelycan Facebook: rhett_the_heeler Website- 🌐 Visit Website »

Dynamic, Deaf, and Definitely Inspiring: Meet Karlie Waldrip and Her Deaf Dog Rhett
Karlie’s bestselling picture books feature her deaf dog, Rhett, and share powerful messages of courage and joy. In her multi-part interview, Karlie’s warmth and honesty shine through as she invites readers into her story and passion for inspiring Deaf children.
👉 Read the Interview Series (Parts 1–2)👉 Read Part 3 – Continuing the Conversation
✨ Also featured in our Deaf Awareness Month blog: Yes, You Can!
Hannah Jessen Conway — Love Sounds Like
Celebrating Connection | 📧 Email list: https://hjconway.com/email-list/
Instagram: @hannah_jessen_conway 🌐 Visit Website »

Love Sounds Like by Hannah Jessen Conway: A Deaf-Inclusive Picture Book
Hannah’s debut story, Love Sounds Like (2024), was inspired by her journey with her son into ASL, accommodations, and the Deaf community. This tender and uplifting book highlights the importance of communication, belonging, and love for families of Deaf and hard-of-hearing children everywhere.
✨ Also featured in our Deaf Awareness Month blog: Yes, You Can!
Four Views on Sound and ASL — Deaf Artists & Authors
Cristine Sun Kim, Evelyn Glennie, Sarah Nović, and Raymond Antrobus

Exploring Identity, Art, and Expression
Cristine Sun Kim, Evelyn Glennie, Sarah Nović, and Raymond Antrobus each offer unique perspectives on the relationship between sound, silence, and ASL. Through art, music, writing, and poetry, they challenge conventional ideas and inspire a deeper understanding of Deaf identity and expression.
Kathy MacMillan — Little Hands Signing Book Series
Bilingual Storytelling, ASL Resources | Instagram: @kathymacmillan | Facebook: Kathy MacMillan | Visit Website: kathymacmillan.com | More Resources: StoriesbyHand.com & DeafCampsinc.org

Signing & Connecting: A Conversation with Kathy MacMillan
Dive into this inspiring conversation with Kathy MacMillan, the creative mind behind Little Hands and Big Hands and a vibrant lineup of bilingual, ASL-inspired children's books. Discover her passion for nurturing literacy, culture, and communication through joyful storytelling and beautiful visuals.
Shay Abigail — My Name is Maya
Author, Educator, Signing Speech-Language Pathologist | Instagram: @mynameismayabook 🌐 Visit Website »

Interview with Shay Abigail, American Sign Language (ASL) Author and Educator
Shay Abigail’s debut book, My Name Is Maya, introduces readers to a Deaf superhero whose adventures celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the power of ASL. With certifications in education and DHH studies, and as a master’s student in speech and hearing sciences, Shay is passionate about early intervention and ensuring every child has access to language and communication from the start.
Becky Gage — How Much Do You Know About... American Sign Language, and Deaf Culture, History, Jokes, and Stories?
Deaf Humor, Culture & ASL History | Instagram: @yesthat.store

Classic Jokes and Zap Stories: Interview with Becky Gage, Author of a New Pop-Up Book about Deaf Humor
Preserving Deaf culture through immersive storytelling, Becky Gage created the first-ever ASL-themed pop-up book celebrating Deaf jokes, history, and zap stories. Inspired by her roots in Deaf education and community life, her book brings humor and history to life for readers of all ages.
Mickey Carolan — Deaf Kids Can Series & Mom Dad Not Hear
Author, Speaker, and CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) | Instagram: @carolanonmymind 🌐 Visit Website »

Interview with Mickey Carolan: CODA, Author, and Speaker
Mickey Carolan’s debut picture book, Sky, the Deaf Home Run Hero, launched the Deaf Kids Can series, followed by Bonnie and the Deaf Bake Squad: A Lesson in Confidence. In 2024, he released his memoir Mom Dad Not Hear, sharing 30 powerful lessons on leadership, life, and love inspired by his Deaf parents.
Katie Petruzziello — Mighty Mila, Mighty Mila Dream Job
Empowered Imagination | Instagram: @mightymilastories
Facebook: Mighty Mila 🌐 Visit Website »

Mighty Mila by Katie Petruzziello: A Story of Determination and Joy
Katie’s spunky Deaf heroine, Mila, proves she can do anything she sets her mind to. From the original, Mighty Mila, to her latest adventure, Mighty Mila: Dream Job, this series inspires confidence, perseverance, and celebration of every child’s strengths.
👉 Read the Original Interview
👉 Learn More About Mighty Mila: Dream Job
✨ Also featured in our Deaf Awareness Month blog: Yes, You Can!
Cynthia Long — ASL Teaching Resources
Author, Educator, and Resource Creator | Instagram: @asl_teaching_resources

Interview with Cynthia Long: ASL Teaching Resources for Families and Classrooms
Cynthia Long, a Nationally Certified Interpreter and founder of ASL Teaching Resources, is an author, speaker, and creator of online courses and ASL educational curricula, as well as ASL worksheets and games for children @ https://aslteachingresources.com/
👉 Read “Teaching Sign Language in Early Literacy: 3 Fun Ways”
✨ Also featured in our holiday blog: 6 ASL Resources for Christmas
Dr. D’yann Elaine — Seniors Sign, Too! Series
ASL Educator, Interpreter, and Author | Instagram: @signwithmeinc

