Talking Books: Audiobook Inventor Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read

by Jenny Lacika, Ashanti Fortson (Illustrator)

A captivating picture book biography of determined innovator Dr. Robert B. Irwin, who invented the audiobook and revolutionized the way stories are shared, opening the door for people of all abilities to become readers.

Robert Benjamin Irwin loves to learn and explore. But when he’s five, his eyes grow red and painful from fever, and he loses his sight. Since he can no longer see, Robert focuses instead on what he can discovering new ways to learn and experience the world through sound.

As he grows up, Robert learns to read books written in Braille, a system of raised dots that can be read with fingers. But as much as he loves stories, he finds finger-reading Braille slow and difficult. He wishes he could listen to a story like he listens to the birds. So, with a team of audio engineers, Robert sets out to make it happen—and revolutionizes reading for people around the world.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, Disability

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating story about the blind man that invented audio books.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspiring picture book biography is about a blind man who pioneered the concept of audiobooks. The illustrations are wonderful, and the well-written story is full of interesting details about Irwin's life and advocacy. The author's note at the end shares some additional facts about Irwin, and explains the concept of universal design. People who enjoy audiobooks will appreciate this origin story, and this book will delight anyone looking for powerful true stories about disabled people who have accomplished amazing things.

[Mackenzie Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobooks are one of those things that it somehow never occurred to me had to be invented, let alone so frustratingly fought for. But of course, they were.

I loved this book. My only complaint is the lack of references or bibliography. I want to learn more about Dr. Irwin, audiobooks, and the history of narrated electronic media, and the sources used for this book would be a great place to start.

[Miz Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this picture book biography. Even though I love to listen to audiobooks, I had never stopped to think about how the format came about. This has a wonderful account about the value of being able to listen to books, especially for visually impaired readers, and the rewards of persistent advocacy.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a family who loves audiobooks it felt awesome to read about the inventor of them. We never questioned where audiobooks came from but learning about it made us appreciate them
much more.
It is a wonderful picture biography that explains everything in a simple but powerful way.

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, compelling, empowering picture book biography of blind disability justice advocate and audiobook inventor Robert B Irwin!

Themes: Disability Justice, Inventors, Universal Design, Disability
age range: Elementary

[Hannah Showalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool to read about the invention of audiobooks, something I take for granted as always being around and readily available! I love that kids nonfiction books can have such niche topics like this, I'm truly always learning something new from them!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
How Robert Irwin saw a need for talking books and helped create the audiobooks readers love today (universal design)

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, inspiring. A great introduction to UDL for young readers and for adults too. A definite Schneider Family Book Award contender.