Larger-than-life Ling Ling Bird forms an unlikely bond with tiny wee Chickadee in this uplifting tale of discovery, friendship and acceptance. While Chickadee gains a fascinating insight into the world of her dazzling new buddy who is deaf, Ling Ling Bird learns that being different does not prevent him forming special friendships. Amazing things are possible with a can-do attitude! 
This 30-page picture book with full color illustrations throughout, is written for older children and early readers (6-8 years). In the author's personal experience, this is the age when deaf children and their school friends really start to show an interest in the workings of their cochlear implants / hearing aids. The story encourages deaf children to aim for the stars, while acknowledging the hard work it takes to learn to listen and speak. The book uses ambitious language, which makes it ideal for family reading and for younger listeners to learn some of the terminology associated with hearing loss and hearing technology. 
Answering many questions about life with cochlear implants (‘magic ears’), highlighting both challenges and opportunities, this inspiring book will help friends, families and teachers of deaf children to better support and understand their tough but rewarding journey into the hearing, speaking world. By championing such a fun character with hearing loss like Ling Ling Bird, who is undeterred by his disability, it is hoped this delightful tale will help deaf children around the world to build their self-esteem, pride in who they are and a strong sense of personal identity. 
ABOUT LING LING BIRD: This unstoppable, cochlear implant-wearing bird is on a mission to inspire deaf children to dream big, and to help more people understand both the ongoing challenges faced by - and incredible opportunities open to - deaf children today. He describes the hours of speech & language therapy, dedication and focus needed to learn to listen and speak, while sending out a strong message that all the hard work will be worth it in the end. 
Ling Ling Bird is named after the six ‘Ling Sounds’, which roughly represent all the frequencies used in speech (mm / oo / ah / ee / sh / ss). Ling Ling Bird is proud of his cochlear implants and loves talking about them, explaining how they work and describing what it feels like to wear them...which is just as well, because the ever-curious Chickadee is full of questions! As bold and brassy as his vibrant rainbow colors, Ling Ling Bird thinks that being a bit different is great fun. Nonetheless, he has a few lessons to learn about how to curb his over-exuberant behavior! So Chickadee gains new awareness and understanding, while Ling Ling Bird learns valuable lessons of friendship and acceptance. 
Chickadee may well introduce her new friend in the same way that he is featured on the book cover: 
Meet Ling Ling Bird! Despite his profound hearing loss, he's not sad and he's not cross. 
He has magic ears that help him to hear. 
He's proud of his individuality and bright, exuberant personality. 
Inspired by auditory verbal therapy, which teaches deaf children with cochlear implants and hearing aids to listen and speak, this book acknowledges that there are many different approaches to deaf communication (including sign language, listening and spoken language, total communication). The author fully respects that there is no categorically right or wrong approach; which option to pursue is a deeply personal choice for each and every family based on their own values, aspirations and what works best for them. 
Brief excerpt from the book: 
“I’ve overcome my initial apprehension, thanks to this incredible invention,” answered Ling Ling Bird, pointing to his head. “Now I have no worries and no fears because I have my magic ears!" 
The author is grateful for the advice and support of Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK).

LING LING BIRD Seen and Heard: A joyous tale of friendship, acceptance and magic ears! (The Adventures of Ling Ling Bird)

Children's Books

Saunders, Tanya

Growing Up & Facts of Life

AVID Language

LING LING BIRD Seen and Heard: a joyous tale of friendship, acceptance and magic ears (The Adventures of Ling Ling Bird)

Tanya Saunders

Ling Ling Bird Hears with his Magic Ears: exploring fun 'learning to listen' sounds for early listeners

