Talking Books

“This story is told with a tone of courage and hopefulness… . In addition to the digital art, Fortson includes embroidery within the pages. It’s exquisite and represents the idea of communication incredibly well. A unique title, this will be a welcome addition to biography collections.” – School Library Journal
“An engaging and empowering tribute to the power of books—and to a trailblazer who made them more accessible.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Throughout this winning portrait, upbeat narration emphasizes Irwin’s resolve, while embroidery lends an appropriate sensory dimension to busy pages featuring scratchy digital drawings of the protagonist doggedly working to effect change.” – Publishers Weekly
“Makes a lesser-known historical figure relatable by focusing on Irwin’s childhood and professional journey, weaving together his drive and the stepping stones to his achievements, as well as the achievements themselves. Fortson’s digitally rendered images in mostly pastel colors with fine lines are further textured with scanned embroidered elements, and the stitches bring a satisfying trompe l’oeil physicality to a book about words’ ability to leave the printed page.” – The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Fortson uses curved lines swirling across the pages to convey the sound waves so critical to Irwin’s experience of the world. Both the clear writing and the friendly art succeed at providing helpful details for readers to understand Irwin’s life and accomplishments.” – Horn Book Magazine
“Focuses on Irwin’s desire to help others and his dogged determination to achieve his goals in spite of challenges.” – Booklist
*Nowadays, readers might take the existence of audiobooks for granted given the ever-increasing number of listening devices and availability of titles. Thanks to the ingenuity and persistence of Dr. Robert B. Irwin, the concept of “talking books” is an accessible and popular way of enjoying books. […] Digitally rendered illustrations portray Dr. Irwin’s forward-focused advocacy as he surveyed libraries and blind readers across the country and testified to Congress. Motifs of birds and birdsong accent the portrayal of his dedicated efforts to engineer special records and secure the availability of record players through the Library of Congress for blind and visually impaired Americans. A final two-page spread shows readers of all ages and abilities over the decades enjoying talking books on the devices du jour. – CCBC, Starred Review * 04/20/2026 *

Jenny Lacika is a children’s writer from Santa Fe, New Mexico. She’s the author of Talking Books: Audiobook Inventor Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read. As a chronically ill Chicana and graduate of MIT, her work often explores themes relating to STEM education, disability and accessibility, and Chicanx culture and history. She lives in her hometown with her husband and two kids.

Ashanti Fortson is an award-winning cartoonist, illustrator, comics editor, and color designer. They are deeply interested in textiles, and their love for color is a thread that runs through everything they make. Ashanti grew up in southern Maine, but they now live in a mushroom with their spouse and their cat Miss Cheese.

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