The Book of Signing: A Handbook for Words and Phrases

by Christopher Brown

Sign Language book with color illustrations

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction

368 pages, Spiral-bound

Published January 1, 2004

About the author

Librarian Note: There are multiple authors by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Hira]

Found this at a used bookstore. I was looking for something to keep me consistent before my second ASL class starts next month.

The book gives teaches you the basics of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc., and then teaches you new vocabulary through full sentences, like “duck happy in water” or “pony ran across road” which are not necessarily sentences you’ll use often, but it helps you learn signs in a somewhat practical manner.

It’s a little weird at first, but the set up makes sense and the motion of each sign is very clear in each picture. Also has a great index in the back that I constantly use for finding specific signs. Helped me on the NYT Crossword once, hehe

[Jennifer]

If you're interested in sign language then this is a good book to have. I've tried at least a dozen through the years and this is definitely the best for non-signers who want to learn a few things.

[Michelle]

Its organized kind of strangely, but pretty well depicted.