Sound Switch Wonder

by Christine J. Ko, Owen Whang, Katie Crumpton (Illustrator)

Inspired by the authors’ real lives, this picture book shares what sound means for one young deaf boy as he experiences the world with cochlear implants.

Most people either can or cannot hear sound . . . but some people can do both! Meet a deaf boy with cochlear implants as he moves about his day. Sometimes he prefers not to hear, but when he wants to connect with the hearing world, he puts on his cochlear implants. How could he explain to his hearing parents what the absence of sound is like? Suddenly he has an idea—the best way he knows how to share this part of him with those he loves.

With whimsical, bright illustrations and lyrical words, Sound Switch Wonder is a sweet and gentle story about sharing and embracing differences.

Genres: Picture Books, Disability, Childrens

40 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2023

Reviews

[Julianna]

Reviewed for THC Reviews
Sound Switch Wonder is a children’s picture book about a young boy who is deaf but has cochlear implants. He tells the reader what it’s like both with and without the implants and how he can choose to use them or not. As he spends the day with his family, mom and dad wonder what it’s like to not hear sounds, so he works to find just the right way to explain to them what it’s like to be deaf.

As a relatively new grandparent, I’m always on the lookout for great new children’s books for the grandkids, and I’ve had a particular interest in cultivating books with good diversity rep. One thing I thought my personal library was lacking was books about disabilities, so when I saw Sound Switch Wonder being offered in the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program, I immediately requested a copy. It’s a very sweet story about a deaf boy going through a normal day with his family, and when he’s asked what it’s like to not be able to hear, trying to find a perfect way to convey a world without sound to them. I thought this was a wonderful book that shows how deaf people can lead the same kind of lives that hearing people can. The way they experience things is just a little different. The whimsical illustrations bring the story to life in a fun way. I love that all the contributors are part of the deaf community. Author Dr. Christine J. Ko is the mother of a deaf child, and her eighth-grade son and co-author, Owen Whang, is deaf with cochlear implants just like the boy in the story. Illustrator Katie Crumpton is deaf in one ear due to being born with a craniofacial difference. Each of them contributed a one-page note at the end of the book describing their own experiences with deafness, all of which added to the story and which I enjoyed reading. I think this book could be inspiring to deaf children who will be able to see themselves represented on the page, while it could also demystify deafness for hearing children so that they can better understand what that’s like. I highly recommend it. Sound Switch Wonder will definitely be going on my keeper shelf for the grandkids.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the author via LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.

[Book Buying With Katie]

Loooooove that the author and illustrator are both HOH.

[Gmc]

Sound Switch Wonder
by Dr. Christine Ko (Author), Owen Whang (Author), Katie Crumpton (Illustrator)

Delightful story. A little boy has cochlear implants and explores sound and quiet. He and his family explore sound in libraries, museums and at home.
His family finds the absence of sound at the pool.

[Billy Buttons]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Sound Switch Wonder
Author: Christine J. Ko, Owen Whang, ill. by Katie Crumpton

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5

Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“I didn’t know what cochlear implants were, but I do now. I liked this book. It was very colourful too!” Girl, aged 7 – with a little help from mum
“I think the message of this book is – everybody is different and that’s ok. I think that’s a good message.” Girl, aged 7 – with a little help from her TA
“This book is 1. Fun and 2. It helps kids to understand what it’s like to be deaf. I liked all the bright, colourful pics, and the boy is cool too.” Girl, aged 7 – with a little help from her TA
“A picture book which helps encourage empathy in children. Excellent! The story is vibrantly illustrated, the text is accessible, and the message is FAB. This is a wonderful book for a school library.” Primary school teacher, aged 58
“After reading this book, I thought a lot about what it much be like to be deaf.” Boy, aged 7 – with a little help from his teacher


To Sum It Up:
‘A wonderfully illustrated picture book promoting empathy as it helps young readers to understand what it is like to be deaf. A FINALIST and highly recommended! Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Marilyn Wolpin]

There aren’t many picture books written for or about deaf children. But Dr. Christine Ko has written one that all children and parents should read. The main character is a deaf boy. But he does not believe he has a disability, rather an ability. He can turn his cochlear implants on or off – to hear or to get some peace; he can lip read or learn American Sign Language. But more than a book about deafness, Sound Switch Wonder also teaches the hearing what no sound is like. Follow the main character and his family on a weekend adventure at the library, a museum, and the pool and learn a bit about the world of the hearing impaired. Lyrically written and wonderfully illustrated by Katie Crumpton who herself is partially deaf, this book should be in libraries around the country, in every classroom, and in doctors’ waiting rooms. Five-stars, indeed.

