Deaf, like David is a powerful and heart-centered children's book that celebrates communication, inclusion, and belonging-inviting children of all ages to see that language comes in many beautiful forms.
Inspired by a real Deaf father, this fictionalized story follows David, a curious and thoughtful child who experiences the world through American Sign Language. Through everyday moments with family, friends, and community, readers learn that listening is not limited to ears, speaking is not limited to voices, and connection is always possible.
Created for children ages 0-12, Deaf, like David grows with the child. Infants and toddlers are introduced to early, functional signs that support communication before spoken language develops. Preschool and early elementary children build empathy, visual language skills, and understanding of Deaf culture. Older children gain meaningful insight into accessibility, identity, and inclusion through story-based learning.
The book is intentionally designed to be inclusive and accessible. It is presented in English and Spanish, with American Sign Language integrated throughout, creating a truly trilingual learning experience. ASL is woven naturally into the story-not as a lesson, but as a living language-supporting early language development, visual learning, and meaningful communication for both Deaf and hearing children.
Deaf, like David also includes companion signing videos and educational resources, making it a complete learning tool for families, classrooms, and childcare settings. These resources support adults in confidently using signs with children and reinforce the story through real-life application.
Rooted in values such as kindness, patience, respect, and love for others, the book reflects a faith-informed worldview without preaching, making it a trusted choice for families, educators, and faith-based communities.
A must-have for daycares, early childhood programs, libraries, and elementary classrooms, Deaf, like David is more than a book-it is a bridge to communication, inclusion, and understanding from the very beginning.
Stewart, Jennifer: - Jennifer Stewart M.S., Ed. is an educator, author, and advocate for inclusive communication. She grew up in the Deaf community as the daughter of a Deaf father, an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to accessibility, language, and belonging. With over twenty years of experience in early childhood and special education, Jennifer has worked as an ASL interpreter, educator, and ASL professor, supporting Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing children in developing meaningful communication.Jennifer holds a bachelor's degree in American Sign Language Interpreting, a master's degree in Special Education, and teaching certification in Deaf education. She is the founder of Signing Courses, a company that provides professional development, curriculum, and resources to early education programs across the United States and Canada to help create signing-inclusive classrooms.Deaf, like David is inspired by Jennifer's father and her upbringing in the Deaf community. Through her writing, she hopes to help children see that differences are gifts, communication comes in many forms, and everyone belongs. She lives with her family, where faith, family, and service guide both her personal life and her work.
