DK Braille Series, by Fleur Star, Editor, and Jemma Westing, Designer: Animals, 31 pp., hardcover, $22.99; Counting, 16 pp., board, $14.99; It Can't Be True! 73 pp., hardcover, $29.99; On the Move, 31 pp., hardcover, $22.99; Shapes, 16 pp., board, $14.99. New York: DK Publishing, 2016. With the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in many U.S. states, there is increased emphasis on informational reading at the elementary school level. Most teachers can choose from a wide range of informative and engaging nonfiction books for children that typically include photographs, diagrams, graphs, sidebars, and other text features. However, few of these print books are available in braille, and those that are usually omit the tactile graphics. In response this need, DK, a British publisher of high-quality informational books for children, recently released the first American edition of a series of five print-and-braille books with tactile graphics: the DK Braille Series, edited by Fleur Star and designed by Jemma Westing. The press release states that the goal of the series is to create a clear and complete reading experience for children who are visually impaired (that is those who are blind or have low vision). It is a bold move for a mainstream publisher, and one that should be applauded by all who support expanding opportunities for braille literacy. Although the books represent a positive step forward, however, some aspects of DK's adaptation make it unnecessarily challenging for children read the braille text and understand the tactile graphics. INTENDED FOR PRESCHOOLERS THROUGH UPPER-ELEMENTARY STUDENTS The books in the DK Braille Series target a span of age levels. Two board books, Counting and Shapes, offer simple text and tactile pictures for preschoolers and kindergarteners. The next two books, Animals and On the Move, are written for mid- upper-elementary students, although some of the content and pictures could be enjoyed by primary grade children during a read-aloud session. It Can't Be True!, the longest book with the most advanced concepts, is appropriate for students in the upper elementary grades. All five books feature sturdy binding, print-and-braille text, and large, high-contrast pictures that will appeal readers with low vision. Each picture also has a raised outline or textured surface for tactile learners. WEALTH OF FASCINATING INFORMATION The three more-advanced books offer a wealth of fascinating information that children will learn from and enjoy. Each begins with a table of contents, allowing the reader scan the topics and go directly one of interest. Animals describes and illustrates common mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Its pictures feature the greatest variety of textures among the books--a scaly snake; a spotted cheetah; and a magnificent soft, striped zebra on the front cover. For students who are interested in transportation, On the Move focuses on vehicles, some familiar (car, bicycle, airplane) and others less so (mobile crane, unicycle, hang glider). It Can't Be True! poses intriguing questions related astronomy, geography, anatomy, and other areas and answers them with a combination of facts and graphics. For example, the answer the question, What has the biggest teeth? tells children that African elephants have enormous chewing teeth crush vegetation. The accompanying raised-line graphics allow readers compare the size of a human molar, a lion's back tooth, and an elephant molar. REACTIONS OF TEACHERS AND SCHOOLCHILDREN As I was writing this review, I shared the DK Braille Series books with several experienced teachers of students with visual impairments for their input. I also recruited two elementary-age braille readers read and comment on two of the books. Teachers and students were excited see informational books in braille with tactile graphics. Both students liked the smooth feel of the braille dots. …
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