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Yes, You Can! Picture Books Supporting DHH Kids This Deaf Awareness Month
- Kathleen Marcath
- 6 hours ago
- 10 min read
Updated: a few seconds ago
Meet 6 incredible authors (and Rhett!) changing the narrative for DHH children
Celebration of Deaf Awareness Month Supporting DHH Kids
Every September, we pause to recognize and uplift the stories, language, and culture of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. But what if those stories could also change someone’s life?
Whether you're a parent just learning your child is Deaf, a teacher looking for inclusive stories, a Deaf child seeing yourself in a book for the first time, or a hearing peer learning to understand your friend in a new way—these stories are for you.
They’re mirrors, windows, and bridges—connecting us all through the power of language, identity, and love. In this collaborative post, six authors—Deaf, hearing, and Hard-of-Hearing—share how they’re using picture books to celebrate ASL, challenge outdated narratives, and remind readers everywhere that love and language come in many forms.
Why These Stories Matter
Representation isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline that supports DHH Kids. When children see themselves in a story, it whispers: “You belong.” When they read someone else’s story, it says: “You’re welcome here.” These books aren’t just about Deafness. They’re about connection—families who sign, classrooms that include, and kids who dream big. As Sydney Bassard, speech-language pathologist and guest blogger on ASL Picture Books, reminds us:
“It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection.”
That’s the heart of this post. Around the world, millions of children grow up Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. For them, inclusive picture books are more than mirrors—they’re lifelines. Stories that feature ASL, cochlear implants, Deaf families, or signing characters help us support DHH kids in powerful ways. These stories don’t just reflect reality. They empower readers. They say: “You matter. You belong. And your story is worth telling.”
Meet the Authors Changing the Narrative
Each of these authors brings something beautifully unique to the table. As you read their reflections, we invite you to pause, listen, and reflect. You may see yourself—or someone you love—in one or more of these voices. You might even find new favorite books.
Be sure to read all the way to the end — you won’t want to miss the special 20% discount code for these incredible books and get all the authors’ links in one place!
Karlie Waldrip – I Deaf-initely Can, We Deaf-initely Can
Deaf Dog Mom
About Karlie:
A Deaf mom of two, Karlie brings real-life ASL into her stories—alongside her signing dog, Rhett! Her books reflect the everyday joys and challenges of growing up Deaf and proud, in a family where ASL and spoken language are embraced equally.
Karlie's Reflection:
My Why Behind the “Deaf-initely Can” Children’s Book Series
My name is Karlie Waldrip — born deaf and proudly raised in Texas. I’m a former Deaf educator with four years of experience, and my journey as a Deaf person is at the heart of everything I create.
Growing up, I didn’t enjoy reading. I struggled with understanding and writing English, and picture books were my favorite because the illustrations helped me make sense of the words. Dogs have always been my whole world. As a shy child with few friends, my dog was my constant companion.
In elementary school, my Deaf education teacher, Mrs. Honish, brought her deaf therapy dog to class every day. She taught us how to train deaf dogs and showed us all the amazing things they could do. That’s when I decided: someday, my first dog would be deaf.
Years later, I adopted Rhett, a dog from a rural Texas shelter. After my first year of teaching, friends encouraged me to write a book about our story. At first, it was just for fun, never imagining it would be read around the world.
From the beginning, I knew my books needed full Deaf representation — written by a Deaf author, illustrated by a Deaf artist (Lucy Rogers), and filled with characters and themes that empower d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing kids. My goal is to give them the representation that I rarely saw in books growing up, while also educating hearing readers that deafness does not limit our dreams.
The “Deaf-initely Can” series is my way of saying to every child —d/Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or hearing—that you can chase your passions, break stereotypes, and find joy in your own unique story.
Learn more about Karlie in our ASL Picture Books Blogs, where she shares her story in mini videos, signed and voiced:
Video Interview Part I-2
Video Interview Part 3
Travis D. Peterson - Ada and the Helpers, Never Ever Build a Blanket Fort
Inclusive Adventure
About Travis:
Travis D. Peterson is an award-winning children’s book author, designer, and indie author coach helping others tell stories that kids will love and adults will cherish.