[Debbie Zapata]

"Sound Switch Wonder" is a tender and eye-opening picture book about a young boy navigating both sound and silence with his cochlear implants. With lyrical text by debut author Dr. Christine Ko, co-written with her eighth-grade son, Owen Whang, and beautifully illustrated by Katie Crumpton, this story invites readers to experience the world through a new lens—sometimes full of sound, sometimes wrapped in quiet.

As a parent of a child with Down syndrome and Apraxia who used ASL, I found this book especially moving. I wish a story like this had existed when I was younger—when my school played against the Texas School for the Deaf in volleyball. It would have helped me better understand and appreciate my peers’ experiences.

A heartfelt and illuminating read, Sound Switch Wonder is an excellent addition to any home, classroom, or library.

[Graeme Williams]

Sound Switch Wonder is a beautifully crafted picture book that provides a heartfelt and sensitive portrayal of a young deaf boy navigating the world with cochlear implants. The story excels in showing the child’s perspective, balancing moments of curiosity, frustration, and joy, while helping readers understand the nuances of sound and silence.

The illustrations are whimsical and vibrant, perfectly complementing the lyrical text. Christine J. Ko, Owen Whang, and Katie Crumpton create a warm, inclusive narrative that fosters empathy and understanding for children of all abilities. This is a story that celebrates differences and gently encourages communication, connection, and acceptance.

A must-read for families, classrooms, and libraries, Sound Switch Wonder not only educates but also inspires compassion and inclusion from an early age.

[Megan Woodward]

First of all, let me just say how much it warms my heart to read stories written by a parent/ child team-- just gives me all the feels. And this mother and son duo have knocked it out of the park, bringing perspective and understanding of the deaf community with clear, heartfelt, and relatable writing. I love how it also presents added abilities of being deaf-- which is something that's never really occurred to me before! Having the choice to turn off the sound MUST be truly amazing! It's like a super power! I mean, what hearing person hasn't wished, at some point, for total silence? (especially if you have kids. lol) Such a great story for normalizing disability and encouraging hearing communities to do their part in making the world more accessible for everyone.

[Masha Sapron]

What a lovely children's book about a boy who is deaf. This is a great introduction for children to learn about differences. The boy in the book has CI's (implants that help him hear) so he has the ability to communicate what it is like to live without sound, and sometimes prefers to turn his implants off so he can turn the quiet up. This easy-to-read (and understand) story, narrated from the boy's perspective, gives readers a window into his life as a deaf person who uses technology to be able to hear. I appreciate the curiosity of trying to understand how he experiences the world as a deaf person. Reading this book can help "hearing" kids gain empathy and understanding for people with different abilities.

[Christine Evans]

Sound Switch Wonder! is a wonderful book for sharing with children about what it means to be deaf. The authors are a mother/son duo who turned their experiences into this fictional story about a boy who uses cochlear implants (CIs). The boy shares sensory details about his day both with or without sound (sometimes he chooses to turn his CIs off) and then he tries to explain to his parents what it's like to be deaf. It's a wonderful book to share with children to help them understand about what it means to be deaf, what cochlear implants are, and to have empathy for other people.
The authors and illustrator all share notes at the end of the book about their own experiences and why this book is so important to them.

[Laura Smetana]

Sound Switch Wonder is about a young boy who is deaf named Owen who shares what life is like with cochlear implants. Sometimes Owen has his cochlear implants in, and other times he takes them out when he wants quiet. When his parents ask him to describe what it is like to experience no sound, Owen finds the perfect way to show them. Inspired by the co-authors' personal experiences, this story is told with heart and love that shines beautifully through the illustrations by Katie Crumpton. The backmatter includes notes by the authors and the illustrator who all share their experiences and personal connections to the topic. This book will help children, as well as adults, better understand what it is like to be deaf and to have cochlear implants. Highly recommend!

