Prince Edward Island Public Libraries are adding some new titles featuring American Sign Language (ASL) to their shelves, which can benefit immigrants learning English and Islanders who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The publisher of ASL Tales has made a series of classic tales available in children's picture books which come packaged with DVDs. The DVDs offer the stories performed in American Sign Language, mime and gesture as well as links to web learning tools.

ASL can also be used as a tool for learning English. The ASL Tales stories on DVD feature a voice-over in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese, each spoken by native speakers.

The first two tales being added to the Prince Edward Island Public Library Service include work by Island artist Judy Hood. The Princess and the Pea is written by Alicita Rodriguez and Joseph Starr with illustrations by Judy Hood. Rapunzel is written and illustrated by Ms. Hood.

“I am pleased that the Public Library Service (PLS) will be offering such inclusive opportunities for parents and children,” said Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “I want to congratulate Ms. Hood for her work on these books. Her illustrations are well known for their colourful, expressive and appealing quality, and for their sense of humour.”

Future ASL Tales will introduce curricula to support educators using the materials to teach English, and will also include a new series of DVDs telling the stories at intermediate and advanced levels of ASL.

In recent years there has been increased interest in the use of baby sign language for preverbal children. In response to the demand for books on baby sign language, PEI public libraries have a supply of books and DVDs on the subject. The new materials from ASL Tales will be a useful addition to this collection.

Author/illustrator Judy Hood is planning to visit Island libraries for public story telling sessions. Dates and more details can be found on the PLS website www.library.pe.ca. More information on ASL Tales can be found at www.asltales.net. The publisher offers free electronic downloads to Deaf children.