His journey into children's literature began with the birth of his daughter, Esther, who was diagnosed with profound hearing loss. From that deeply personal experience, Travis created Ada and the Helpers—a heartwarming story inspired by Esther’s resilience, cochlear implants (or “helpers”), and the family’s embrace of sign language.
As a father, he brings honesty, tenderness, and humor to every page. As a designer and coach, he empowers other creators to find confidence and clarity in sharing their own stories.
Born in North Carolina and now living in Norway with his wife, Anne Berit, and their two children, Travis’s life is a tapestry of love, learning, and cross-cultural connection.
Travis' Reflection:
“Let’s help others, too!”
Ada and the Helpers was inspired by my daughter, Esther, who was born with profound hearing loss and received cochlear implants at just 9 months old. She is fluent in two spoken languages and is learning sign language.
As my wife and I were navigating this new life as parents of a deaf child, I saw a need for more resources for parents like us to help them in their journey. As a print designer, my thoughts naturally went to creating books!
Ada and the Helpers brings awareness to hearing loss, hearing devices, and sign language through a heartwarming story about helping others. Now, Esther proudly calls her cochlear implants “helpers,” and she helps others, too!
I believe you have a story to tell. Your story isn’t just for you—it could be just what someone else needs to hear.
✨ Read more about Travis in our ASL Picture Books Blogs: Interview with Travis D. Peterson
Katie Petruzziello – Mighty Mila, Mighty Mila Dream Job
Empowered Imagination
From the Blog Team:
Katie is a busy mom of three who somehow finds time to write stories that remind children they can be the heroes of their own lives—no matter their abilities. With two Mighty Mila adventures already out in the world, she’s giving Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing kids the joyful representation they deserve.
Katie's Reflection:
When my daughter, Mila, lost her hearing and received cochlear implants, I searched for books with characters like her—but all I could find were medically focused stories that didn’t reflect the full, vibrant child I saw in front of me. I wrote the Mighty Mila series to change that—to create a fun, empowering story with a strong, imaginative deaf character who just happens to wear cochlear implants.
✨ Read more about Katie in our ASL Picture Books Blogs:
Don’t leave without meeting all six award-winning authors.
Discover behind-the-scenes reflections, explore each author’s journey, and grab the exclusive 20% discount on these fantastic picture books.
Hannah Jessen Conway – Love Sounds Like
Celebrating Connection | @hannah_jessen_conway 🌐 Visit Website »
From the Blog Team:
We’re continually inspired by Hannah’s openness, strength, and the way her whole family has embraced ASL and inclusion. Her story reminds us that every new path can be a gift—especially when it’s walked with love.
Karlie's Reflection:
In December 2023, my second son, Shepherd, was born profoundly deaf. This came as a complete shock and was hard to come to terms with—at first. But the more we learned about the richness of Deaf culture and the more we saw how Shepherd experienced the world, the more we realized love is not confined to one culture, defined by one ability, nor limited to one sense.
That is the heart and hope behind Love Sounds Like—we don’t have to experience the world the same way to experience love.
✨ Read more about Hannah in our ASL Picture Books Blog:
Dr. Jasmine Simmons – Extraordinary Jordyn
Books about cochlear implants | DeafBlind authors in children's literature | Disability Advocacy & Empowerment
About Jasmine:
Dr. Jasmine Simmons is a true force of advocacy, compassion, and education. Living with Usher syndrome—a condition that affects both hearing and vision—she bridges the gap between lived experience and professional expertise with authenticity and grace. As a DeafBlind medical professional, she brings a rare and essential perspective to the conversation around accessibility and disability rights.
Her debut children’s book, Extraordinary Jordyn and Her Bionic Ears, introduces readers to complex medical conditions through a joyful, empowering lens. Inspired by her own journey, Jasmine created a character that reflects the strength, joy, and brilliance she sees in children with disabilities—especially those navigating hearing loss and progressive vision changes.
Beyond the page, Jasmine is an accessibility consultant, public speaker, and tireless advocate. She uses her platforms to raise awareness about Usher syndrome and to challenge misconceptions about disability. Through education and example, she is changing the narrative—and changing lives.
