It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to gift ideas. So we’ve put together our Top 10 favorite children’s books for children with hearing loss.
Some of the books feature characters coming to terms with hearing loss or getting hearing aids for the first time, while others books tell stories about being different, included, and empowered. All 10 children’s books aim to educate, entertain, and inspire.
Top 10 Children’s Books for Children with Hearing Loss
Children’s book author Samantha Baines by Mathew Foster
1. Harriet Versus the Galaxy by Samantha Baines
Harriet Versus the Galaxy is a heartfelt addition to our list of children’s books for children with hearing loss. It’s by comedian/actor/author Samantha Baines. Baines is a hearing aid user and Phonak hEARo. Her book covers the intergalactic adventures of Harriet who discovers that her hearing aid can do more than she ever imagined. It helps her understand aliens from across the universe! When alien invaders appear, Harriet becomes the Earth’s first line of defense as the only one who can understand them.
Read more: Interview with author Samantha Baines of ‘Harriet Versus the Galaxy.’
2. Freddie and the Fairy by Julia Donaldson
This is a charming book for young children that demonstrates how to make it easier to communicate with someone with hearing loss. Freddie is desperate for a pet, so when he rescues fairy Bessie-Belle and she offers to grant his wishes, he knows just what to ask for. The only problem is that Bessie-Belle can’t hear very well. Freddie tends to mumble. Whatever can they do? Luckily the Fairy Queen is on hand to help with their communication difficulties.
3. Lizzie and Lucky: The Mystery of the Stolen Puppies by Megan Rix
The Mystery of the Stolen Puppies tells the story of Lizzie, a little girl who is desperate to have a dog. To convince her parents, she must come up with 101 reasons why she needs one. A whizz at making lists, thinking of 101 reasons is going to be easy for Lizzie. For one thing, she’s deaf and could train a puppy to be her hearing dog. But as Lizzie begins compiling her list, she sees a puppy being stolen and put into a van. Can Lizzie solve the case of the missing puppies and find herself a loyal friend?
4. Can Bears Ski? by Raymond Antrobus
Little Bear feels the world around him. He feels his bed rumble when Dad Bear wakes him up in the morning. He feels the floor shake when his teacher stomps to get his attention. But something else is missing, like when his friends tell jokes that he isn’t sure he understands, or when all around him Little Bear hears the question, “Can bears ski?” Then, one day, Dad Bear takes him to see an “aud-i-olo-gist,” and Little Bear learns that he is deaf and will start wearing hearing aids. Soon he figures out what that puzzling refrain is: “Can you hear me?” Little Bear’s new world is LOUD and will take some getting used to. With the love and support of Dad Bear, he will find his way.
Read more: Interview with deaf author and poet Raymond Antrobus
5. Completely Me by Justine Green, Ed.D.
Completely Me is a children’s book about a little girl who never thought there was something different about herself – until others pointed it out. When she decides to stand up for herself, she teaches the townspeople an important lesson about acceptance.
6. J.W. The Deaf Drummer by Myles Hunt
J.W. is a deaf musician. He teaches his friends how he communicates via ASL (American Sign Language) and lipreading. He lives in a hearing world. Readers of this children’s book will get a glimpse into J.W.’s struggles, hidden talents, and how the value of true friendship keeps the music playing.
7. Ranvir Cannot Hear by Genevieve Yusuf
This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book with a message of inclusion and empowerment: Learn to find out what you can do and don’t worry about what you can’t. Ranvir Cannot Hear is a magical story set in India. Ranvir, a little elephant, goes on a long journey in search of his hearing. On his travels he meets some wonderful friends who can’t do certain things. They tell him about the things that they can do. Ranvir even finds out he has a special talent too! This book is recommended for children up to seven years old. British and American sign language alphabets are included, so you can teach your little one to sign their name.
“This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book with a message of inclusion and empowerment: Learn to find out what you can do and don’t worry about what you can’t.”
Read more: 5 children’s books my deaf toddler loves
8. Mighty Mila by Katie Petruzziello
Mighty Mila is a book for children ages 3 to 8. Its message is that with imagination, perseverance, and even a little help from others, you can do everything you set your mind to. Mila wants to prove to her family that she’s a “big kid.” Her plan is to do everything on her own without asking for help. She uses her creativity, willpower, and even her new cochlear implant to tackle one “big kid” activity after another. But when faced with something new that she can’t figure out on her own, will Mila finally prove just how mighty she is?
9. Maxi’s Super Ears by Maggie Klein
This is the story of a brave, young boy named Maxi getting his first hearing aids. Join Maxi on his journey into the world of hearing, where he learns we should all accept each other for what makes us unique. When he learns to embrace differences, he is introduced to a world of love and friendship.
10. Can you Hear Me Now? by Demii Wright
This book was written by nine-year-old American schoolgirl, Demii Wright. In it, she tells the story of her sudden hearing loss. Wright says she didn’t have a friend to share her experience, so she wants to be a friend to others.
Read more: Meet the 9-year-old who published a book about hearing loss
Phonak hEARo, Angie is a freelance journalist and content writer. Angie was diagnosed with Otosclerosis in her right ear at the age of 30. In 2011, she suffered sudden profound hearing loss in her left ear. She uses a Phonak CROS II with a Phonak Audéo V hearing aid. You can follow Angie on Twitter @hearinglosshour and join in #HearingLossHour on the first Tuesday of the month.
