Talking Books

A captivating picture book biography of determined innovator Dr. Robert B. Irwin, who invented the audiobook and revolutionized the way stories are shared, opening the door for people of all abilities to become readers.

Robert Benjamin Irwin loves to learn and explore. But when he’s five, his eyes grow red and painful from fever, and he loses his sight. Since he can no longer see, Robert focuses instead on what he can do: discovering new ways to learn and experience the world through sound.

As he grows up, Robert learns to read books written in Braille, a system of raised dots that can be read with fingers. But as much as he loves stories, he finds finger-reading Braille slow and difficult. He wishes he could listen to a story like he listens to the birds. So, with a team of audio engineers, Robert sets out to make it happen—and revolutionizes reading for people around the world.

Author Biography

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. Visit Jenny online at JennyLacika.com.

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. Visit Ashanti online at AshantiFortson.com.