Little Hands Signing in Storytime: Summer Reading Special 2026
Continue reading Unearth American Sign Language Resources for Your Summer Reading StorytimesCategory Archives: Resources for Teachers and Librarians
New series from Familius Press: SIGN THE SEASONS!
I am so excited to finally share my new board book series with the world!
Sign the Seasons introduces babies and toddlers to early communication through the sights and traditions of the seasons. Each book features 8 essential American Sign Language signs in a simple, story-driven context. With warm illustrations by Ekaterina Ladatko and clear signing instructions, children and caregivers can learn and practice together, turning everyday moments into opportunities for connection and language development. Perfect for families and early learning settings, the Sign the Seasons series blends seasonal fun with meaningful skill-building for little learners.
Sign the Seasons: Fall
Coming August 4, 2026
by Kathy MacMillan
Illustrated by Ekaterina Ladatko
ASL/Deaf Culture Advisor: Tanya Daniels
Early Childhood Education Advisor: Louise Rollins
“What a beautiful book! The illustrations wrap around the reader like a warm hug after a chilly fall day. This book will be perfect for anyone looking to learn about sign language for fall. I can see this being used and loved in homes, classrooms, libraries, and bookstores for interactive storytimes where children practice their motor skills and celebrate the season.” – Tracy C. Gold, author of Everyone’s Sleepy but the Baby
Preorder now at Deaf Camps, Inc. Bookstore (autographed copies that support a great cause!) | Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Familius
Sign the Seasons: Winter
Coming November 3, 2026.
Sign the Seasons: Spring
Coming February 2027.
Sign the Seasons: Summer
Coming May 2027.
Celebrate Women’s History Month in the Classroom!
Since 1987, March has been designated as Women’s History Month in the United States of America.
Check out the She Spoke series to learn about amazing women who fought for change–and hear their inspiring words, in their own voices, with the touch of a button. Click on the image below to learn more about the books, and on the links below for lots of resources to help you share these books in the classroom.
She Spoke Word Search (printable .pdf) | She Spoke Word Search answer key (printable .pdf)
Speak Up! Listen Up!: Using She Spoke in the Classroom: guest post at Pencil Tips: Writing Workshop Strategies from Children’s Authors and Illustrators
She Spoke Too: Amplifying Voices of Change (Familius Podcast)
She Spoke Too Word Search (printable .pdf) | She Spoke Too Word Search answer key (printable .pdf)
Registration now open for these popular ALA eCourses for Librarians and Educators!
Registration is now open for upcoming sessions of my popular eCourses through the American Library Association!
Continue reading Registration now open for these popular ALA eCourses for Librarians and Educators!
Book now for Summer Reading 2026!
The Collaborative Summer Reading Theme for 2026 is: Unearth a Story/Desentierra una Historia.
Stories by Hand has you covered with a high-energy, interactive program for multiple age groups:
I Dig American Sign Language
Let’s dig deep and learn basic American Sign Language for dinosaurs, diggers, and the things we love through stories, songs, and more! Presented by Kathy MacMillan, author of the Little Hands Signing series and Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together.
This program can be presented as an all-ages program or adapted to a baby, toddler, preschooler, or school-age audience.
Indoor, outdoor, and online programs available.
- Single program (45 minutes): $500 plus travel expenses.
- Additional same-day sessions: $400 plus travel expenses.
Book a program for Summer 2026 by February 1, 2026 and get 15% off the single program rate!
Maryland libraries: ask about FREE programming with Arts in Education grant funding!
Interested in a different program theme? Check out all program offerings here.
Stories By Hand with Kathy MacMillan 