Book Review: Ready to Sign: Baby Signs – First Signs for Learning Baby Sign Language
As a mom navigating the beautiful chaos of parenting, I’ve found myself in countless bedtime reading battles with my toddlers. On one particularly chaotic evening, when my little one was grumpy and desperately trying to express his needs—milk, playtime, or perhaps just more hugs—I stumbled upon Ready to Sign: Baby Signs – First Signs for Learning Baby Sign Language. Written by the thoughtful team at Cottage Door Press, this book promised a world of communication beyond mere words, and the idea filled me with hope.
A Glimpse into the Book
In Ready to Sign, we are welcomed into a vibrant, interactive world where babies and toddlers can express their feelings through 22 essential signs. Each page introduces three to four basic American Sign Language (ASL) signs like "Milk," "All done!" and "Hello." As we flipped through its sturdy board pages, I felt a wave of excitement knowing we could finally bridge some of the gaps in our communication struggles. The charming illustrations kept my children engaged while I read aloud, and I loved that each sign included lift-the-flap tabs, encouraging sensory exploration and fine motor skills.
Interactive Learning and Bandwidth for Emotions
What truly captured my kids’ attention were the bright, playful pictures that brought each sign to life. When we got to the page for "Dog," my youngest squealed with delight, mimicking the sign as he pretended our family dog was bounding about. I could see the gears turning in his mind; he was not just looking at pictures but actively absorbing information. The combination of storytelling and signing had a magical effect—he began to associate the signs with feelings and objects around him, reducing our frustration-filled moments.
Parenting Wins and Little Laughs
One of the sweetest reactions came when we practiced the signs for “More” and “All done!”. One evening at dinner, my toddler enthusiastically signed "More" after finishing his meal, as if he had just unlocked a secret treasure. Those little victories sparked joy and laughter in our home, reminding me just how important it is to listen and communicate, even before words fully form. Each session with this book became an opportunity for connection, leading to giggles and the occasional silly dance as we practiced signs together like “Happy” and “Hug.”
Who Should Read This?
I wholeheartedly recommend Ready to Sign to parents of toddlers and babies (up to about two years old) who are eager to enhance communication with their little ones. If your child is naturally curious or if you’re also facing tantrums over misunderstandings, this book can be a gentle guide. I believe it’s especially great for families who appreciate interactive learning and want to share in the joyful experience of early language acquisition.
In the end, we’ve not only carved out quiet moments with this delightful book but have also created lasting memories that blend laughter and bonding. With each lift-the-flap revelation, we’ve learned to express our needs and feelings more clearly, laying the foundation for a deeper connection. It’s safe to say that Ready to Sign has become a little gem in our book collection—not just a one-time read but a cherished companion in these early years. So here’s to more “hugs” and “all done!” moments, all while building a bridge of understanding in our loving chaotic world!
Discover the joy of communication with Ready to Sign: Baby Signs! >>
