First Signs is in board book format, but perfectly fine for up to age 8 for those who wish to learn 13 basic signs (some specific to only younger children).

The inside cover introduces the reader to First Signs, explaining that the sooner a child is taught a language, the faster and easier they learn and retain what they have learnt. Even if only 6 months old, a baby can watch and imitate signs, and even if they develop their own signs, they are on the way to learning standard sign language.

The reader/parent/sibling/care giver, is guided through this process with a baby or young child with a few paragraphs, stressing the importance of it being a fun and relaxed process.

Each spread within the book includes a word in English and te reo Māori followed by a short instruction on how to make the sign. On the other side of the spread is a colour picture of a child performing the sign. Each spread is clear and uncluttered, making it easy to follow and learn 13 simple signs.

Such a simple but clever concept. I hope there is more in the series.

Author / Illustrator – Jenna Brockett

Board Book – Suitable for children up to 8 or parents teaching their baby/children sign language

(2022, Sign Language, Te reo Māori, Board Book, NZ, New Zealand, Children, Learning, Teaching)