Talking Books - by Jenny Lacika Hardcover

Book Synopsis

A captivating picture book biography of determined innovator Dr. Robert B. Irwin, who invented the audiobook and revolutionized the way stories are shared, opening the door for people of all abilities to become readers.

Robert Benjamin Irwin loves to learn and explore. But when he's five, his eyes grow red and painful from fever, and he loses his sight. Since he can no longer see, Robert focuses instead on what he can do: discovering new ways to learn and experience the world through sound.

As he grows up, Robert learns to read books written in Braille, a system of raised dots that can be read with fingers. But as much as he loves stories, he finds finger-reading Braille slow and difficult. He wishes he could listen to a story like he listens to the birds. So, with a team of audio engineers, Robert sets out to make it happen--and revolutionizes reading for people around the world.

Review Quotes

"Makes a lesser-known historical figure relatable by focusing on Irwin's childhood and professional journey, weaving together his drive and the stepping stones to his achievements, as well as the achievements themselves. Fortson's digitally rendered images in mostly pastel colors with fine lines are further textured with scanned embroidered elements, and the stitches bring a satisfying trompe l'oeil physicality to a book about words' ability to leave the printed page."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Throughout this winning portrait, upbeat narration emphasizes Irwin's resolve, while embroidery lends an appropriate sensory dimension to busy pages featuring scratchy digital drawings of the protagonist doggedly working to effect change."--Publishers Weekly

"Focuses on Irwin's desire to help others and his dogged determination to achieve his goals in spite of challenges."--Booklist

"Fortson uses curved lines swirling across the pages to convey the sound waves so critical to Irwin's experience of the world. Both the clear writing and the friendly art succeed at providing helpful details for readers to understand Irwin's life and accomplishments."--Horn Book Magazine

About the Author

Jenny Lacika is a children's writer from Santa Fe, New Mexico. She's the author of Talking Books: Audiobook Inventor Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read. As a chronically ill Chicana and graduate of MIT, her work often explores themes relating to STEM education, disability and accessibility, and Chicanx culture and history. She lives in her hometown with her husband and two kids. Visit Jenny online at JennyLacika.com.

Ashanti Fortson is an award-winning cartoonist, illustrator, comics editor, and color designer. They are deeply interested in textiles, and their love for color is a thread that runs through everything they make. Ashanti grew up in southern Maine, but they now live in a mushroom with their spouse and their cat Miss Cheese. Visit Ashanti online at AshantiFortson.com.