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Listening to the Quiet

Finding connection in a world of silence

Cassie Silva author Frances Ives illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Lantana Publishing

Published:7th Sep '23

Should be back in stock very soon

This hardback is available in another edition too:

Listening to the Quiet cover

This touching narrative explores a young girl's journey as she learns to communicate with her hearing-impaired mother, discovering new ways to share joy and love in Listening to the Quiet.

In Listening to the Quiet, we follow the journey of Jacki and her mother as they navigate the challenges of hearing loss. Jacki's mama is slowly losing her hearing due to a rare condition, which creates a significant change in their lives. Determined to maintain their strong bond, they embark on the journey of learning Sign Language, a new way to communicate that allows them to express their thoughts and feelings even as sound fades from Mama's world.

As Mama's world becomes increasingly silent, Jacki's life remains vibrant and filled with sound, particularly during Music Appreciation Fridays. This juxtaposition creates an emotional landscape where Jacki grapples with the joy of music while her mother can no longer partake in it. The story beautifully illustrates the struggle of balancing personal enjoyment with the reality of a loved one's condition, showcasing Jacki's feelings of confusion and longing.

Ultimately, Listening to the Quiet is a heartfelt tale about resilience, love, and adaptation. It draws inspiration from the author's own childhood experiences, highlighting the importance of finding new ways to connect and share joy, even in the face of adversity. Through their journey, Jacki learns that the loudest language of all is the love and understanding they share, transcending the barriers created by hearing loss.

"An inviting, informative read-aloud choice for classes studying the senses and children curious about deafness.”—Booklist


"A personal, child-friendly approach to sensory changes. This gently loving story will be especially appreciated by readers whose family members, friends, or classmates are experiencing hearing loss.”—Kirkus Reviews


“Listening to the Quiet celebrates the community around Jacki and her mother, and signals to us ... that loving others is the loudest language of all.” - The New York Times

* The New York TImes *

“This beautifully inclusive story resounds with hope. It is a celebration of a relationship not defined by disability, but by love. The story shows that deafness does not have to isolate. It can deepen wonder, inspire mutual respect and be life-enhancing." - Books For Topics, 50 Best Books for Reception

* Books For Topi

  • Long-listed for UKLA Book Awards 2025 (UK)

ISBN: 9781915244482

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

32 pages