‘Ling Ling Bird Hears with his Magic Ears’ takes us on an exciting journey through the world of sound – ideal for helping young children in the early stages of learning to listen and speak. We accompany Ling Ling Bird, who is deaf – his ears don’t work but not to worry - he wears cochlear implants that help him to hear. Together we listen to what he hears with his super magic ears!\nAlso available in Spanish as "Los oídos mágicos de Lúa la Cacatúa". 
“Ling Ling Bird likes the big moo cow…but not the cat that says meow. 
The lion is loud when it roars; so is the crocodile snapping its jaws!” 
Aimed at young children (0-3 years old) and early listeners (listening age of 0-3 years), this 36-page book is bursting with colour – illustrated throughout with bright and bold images, ideal for little people with inquiring minds. 
The book is designed especially for families seeking a listening and spoken language outcome for their child/ren. Children first need to learn to listen before they can learn to speak. With a typically hearing child, this happens naturally and automatically; with a deaf child, who has gained access to sound through hearing aids and/or cochlear implants, the process often needs to be more deliberate. The child first needs to learn to pay attention to sound, then to understand that sound has meaning and finally that it has power – they can use their voice to get what they want, to express themselves and to join in with others! 
Children will learn to imitate environmental sounds before they can say proper words – so for example, a child will say ‘baa’ before they say ‘sheep’. This book allows children to hear a range of common environmental ‘learning to listen’ sounds (the more often they hear them, the easier it will be for them to eventually say them) as well as hearing the proper words. The book uses simple rhymes to link the fun ‘learning to listen’ sounds. The use of rhymes aids language development and helps to build phonological awareness. 
The book acknowledges that learning to listen and speak is hard work for deaf or hard of hearing children, who often experience heightened levels of auditory fatigue. At the end of the day, as at the end of this book, it is wonderfully relaxing for them to take off their magic ears and enjoy the total silence. 
ABOUT LING LING BIRD: 
This unstoppable, cochlear implant-wearing bird is on a mission to inspire deaf children to dream big, and to help more people understand both the ongoing challenges faced by - and incredible opportunities open to - deaf children today. Despite his profound hearing loss, he’s not sad and he’s not cross. He has bionic ears that help him to hear! He’s proud of his individuality and bright exuberant personality. 
BRIEF EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK: 
“This man likes to laugh – haa haa haa; 
Sheep don’t laugh, they just go baa… 
Ling Ling Bird has a toy train – choo choo, choo choo 
and a pet owl – hoo hoo, hoo hoo." 
AUTHOR’S NOTE: 
While she is inspired by auditory verbal therapy, which teaches deaf children with cochlear implants and hearing aids to listen and speak, the author acknowledges that there are many different and valid approaches to deaf communication (including sign language, lip reading, auditory oral, total communication). The author fully respects that there is no categorically right or wrong approach; which option to pursue is a deeply personal choice for each and every family based on their own values, aspirations and what works best for them. 
The author is grateful for the advice and support of the Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK) team.

Ling Ling Bird Hears with his Magic Ears: exploring fun 'learning to listen' sounds for early listeners (Ling Ling Bird Early Learners)

Literature & Fiction

'Ling Ling Bird Hears with his Magic Ears' takes us on an exciting journey through the world of sound - ideal for helping young children in the early stages of learning to listen and speak. We accompany Ling Ling Bird, who is deaf and wears cochlear implants that help him to hear. Together we listen to what he hears with his super magic ears!\n"Ling Ling Bird likes the big moo cow...but not the cat that says meow. 
The lion is loud when it roars; so is the crocodile snapping its jaws!"\nAimed at young children (0-3 years old) and early listeners (listening age of 0-3 years), this 36-page book is bursting with colour - illustrated throughout with bright and bold images, fun for little inquisitive people. The book is designed especially for families seeking a listening and spoken language outcome for their child/ren. Children first need to learn to listen before they can learn to speak. With a typically hearing child, this happens naturally and automatically; with a deaf child, who has gained access to sound through hearing aids and/or cochlear implants, the process often needs to be more deliberate. The child first needs to learn to pay attention to sound, then to understand that sound has meaning and finally that it has power - they can use their voice to get what they want, to express themselves and to join in with others!\nChildren will learn to imitate environmental sounds before they can say proper words - so for example, a child will say 'baa' before they say 'sheep'. This book allows children to hear a range of common environmental 'learning to listen' sounds (the more often they hear them, the easier it will be for them to eventually say them) as well as hearing the proper words. The book uses simple rhymes to link the fun 'learning to listen' sounds. The use of rhymes aids language development and helps to build phonological awareness. The book acknowledges that learning to listen and speak is hard work for deaf or hard of hearing children, who often experience heightened levels of auditory fatigue. At the end of the day, as at the end of this book, it is wonderfully relaxing for them to take off their magic ears and enjoy the total silence.\nABOUT LING LING BIRD: 
This unstoppable, cochlear implant-wearing bird is on a mission to inspire deaf children to dream big, and to help more people understand both the ongoing challenges faced by - and incredible opportunities open to - deaf children today. Despite his profound hearing loss, he's not sad and he's not cross. He has bionic ears that help him to hear! He's proud of his individuality and bright exuberant personality.\nAUTHOR'S NOTE: 
While she is inspired by auditory verbal therapy, which teaches deaf children with cochlear implants and hearing aids to listen and speak, the author acknowledges that there are many different and valid approaches to deaf communication (including sign language, lip reading, auditory oral, total communication). The author fully respects that there is no categorically right or wrong approach; which option to pursue is a deeply personal choice for each and every family based on their own values, aspirations and what works best for them.\nThe author is grateful for the advice and support of the Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK) team.

