Meet Debby & Emmy: How One Book Opened the Door to a New Language
Sometimes the smallest spark of curiosity can open a lifetime of possibilities.
At Lay It Flat, we have seen repeatedly how the right book, placed in the right hands, can change the way someone connects with the world. It is not always about significant, sweeping transformations. Often, it is about the little things: a child smiling as they master a new skill, a grandmother feeling proud as she watches a grandchild grow more confident.
That is what makes Debby and Emmy’s story so special. It serves as a reminder that books do more than teach facts or pass the time; they also inspire and enrich our lives. They can become bridges between people, tools for kindness, and invitations to grow.
When Debby shared her review of American Sign Language for Kids: 101 Easy Signs for Nonverbal Communication (Spiral-Bound), we knew this was one of those stories worth telling.
Meet Debby and Emmy
Debby is the kind of grandmother who notices the little things. She pays attention to what her granddaughter is curious about and looks for ways to support that curiosity.
Eight-year-old Emmy is at the age where the world feels wide open, and every discovery feels like an adventure. Emmy has always been a thoughtful girl, the kind of child who cares about others and looks for ways to make people feel included.
“She grinned the biggest smile and immediately started reading it and moving her hands in all directions.”
The Catalyst
Like many grandparents, Debby is always looking for meaningful ways to nurture her granddaughter’s growth. Toys and clothes have their place, but Debby wanted to give Emmy something that could genuinely make an impact.
Emmy’s interest in sign language was a clear sign. Here was a chance to help her not only learn a new skill but also practice empathy and connection.
Debby recalls the moment clearly: “I purchased the book for my granddaughter Emmy, for she expressed an interest in learning sign language. When I gave it to her, she realized exactly what it was. She broke into the biggest smile and immediately started reading it, moving her hands in all directions. She is 8 years old.”
That moment of joy was the start of something new.
Finding the Right Resource
When Debby began looking for a book, she wanted something practical. Emmy is still young, and a resource meant for adults would likely be overwhelming. What caught Debby’s attention about American Sign Language for Kids: 101 Easy Signs for Nonverbal Communication was its clarity and kid-friendly design.
The spiral binding was another feature that mattered more than Debby initially realized. A book that lies flat makes it easy for a child to flip pages, copy the signs, and practice freely without wrestling with a stiff binding. For Emmy, who was so eager to jump in, it meant she could be independent right away.
The Journey Begins
The first time Emmy opened the book, her enthusiasm filled the room. She was grinning, flipping pages, and trying signs as quickly as she could. Hands were moving in every direction as she tried to copy what she saw.
The layout of the book made it easy to follow. Each sign had a clear visual and easy-to-follow directions. Emmy did not feel lost or stuck, which made her want to keep going.
Debby watched with pride. “I am proud of her wanting to learn sign language. She has a neighbor whom she wants to talk to, and she’s a very thoughtful girl, so this helped her in communicating with her new friend.”
“She has a neighbor whom she wants to talk to, and she’s a very thoughtful girl.”
Small Steps, Big Transformation
In the weeks that followed, Emmy began practicing more intentionally. She focused on words and phrases she thought would help her talk with her neighbor. She practiced at home, at school, and sometimes even in the car, with the book open on her lap.
The spiral binding allowed her to keep it open to the exact page she needed, whether she was working at the kitchen table or sprawled on the living room rug.
The transformation was not measured in tests or grades but in confidence. Emmy went from curious to capable, and her grandmother could see the pride in her eyes each time she learned a new sign. Most importantly, Emmy’s neighbor noticed too. That effort to bridge the gap evolved into genuine communication, and that communication blossomed into a friendship.
Lessons Learned and Shared
For Debby, this experience reinforced something she already believed: giving children the right tools at the right time matters. Books are not just about words on a page. They are about opening doors, sparking ideas, and nurturing empathy.
Her advice to other parents and grandparents is simple. Listen to what your children and grandchildren are curious about. Support that curiosity with resources that are designed to meet them where they are. When it comes to practical skills, look for tools that simplify the process rather than complicate it. Something as simple as spiral binding can empower kids to learn independently.
Looking Ahead
Debby knows this is just the beginning for Emmy. What started as a spark of interest is becoming a skill, and that skill could grow in many directions.
Maybe Emmy will continue to practice until she is fluent. Maybe she will teach her friends at school. This early experience with language may spark a lifelong interest in communication, education, or a desire to help others.
For now, the important thing is that Emmy feels proud of herself, and Debby feels proud of her granddaughter. That smile on the day the book arrived was only the beginning.
Your Turn
Debby and Emmy’s story is a reminder that learning something new does not always require a classroom or a teacher. Sometimes all it takes is the right book, a little encouragement, and the freedom to explore.
At Lay It Flat, we believe in creating books that make that exploration easier. Our spiral-bound editions are designed to stay open, stay practical, and stay ready for the moments when curiosity strikes.
If you have a child or grandchild who is eager to learn or if you want to encourage their thoughtfulness and creativity, explore our collection of educational and activity books. The right book might open a door.
