Instead, we see the world through Olivia's eyes, feel textures through her skin and experience her efforts to connect. We learn how Olivia reads her friends' messages so she can be part of the group. We also feel what it's like to be on the outside of jokes.
It doesn't bother Olivia. She sees beauty everywhere and pushes through those moments where she could feel cut off.
Olivia's Voice is pure genius. Mike Lucas lays bare a few simple facts about profound hearing loss without preaching or teaching. Instead, he invites curiosity and discussion. Olivia's Voice provides a solid platform from which young children can dive into the unknown world of hearing loss. Adults may delve deeper to that difficult world where connection with others is a choice.
But that's not all. Jennifer Harrison's exquisite illustrations are so three-dimensional, they look like photos. Her attention to detail ignites the senses. It's as if Jennifer slipped into the backyard and took secret snapshots. Perhaps she did.
Olivia's Voice will be a timeless classic for many years, not only for anyone who knows a person who is profoundly deaf. Anyone who loves a heartfelt story about relationships or who could spend hours looking at extraordinary artwork will fall in love with Olivia's Voice.
Title: Olivia's Voice
Author: Mike Lucas
Illustrator: Jennifer Harrison
Publisher: Midnight Sun, $26.99
Publication Date: 1 March 2017
Format: Hard back
ISBN: 9781925227192
For ages: 3 years +
Type: Picture Book