Adults with Hearing Loss Learn Sign Language with D’yann Elaine’s New Book Series
Dr. D’yann Elaine, founder of Sign with Me, Inc., is an ASL educator, interpreter, and author whose Seniors Sign, Too! series empowers older adults and their families to embrace sign language as a joyful bridge to communication. With decades of experience and a passion for social equity, D’yann’s mission is to unify communities through language and inclusion.
Nancy Chrunin — The William Hoy Story
True Story, Deaf History | Instagram: @nchurnin | Facebook: Nancy Churnin Children's Books | Available for presentations: authorsandmore.com

Nancy Churnin believes kindness changes the world—just like her books do. She brings William Hoy’s story to life in this beautiful edition inspired by a high school play that changed her path forever.
Bobbie Hinman — How Self-Publishing Authors are Changing the Landscape
Author, Editor, and Publishing Consultant | Instagram: @bobbiehinmanauthor

How Self-Publishing Authors Are Changing the Landscape
Bobbie Hinman is an award-winning children’s author and professional editor who has helped countless writers bring their stories to life. As the editor behind My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me and upcoming ASL Picture Books projects, Bobbie brings skill, speed, and heart to every manuscript. She has also helped several of our spotlight authors polish their stories—you will be delighted should you reach out and have her on your publishing team.
Shannon Stocker — Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, A Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion
Children’s Author, Speaker, and Advocate | Instagram: @shannonstocker_

Shannon Stocker Shares a Very Personal Story
Shannon Stocker is the award-winning author of Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, A Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion (2022), a stunning picture book biography that teaches resilience, advocacy, and the power of listening in new ways. She has also written Can U Save the Day? (2019) and Warrior (2023), and frequently contributes to Chicken Soup for the Soul. Shannon’s personal journey of perseverance and her advocacy for children with disabilities shine through in all of her work.
Travis D. Peterson — Ada and the Helpers, Never Ever Build a Blanket Fort
Inclusive Adventure | 📧 Email list: http://www.travisdpeterson.com/subscribe (Get a free printable ASL Alphabet BINGO game) Instagram: @travisd.peterson Facebook: Travis D. Peterson 🌐 Visit Website »

Interview with Travis D. Peterson, Author of Ada and the Helpers
Inspired by his daughter Esther, Travis D. Peterson created Ada and The Helpers—a heartwarming picture book that celebrates ASL, inclusion, and the everyday heroes who help us grow. Ada and the Helpers is a touching addition to inclusive children’s books that celebrate Deaf identity and American Sign Language.
✨ Also featured in our Deaf Awareness Month blog: Yes, You Can!
Sara Nović — True Biz & Girl at War
Deaf Author and Professor | Instagram: @photonovic 🌐 Visit Website

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER: Sara Nović and the Representation of Deafness
Sara Nović is the acclaimed author of Girl at War, True Biz (a New York Times Bestseller), and America Is Immigrants. Through her gripping prose, she captures the complexities of identity, language, and belonging. Her work reminds us that Deaf and disability inclusion isn’t a passing “moment,” but the path toward a richer, more equitable “new normal.”
✨ Also featured in our group blog: Four Views on Sound and ASL
Can You Hear a Rainbow? by Jamee Riggio Heelan
Nonfiction Picture Book | Illustrated by Nicola Simmonds

An Exploration of Sound and Friendship
Published in 2002, Can You Hear a Rainbow? tells the true story of Chris, a Deaf boy navigating friendships with both hearing and Deaf peers. With warmth and honesty, Chris explores what makes us different and what makes us the same, teaching sign language to his friends — and even his dog. This early picture book about deafness and ASL invites children to cherish differences while celebrating shared humanity.
Raymond Antrobus — Can Bears Ski? & The Perseverance
Deaf Poet and Children’s Author | Instagram: @raymondantrobus

Deafness in a Hearing World, Through the Lens of Raymond Antrobus
Raymond Antrobus is an award-winning British poet and the author of the children’s book Can Bears Ski?—a story he says he wishes he had growing up deaf. His poetry collections The Perseverance and All the Names Given explore identity, sound, silence, and belonging. Through his words, Raymond transforms personal experiences into universal insight, empowering readers to see the world differently.
✨ Also featured in our group blog: Four Views on Sound and ASL
Ruth Sidransky — In Silence: Growing Up Hearing in a Deaf World
Memoirist and Advocate -Legacy Author & CODA

The Inner World of a Deaf Person
Ruth Sidransky (1929–2017), daughter of Deaf parents, offered a rare perspective in her memoir In Silence (1990). She captures the beauty and challenges of growing up between Deaf and hearing worlds, highlighting her mother’s “well-honed intuitive sense.” A must-read, In Silence remains an invaluable legacy work for understanding Deaf culture, CODA life, and the power of sign language.
Kathleen Marcath — My Panel Discussion Highlights & Conference Recap from AWP AWP 2023 | Seattle

Kathleen Marcath — My Panel Discussion Highlights & Conference Recap from AWP
At AWP’s 2023 Conference in Seattle, Kathleen challenged her fears and made meaningful new connections with authors, editors, and Deaf literature advocates. The recap blog mentions influential works such as Lou Ann Walker’s A Loss for Words, alongside nine other inspiring titles, offering a glimpse into the powerful community, connections, and inclusive literature today.
This new Author Interviews & Spotlights hub will continue to grow as we feature even more voices from the world of Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and inclusive children’s literature. We invite you to return often—to discover new books, explore unique journeys, and celebrate the powerful stories shaping how children see themselves.
Thank you for helping us honor and uplift the authors behind these stories—books that spark empathy, celebrate identity, and remind us all of the power of language.
With gratitude,
Kathleen Marcath
Founder, ASL Picture Books
P.S. Childhood goes by quickly—fill your shelves with stories that last. ✨ Each book is a celebration of connection, whether through sign, spoken words, or somewhere in between. Order yours today and enjoy 20% off with the discount code SEPTEMBER (limited time).
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