Friends Together: A Bear Buddies Learning Adventure: learn and practice early social language for making friends and playing together (The Bear Buddies Learning Adventure Stories)

Luna Bear is sad because she is on her own and has no-one to play with. Luckily, The Bear Buddies are kind and friendly; they scoop her up and before long, she is one of them! 
Introducing the eight Bear Buddies, FRIENDS TOGETHER is all about making friends in the playground, helping children learn and practice early social language and interpersonal skills. In addition to modelling simple playtime language that children will need to make friends and join in, the story demonstrates the importance of inclusivity, acceptance, kindness and diverse friendships. 
4 Bonus PARTICIPATION PAGES included with fun interactive activities to help children put their learning into practice! 
FRIENDS TOGETHER was initially written for deaf children learning to listen and speak but is equally suited to all children aged 3-6 years old as they transition from home to a school environment, a critical time in their developmental journey when they need to learn new language and appropriate behaviour for making friends, playing and thriving in a wider social setting. 
Primary focus of the book (themes/concepts): 
- Playtime / play language (asking to play, inviting to play, initiating games to play) 
- Saying hello and introducing yourself and others 
- Saying ‘thank you’ and responding ‘you’re welcome’ 
- Paying compliments and responding to compliments 
- Expressing basic feelings 
- Appreciating the importance of kindness and inclusivity in the playground 
- Interactive reading and activities stimulating two-way communication between adult and child, which is essential for the development of fluent receptive and expressive language as well as cognitive and social skills. 
Secondary focus of the book (themes/concepts): 
- Learning that different words can have the same or similar meanings (synonyms) 
- Sequential time concepts: earlier…now / first…then / now…next 
- Learning left and right 
- Answering ‘Why?’ questions with ‘Because…’ 
- Recognising and understanding basic emotions in yourself and others 
- Recognising basic personality traits in yourself and others 
- Recognising and accepting that different individuals have different preferences/quirks/likes and dislikes 
- Understanding that the things that make us different are the things that make us interesting 
- Basic theory of mind - recognising that actions/events have consequences (‘I am sad because…’) 
- Strengthening auditory memory by asking questions about particular characters in the story at the end 
About The Bear Buddies series 
With a deaf central character, who wears cochlear implants, The Bear Buddies learning adventure stories were originally conceived to support deaf children learning to listen and speak but are equally suited to all children aged 3 to 6 years old. Focused on the transitional period when their world expands beyond the home to a school environment and other social settings, these charming, simple stories about a group of young friends navigating familiar childhood scenarios help children to learn and practice early social language, playground etiquette, self-advocacy and other skills that they will need in order to thrive at school, in the playground and on playdates in each other’s houses. Key themes include the importance of inclusivity, acceptance, diversity, kindness and friendships. 
Author's Note 
While she is inspired by auditory verbal therapy, which teaches deaf children with cochlear implants and hearing aids to listen and speak, the author acknowledges and respects that there are many different and valid approaches to deaf communication. Which one to choose is each family's personal choice. 
The author is grateful for the advice and support of the Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK) team.