[Amanda Davis]

A sweet and informative read that should be on everyone’s bookshelves. SOUND SWITCH WONDER explores what it is like to have cochlear implants. Based on personal inspiration from both the author (her son, Owen) and illustrator’s lives, the reader learns all about Owen’s CIs and how he can switch on and off sound—giving him choice and a sense of empowerment. I'd never thought too much about the idea of being able to switch sound on and off until reading this book and now having my own mother recently use hearing aids due to severe hearing loss. Thank you to the author, (her son) and illustrator for writing this book and ensuring that those who experience a range of deafness in their lives are seen and represented on the pages.

[Stephanie Gibeault]

This heartwarming picture book features a deaf main character, something we don’t see often enough in children’s literature. Owen has cochlear implants which he turns on and off depending on what’s going on around him. When his parents ask him what it’s like to be deaf, Owen struggles to find a way to share his experience. He tries several quiet environments, like a library and a museum, until he very cleverly finds just the right place to show his parents his world. The family dynamic in the story is warm and supportive, and the illustrations are bright and engaging. The excellent back matter includes a note from each of the co-authors (Owen is based on one of them) and a note from the illustrator (who is deaf on one side) outlining their personal experiences with the subject matter.

[Carrie Kruck]

I loved this book! I'm sure it will be an absolute delight for any kid who has experience with cochlear implants, and absolutely fascinating for kids just beginning to learn about what it means to be deaf. It welcomes curiosity and exploration - even I covered my ears just like the characters do when reflecting on the difference between that and being deaf, and I can just imagine the lively discussions and insights during story time :) I love how senses other than hearing are woven through the story as a way of orienting us (like the feeling of carpet between your toes), and when I realized that the parent and kid are sending a sweet ASL message to each other underwater I melted!!! A really cool book, highly recommend.

[Roxanne Chester]

Sound, Switch, Wonder uses the senses to explore deafness and the use of cochlean implants. The book explains what it is like, providing a young boy's perspective on deafness for readers. The main character, Owen, shares what it is like to have no sound. This is a wonderful book for children to explore understanding and awareness. Backmatter includes a note from Owen explaining deafness further, including certain technology like a "Roger." A note from the author also educates the reader. The book explains that deafness is not a lack or can't; instead, it can be an ability. This is an amazing book for teaching empathy about deafness.

[Kelly D.]

This book I loved! The comparison of being deaf to being underwater is genius that makes understanding what a deaf person goes through more accessible. This book brings to light the deaf world and how a young boy approaches life vigorously and knows what he likes and doesn't like. Sometimes he wants to hear and wears his cochlear implant and other times he removes it. There is a basic diagram of a cochlear implant and lots of family pictures as the young man goes about his day. The author's son is deaf as well as a partial hearing loss for the illustrator whose pictures are adorable. They truly are sharing from the heart. I much recommend it!

[Chiara Colombi]

What a wonderful co-written story, featuring a subject that kids and families need on the shelves. The detail and thought put into each sentence make it clear that the story is written from lived experiences, while also making those experiences accessible and relatable for those who don't have first-hand experience with cochlear implants. When my son started elementary school, we learned that several of his classmates had CIs, and he wasn't sure what to make of it, at first. I'm so grateful for this book—all schools should have it to help classmates understand one another. The author and illustrator notes at the end are also lovely and informative!

[Pam]

Readers meet Owen and his family and learn what it is like to be deaf. His family chose Cochlear Implants for him and he shares with readers and his family what it is like with them and when he turns them off. His mom asks what it is like to not hear any sound and he seeks a way to show them. Finally, he has them come underwater with him in the pool. This is as close as he can come to no sound for them. I appreciate this being told from his perspective. The illustrations capture and enhance the story. Don't miss the information shared at the end.

[Natasha Khan Kazi]

Readers follow Owen, a deaf child who has cochlear implants, through his day and experience the world through his eyes. This story has so many sweet, relatable details, such as Owen getting into bed with Mom first thing in the morning or Owen trying to describe what it's like to live in a world with no sound. Katie Crumpton's illustrations are fresh and informative. There aren’t many picture books written for or about deaf children, but Dr. Christine Ko has written one that everyone should read.

