Baby Signs: A Baby-Sized Introduction to Speaking with Sign Language

by Joy Allen (Illustrator)

Long before they're able to talk, babies have a whole lot to say. With this adorable board book of essential signs, babies and toddlers can easily learn how to communicate their needs, wants, and feelings--and even make basic observations--with a simple gesture. Studies show that babies who use sign language feel less frustrated, throw fewer tantrums, and often learn to talk more easily.

Just point to a sign in the book, say the word while making the sign, and the baby will soon be signing. Communicating a wet diaper or a hungry belly, asking for help or saying 'all done' becomes as easy as waving hello or good-bye. And these are just a few of the thirteen signs inside this small and adorably illustrated board book, perfect for little hands--and minds--to grasp.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Parenting, Language, Reference, Nonfiction

16 pages, Board Book

First published February 14, 2008

Reviews

[Ashley Cronk Freney]

IMO this book should not have been published. It’s a bestseller on amazon yet doesn’t show correct ASL signs? ASL is a real language. I find it wildly inappropriate someone would make up signs and put them in a book to have parents teach children. Some signs were correct but the pictures for each sign are not clear. Personally I cannot get past the fact they published a book with made up signs.

[Jannah]

Some of these signs aren't ASL ('dog', 'cat', and 'sleepy' I think were the main ones that deviated?).
I went ahead and still used the book for baby storytime, but demonstrated the correct signs to the grown-ups as we went over each word. We have 2 copies of this board book available to check out, but I plan to look for a more accurate board book to order instead.

[Breanna]

So cute! When baby can sign it’ll be so cute!

[Destiney Dickson]

Copyright- Dial Books 2008
Number of pages- 16
Book format- Board Book
Reading level- 0-3 years
Genre-non-fiction
Lit Requirement- Interactive

Baby Signs includes 13 basic signs that would be beneficial for babies to know. The words and phrases taught and explained are milk, water, more, all done, diaper, dog, cat, it hurts, help me, mommy, daddy, book, and sleepy. The illustrations in the book include a baby signing the words and their parents. The baby is shown participating in normal daily routines and activities that an infant normally would. Underneath the illustrations and sign word(s), there are pictures of hands that shows the movement of the sign and an explanation of it. This gives the reader a better idea of how they are supposed to position and move their hands for each signed phrase.
Teaching babies sign language is incredibly beneficial. It allows them to communicate before they are even verbal. That is why I think this book is not only beneficial for infants and toddlers but for adults as well. Adults can read this with their child and show them the signs for each word or phrase. I really like this book and would definitely recommend it.

[Adriana]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The best introduction for using sign language to communicate with your baby. Signs can be implemented early and are incredibly useful for understanding your little one's needs before they're able to used words.

Highlights: Adorable baby illustrations with small hand diagrams to teach reader how to perform each sign. Useful signs for baby to communicate common needs/interactions.

Lowlights: An illustration of a baby taking a bath is used for the word 'water' which I don't think is the best option. I would have preferred 'bath' or a different illustration.

[Becky Johnson]

This board book is a simple book for pre-k and kindergarten. There are only a few words per page but then teach readers how to sign the words too. This book is great for any classroom especially for special education classes. I think the pictures are simple and soft and the cute baby is just adorable!

[Alana]

There are some really great starter signs with simple instructions. My kiddo is already trying to copy some. There are a couple that a remember differently from when I did some signs years ago, so I'll have to investigate that, but it's definitely a great, simple one to start with for kiddos and parents/caretakers.

[Suzy]

Cute and short book that introduces some basic baby sign language. I gave 4 stars because the sign instructions aren’t perfect but it’s easy enough to use YouTube to view examples. The book truly is a “baby-sized” introduction to speaking with sign language. I have the board book edition which is sturdy and should hold-up.

[Lauren]

This is a better book for kids who cannot speak yet because you can teach them sign language. I somehow misplaced this book so it’s only being read to my son now (years later). However, he is still capable of learning ASL so I’m fine with reading it to him and learning signs as well. Would recommend, my only criticism is that the hand signs to show you how to do it should be much bigger.

[Stephanie Willing]

A sweet and simple introduction to basic sign language for babies. I'm excited to read this and learn it with my baby because I've heard from several parents that their babies were a lot less frustrated around mealtimes once they were able to communicate concepts such as "more" and "done."

[Sally]

A colorful, engaging book for babies. There are only a few simple signs and that is very appropriate. I would have preferred pictures to drawings, but that is not a deal breaker for using this book. I love the way the book is focused on the signs themselves.

[Amelia]

A great read for the toddlers as it is a simple book with great colorful illustrations. Very informative for the adults too as it teaches new parents how to teach baby signs to their below 1 year old that is helpful for communication as babies are babbling.

[Everette Finch]

I'm really working on leveling up my communication skills, so this book is great for me at 10 months old. I find the one-handed signs easier than the others, and every time Mama tries to teach me the signs for Mom and Dad, I just laugh and laugh. It's SO funny.

[Orion Kopf]

I am a little young for this right now but I think I will learn a lot from it in a few months!

[Tracy]

Not sure how useful this will be but I'm going to bring it home from the library, anyway.

[Shauna Ludlow Smith]

This is a helpful board book that describes thirteen signs for babies and adults to communicate.

[Elizabeth]

Very simple and wonderful beginner book.

[Angelica]

Cute little book that Au read at 17 months. Provides some instruction about some of the basic signs, a couple of which we hadn't yet learned.

[Lillian]

Good introduction to some signs. More for the parent than for the kid. Not brightly illustrated or engaging for children.

[Roo]

Good introductory signs

[Angela]

Laura picked up the signs really quickly from this book and when she reads by herself she even still does them! I wish I would have found it sooner.

[Jeremy]

Read with grandma and Papa via FaceTime for nighttime storytime

[Kelly]

Amazingly simple! I can't wait to try these out on my grandchildren. The signs included are very basic, and I wonder if there are more books like this...

[Danielle Robertson Robertson]

A good place to start - not too complicated with too many signs but still detailed enough to show exactly what the hands should do.

[Brenda]

I was really excited about this book and to read it to my son. However, I feel like I need to check some of the words now after reading it. Just wasn’t exactly what I was expecting.

[Little Champs]

BB 158

[Jenna]

Very clear instructions on how to make the signs with pretty pictures that keep the baby engaged.

[Tennyson SP]

Some of the signs are a little hard to decipher.

[Sarah]

I liked this book and I appreciate the simplicity. My child loves it too!

[Miss Clark]

Nice and easy beginner's book for baby and parents starting out with sign language.