FRIENDS TOGETHER: A Bear Buddies Learning Adventure: learn and practice early social language for making friends and playing together (The Bear Buddies Learning Adventure Stories)

Luna Bear is sad because she is on her own and has no-one to play with. Luckily, The Bear Buddies are kind and friendly; they scoop her up and before long, she is one of them! Introducing the eight Bear Buddies, FRIENDS TOGETHER is all about making friends in the playground, helping children learn and practice early social language and interpersonal skills. In addition to modelling simple playtime language that children will need to make friends and join in, the story demonstrates the importance of inclusivity, acceptance, kindness and diverse friendships.\nFRIENDS TOGETHER was initially written for deaf children learning to listen and speak but is equally suited to all children aged 3-6 years old as they transition from home to a school environment, a critical time in their developmental journey when they need to learn new language and appropriate behaviour for making friends, playing and thriving in a wider social setting.\nPrimary focus: 
- Playtime / play language 
- Saying hello and introducing yourself and others 
- Saying 'thank you' and responding 'you're welcome' 
- Paying compliments and responding to compliments 
- Expressing basic feelings 
- Appreciating the importance of kindness and inclusivity in the playground 
- Interactive reading and activities stimulating two-way communication between adult and child\nSecondary focus: 
- Synonyms 
- Sequential time concepts 
- Learning left and right 
- Answering 'Why?' questions with 'Because...' 
- Recognising and understanding basic emotions 
- Recognising basic personality traits 
- Recognising and accepting that different individuals have different preferences 
- Understanding that the things that make us different are the things that make us interesting 
- Basic theory of mind 
- Strengthening auditory memory\nThe author is grateful for the advice and support of the Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK) team.

3-in-1 OMNIBUS EDITION!\nA trilogy of social stories starring the eight Bear Buddies, one of whom is deaf and wears cochlear implants, teaching children how to get help when someone else needs it as well as how to self-advocate and help themselves, all while on a team quest to find a lost cochlear implant.\nBook 1: A HELPING HAND 
Oh no! Bobby Bear has hurt himself and needs help! What will the Bear Buddies do? How will they call for help and from whom? The story models some key vocabulary and simple language to use when asking for help, labelling different parts of the playground and describing what happened and why help is needed. When it arrives in the form of Miss Teacher Bear and a big medical box, we learn how playground bumps and scrapes are treated and discuss why it’s important to call for help from a grown-up.\nBOOK 2: LOST AND FOUND 
Another mishap! Onna Bear has lost one of her cochlear implants – it’s fallen off her ear and no-one can find it! Miss Teacher Bear devises a plan to search for the missing magic ear, with the entire Bear Buddies team lending a hand. The story demonstrates the importance of self-advocacy and asking for help when you need it while modelling key language and vocabulary to help children learn to help themselves.\nBOOK 3: SUPERPOWERS! 
Harry Bear simply cannot understand how Onna Bear’s cochlear implants stick to her head. Does she have mystical superpowers? As Onna Bear explains how her magic ears work, we learn some fascinating key facts about cochlear implants and why modern hearing technology is so amazing. Harry Bear wishes he had superpowers just like bionic Onna Bear, so Sala Bear reminds him that all the Bear Buddies do already possess special superpowers – the superpowers of friendship (and super-hula-powers too, but that’s another story!)\n10 BONUS PARTICIPATION PAGES included to help children put their learning into practice with fun, conversation-filled activities!\nPrimary focus of trilogy: Key vocabulary and language for asking for help for someone else Key vocabulary and language for asking for help for yourself (self-advocating) Fun facts about cochlear implant technology Importance of helping others Importance of self-advocacy Importance of asking a grownup for help Thinking and talking about stories you have read 
Secondary focus of trilogy: Understanding idioms (“a helping hand”) School/playground vocabulary Perseverance / never giving up Expressing emotions / understanding how you feel Simple descriptive vocabulary (sunlight/shade, heavy/light, etc) Key vocabulary describing treatment for bumps and scrapes Strengthening auditory memory Talking ahead / making plans Using story maps to re-tell stories Reading / interpreting a map / diagram Time passing (in 5-minute increments) Positional vocabulary (in, on, under, all around, near, inside, outside, etc) What different things are made of and why How magnets work\nAbout The Bear Buddies series 
With a deaf central character who wears cochlear implants, The Bear Buddies learning adventure stories are specifically designed to support deaf children learning to listen and speak but are equally suited to all young children needing a little extra practice with early language. Focused on the transitional period when their world expands beyond the home to a school environment and other social settings, these simple stories about a group of young friends navigating familiar childhood scenarios help children to learn and practice early social language, playground etiquette, self-advocacy and other interpersonal skills they need to thrive at school, in the playground and on playdates in each other’s homes.