[Traci Huahn]

This is a delightful and important book that invites readers to experience the daily sounds and silence of a young boy who is deaf and uses cochlear implants. Told in a kid-friendly first-person voice, the main character explains to his family what it’s like to hear and not hear different sounds using very relatable examples that young readers will identify with. Loved the informative author’s note, including a message from the author’s son, who was the inspiration for this book. We need more books that feature all kinds of kids and this is definitely one to add to your shelves!

[curiouskat_books]

Great book. Read this aloud to my daughter who was captivated by the bright and colorful illustrations. I found it to be a very informative read about a topic not often written about. I apprecieted the way the boy in the story explained the absence of sound to those around him. The scene at the pool was beautiful. I especially loved the notes afterward from the authors and illustrator who shared their experiences.

[Karen Nespoli]

Sound Switch Wonder is a beautiful, thoughtful and well written story. I love the illustrations that enhance the story. Children will love reading this story over and over again, The explanation of different sounds and the description and diagram of cochlear implants fits into the storytelling in a smooth and engaging way. I highly recommend this book for classroom teachers to help children to better understand what is is like to be deaf.

[Christina Williamson]

A beautifully well-written and heartwarming story. "Sound Switch Wonder", shares the story of a young deaf boy and his experience with cochlear implants. It shares with the reader the sounds he experiences with his implants on and the silence when he turns them off. Then he is asked what it is like not to hear sound. What a great example of "silence" by going down into the water and each family member experiencing it. The bright, colorful illustrations add to the story. Highly recommend.

[Lisa Varchol Varchol]

This is such a thoughtfully written and illustrated story. Owen is a boy with cochlear implants trying to convey his experience of deafness to his loving family. What a wonderful moment when he finds a way! Author and illustrator notes at the end describe each creator's personal connection to the subject matter. I highly recommend this informative and uplifting book for every home, school, and library.

[Nadia Ali]

Sound Switch Wonder is written by Dr. Christine J. Ko and Owen Whang, illustrated by Katie Crumpton. As the story unfolds the reader learns that the story is about a little boy who is deaf. He is able to hear by wearing cochlear implants which are illustrated and labelled. Readers get to discover what the world is like with and without sound. The illustrations are bright and bold. It is a tender story that is informative, caring and ideal for the classroom.

[Lauren Kerstein]

I just adored this incredibly special book. Not only did I learn a lot about cochlear implants, I also have a new perspective on sound and quiet. The energy and honesty in the story is incredibly heartwarming. I loved looking at life through the main character's eyes and ears. And I absolutely adored the interactions between the family members. Love infuses every page. I highly recommend this beautiful book.

[Suhasini Gupta]

Sound Switch Wonder, written by Dr. Christine Ko and Owen Whang, and illustrated by Katie Crumpton, is a wonderful story about a little boy exploring sound and silence while wearing cochlear implants. I loved the beautiful illustrations and how the different settings—from libraries to museums to outdoor swimming pools—are captured in the search for quiet. This story is not only engaging and informative, but also filled with empathy, offering a heartfelt perspective on sound and hearing.

[Lynn Baldwin]

This gentle book shows what it’s like for a child who can’t hear to use cochlear implants. As the child goes about his day, he wonders what his family hears and then decides when to turn his implants on or off to either experience the sounds or experience life in silence. Kids who use cochlear implants will enjoy seeing themselves in the main character while hearing kids will benefit from learning a bit about what it’s like to be deaf.

[Jen Lee]

Many of us take hearing for granted. This book, which focuses on a deaf boy who uses a cochlear implant, demands that we pay attention his silent world as well as the subtle sounds we often overlook in daily life. Told from the boy's perspective, his story is sure to engage readers, both hearing and deaf, and expand young readers' awareness of others' experience. A wonderful educational book for home and school time.

[Rebecca Allen]

I enjoyed learning about cochlear implants from a child’s point of view--what they are and how they fit into the character’s life, and his family’s. It’s interesting to know that the absence of sounds can be peaceful, not always a problem. The back matter provides even more insight into what it’s like to have hearing differences. Great illustrations by Katie Crumpton add to the written words. Sound Switch Wonder is a great resource for teaching kids about hearing differences.