Sometimes kids need help understanding chronic illness and disability, as well as recognizing and processing their own feelings. We hope these topics are an ongoing discussion in your family, and we love to review children’s books that may help you along the way!
A Day With No Words
By Tiffany Hammond
Karla Fitch received a copy of this book as a gift from Mamas Facing Forward. She was not compensated for this review and all opinions are her own.
“A Day with No Words” tells the story of a mother and son as they go through their day using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The story, based on Hammond’s own relationship with her own nonspeaking son, Aidan, begins as Mama wakes her son on a bright morning.
As he rises, the boy thinks about the voices he hears, comparing some to storms and others to freshly whipped cream. Hammond’s writing engages all of the senses: you can see Mama’s voice dancing like waves and feel Daddy’s voice as it kisses the boy’s cheek. Paired with Kate Cosgrove’s colorful pastel artwork, the book offers a vivid glimpse into the deeply felt sensory experience of an autistic child.
Mama and her son visit the park before it becomes crowded, exploring the sights and sounds of nature. As other families arrive, one points out her son’s behavior. Mama uses the AAC device to teach them that while her son does not speak, he can hear and understand all they’ve said.
The story closes with Mama and her son ordering lunch together (he uses his device) and a note from the author. In it, Hammond explains that there are many ways of communicating and that true inclusion means making space to hear them all.
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