Project Description

Picture Books

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Can You Hear a Rainbow?

The Story of a Deaf Boy Named Chris, A Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Learning Book

by Jamee Riggio Heelan
illustrated by Nicola Simmonds

“Does a rainbow make a noise?” a deaf child asks a hearing friend. “No,” he is told. “Some things don’t need a noise. A rainbow is just the same for you and me.”

When Chris was a baby, doctors determined that he was deaf. In this intriguing, reassuring book, Chris tells young readers about what it is like to be deaf. With the assistance of hearing aids, Chris is able to hear vibrations, loud noises, and some other sounds. With sign language, speech therapy, and an interpreter, Chris’ days are much like those of hearing children, filled with classes, soccer games, and children’s theater.

Accompanied by Simmonds’s vivid and energetic multimedia paintings, Heelan’s text explores the world of a real child and answers the questions many children may have about hearing loss.

Format: Hardcover
Price: $15.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-268-2
Publication Date: 5/1/2002
Page Count: 32
Size: 9-5/8 ̎ x 9-5/8 ̎
Age Range: 6 – 10
Language: English
AR Level: 3.9
F&P: GRL N, Gr 3, Genre RF
Lexile: 730L
Themes: Daily Life, Deafness, School

Reviews

“The material…is accurate and worth repeating, and the format is appealing.”―School Library Journal

“The language and concepts are simple enough for even the youngest students to comprehend, yet also interesting and informative enough for older readers.  The illustrations combine photographs with colored pencil drawings and are large enough for read-alouds.  Books that present a realistic and sympathetic view of children with disabilities written so that other children can understand them are often hard to find.  This title fills that gap nicely.” ―Library Talk

“The original and attractive design as well as the unusual illustrations, which combine photographs and drawings, help make this an appealing book for all ages.” ―Good News Toronto Online

Awards

Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities ―IBBY Documentation Centre of Books for Disabled Young People, 2002

Children’s Crown Gallery Award (Nominee) ―National Christian School Association, 2004-2005

Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Association for Indiana Media Educators, 2005-2006

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Meet the Author

Jamee Riggio Heelan holds a BS in occupational therapy from the University of Kansas. She is the coordinator of the Children’s Amputee Program at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Her work is dedicated to treating children and educating others about childhood disabilities. She lives in Illinois.

Meet the Illustrator

Nicola Simmonds holds a BA Honors in Visual Communications from the University of Brighton. She has been involved in the design and production of children’s books for the past decade, both in England and the United States. She lives in Georgia.