Jasmine's Reflection
“Every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. My goal is to make sure disability is not just acknowledged—but embraced as part of our shared human experience. Through stories like Jordyn’s, I hope children learn to be proud of who they are—and to see the power in their difference.”
Kathleen Marcath – My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me, My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me Coloring and Activity Book
Stories That Sign, Stories That Shine
ABOUT KATHLEEN:
Kathleen Marcath is the heart behind ASL Picture Books and the award-winning author of My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me: Illustrated in American Sign Language. Inspired by her first signed song, she fell in love with the beauty of ASL and made it her mission to help every child feel seen, empowered, and connected through language. With a degree in Deaf Community Studies and a heart for inclusion, Kathleen is endlessly inspired by children and dreams of a world where they all thrive—together.
KATHLEEN'S REFLECTION:
When I first began exploring the world of children’s literature, I was shocked by what I didn’t see—picture books with characters using American Sign Language were nearly nonexistent. What I’ve learned since then is that ASL holds limitless potential, and we’ve only just begun to uncover what it can do.
I’ve had the honor of meeting, interviewing, and collaborating with some of the most passionate authors and advocates in the field. Each of them brings their own experience, heart, and hope to this work—and each one has taught me something new about resilience, creativity, and love. These stories reflect Deaf children, hearing children, and the communities that support them—and together, they’re changing the world one page at a time.
I’ve watched children come alive when they realize that ASL is their language—that it’s beautiful, expressive, and powerful. The moment a child sees their hands as a tool for connection, something shifts. They feel empowered. They feel seen.
ASL isn’t just for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. It’s for their friends, classmates, siblings, and families, too. Every child deserves the chance to feel understood—and to understand others in return. And every touching story I hear reminds me: we’re up to something good.
✨ Read more about Kathleen in our ASL Picture Books Blog:
My Panel Discussion Highlights & Conference Recap from AWP’s 2023 Conference - Different, Disabled, Diverse?
That was fun - Join the Celebration!
This Deaf Awareness Month, With Books That Connect!
These authors come from beautifully different backgrounds, each bringing their own philosophies, experiences, and journeys with them. Among us, you’ll find families using spoken language, sign language, or a blend of both. Some embrace assistive technologies, others lean fully into visual communication—but at the heart of every story is the same universal thread: the language of love. 💛
Despite our unique paths, we’re united by one belief: Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated exactly as they are.
And now you can be part of this celebration, too! For Deaf Awareness Month, these inspiring books are available at special discounts. Visit each author’s website to explore their stories, grab your favorites, and use the discount code DHHBOOKS for a limited time.
Happy reading. Happy signing. Happy connecting.
Visit our websites for exclusive deals, freebies, and feel-good fun! Let’s keep the ripple going—Happy Reading, Happy Signing, Happy Hearts! 💫
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 »
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 »
Katie Petruzziello — Mighty Mila, Mighty Mila Dream Job
Empowered Imagination | 📧 Email list: https://www.mightymila.com/contactus
Instagram: @mightymilastories Facebook: Mighty Mila 🌐 Visit Website »
Hannah Jessen Conway — Love Sounds Like
Celebrating Connection | 📧 Email list: https://hjconway.com/email-list/
Instagram: @hannah_jessen_conway 🌐 Visit Website »
Dr. Jasmine Simmons — Extraordinary Jordyn
Disability Advocacy & Empowerment | DeafBlind authors in children's literature | Instagram: drjasminesimmons, LinkedIn: Jasmine Simmons, Au.D, CCC-A
🌐 Visit Website » Kathleen Marcath — My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me, My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me Coloring and Activity Book
Stories That Sign, Stories That Shine | 📧 Email list: https://www.aslpicturebooks.com/freebies (Download ASL Starter Kit)
Instagram: @aslpicturebooks Facebook: ASL Picture Books LinkedIn:
Each book is a celebration of connection, identity, and the power of language—whether spoken, signed, or somewhere in between. Order yours today, use the discount code DHHBOOKS for a limited time.
Before you go, here are a few ways to keep growing on
Your ASL journey:
📚 Read Next: Explore more inspiring posts on our blog to continue learning and celebrating Deaf culture. Visit the blog »
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