UH OH.... PHEW!: 3 fun-filled Bear Buddies learning adventure stories about helping others, helping yourself, and a cochlear implant lost and found! (The Bear Buddies Learning Adventure Stories)

Uh Oh... Phew!: 3 fun-filled Bear Buddies learning adventure stories about helping others, helping yourself, and a cochlear implant lost and found! (The Bear Buddies Learning Adventure Stories)

Meet Ananya, a girl who is profoundly deaf and wears cochlear implants but like her hearing peers, has multi-identities. She is a daughter, a sister and a friend who likes Minecraft, tennis and the piano! 
With its positive representation of deafness, ‘A Girl like Ananya’ will appeal to families of a deaf child as well as forming a valuable hearing loss awareness resource for mainstream schools with deaf pupils.\nAlso available in Spanish as "Una Chica como Ananya".\nThe book, which is aimed at 6-8 year olds, provides an explanation of Ananya’s listening devices and encourages the reader to try to understand the nature of her deafness: 
“If you know a girl like Ananya, she may tell you that she needs to wear her cochlear implants every day. When she takes them off, she can hear nothing at all.\nTake a moment to think about this. Can you imagine hearing nothing at all?”'A Girl Like Ananya' challenges our perception of deafness and disability, beginning with a discussion point:\n"Before you read this book, explore the following question: 
Do the two phrases below mean the same thing? the deaf girl the girl who is deaf"This is revisited at the end of the book, where there is an activity for children to complete about their own multi–identities.\n‘A Girl Like Ananya’ is Karen Hardwicke’s first book. Karen is a parent of a young deaf adult and has been a Teacher of the Deaf for over ten years. It is important to her that deaf characters are represented in a positive way and that her stories carry an affirming message for children and their parents. The inspiration for ‘A Girl Like Ananya’ was an extraordinary past pupil, Ananya, whose hearing loss did not stop her learning to read, to write and to achieve all the things that her peers can do and more.

A Girl like Ananya: The true life story of an inspirational girl who is deaf and wears cochlear implants

Hardwicke, Karen

Biographies

It's time for Nursery. 
NO! 
It's time to leave the sticks outside. 
NO! 
It's time to walk home. 
NO!\nMeet Jack. A little boy with sparkly blue eyes and two hearing aids. A little boy whose only word is "NO!". 
When "No!" is a battle and Mummy is tired and Jack is tired too, what does Mummy try next? Based on a true story, Jack Signs! is the heart-warming story of a little boy who is deaf, his typically hearing sister and their Mum. When his Mum discovers a book of sign language, their family life is transformed and Jack blossoms with his new-found communication skills.\nIntegrating "sign along with me" icons, which prompt children (and their parents) to sign along with Jack as they read the story. (Please note: Linked demonstration videos are currently only available in American Sign Language / ASL and British Sign Language / BSL. We hope to make further videos available soon in other sign languages.)\nJack Signs! is written by Karen Hardwicke, who is the parent of a young deaf adult and has been a Teacher of the Deaf for over ten years.

Jack Signs!: The heart-warming tale of a little boy who is deaf, wears hearing aids and discovers the magic of sign language – based on a true story! (The JACK SIGNS! Series)

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