Best Sign Language Books for Kids (2026): 5 Picks Compared

A child who wants to talk with their hands can start with the best sign language books for kids, from board books for toddlers to an illustrated guide for older kids.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	We Can Sign! by Adams	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	101 Easy Signs by Unknown	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	My First Baby Signs by Rebelo	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Nita's First Signs by MacMillan	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Sign with Baby by Grugan	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

We Can Sign! by Adams

Tara Adams·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An illustrated ASL guide for kids aged 8 to 12, grades 3 to 7.

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Pros

• Reading age 8 to 12 years, grade level 3 to 7
• 172 pages, the longest guide here
• Illustrated guide format stated

Cons

• Older edition from February 4, 2020
• No sign count is stated
• Suits older kids only, not toddlers

2

101 Easy Signs by Unknown

unknown author·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A book of 101 easy signs for kids, reading age 3+ years, marked as from customers.

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Pros

• 101 easy signs for kids
• Reading age 3+ years stated
• Directly matches the kids topic

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers only
• No page count is stated
• Third-party spiraled resold copy, not necessarily authorized

3

My First Baby Signs by Rebelo

Lane Rebelo·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A book of 40 essential baby signs, for babies and up, marked as from customers.

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Pros

• 40 essential signs to learn and practice
• 50 pages stated
• Published March 9, 2021 by Callisto Kids

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers only
• Baby focus, not older kids
• No grade level is stated

4

Nita's First Signs by MacMillan

Kathy MacMillan·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An interactive ASL board book for toddlers, with signing instructions in simple prose.

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Pros

• Interactive ASL board book format
• Signing instructions in simple prose stated
• Grade level Preschool and up stated

Cons

• Only 12 pages stated
• Reading age 1 to 3 years, marked as from customers
• Older edition from June 15, 2018

5

Sign with Baby by Grugan

Cecilia S. Grugan·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A guide of 50 essential ASL signs to help a baby communicate, for parents.

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Pros

• 50 essential ASL signs stated
• 160 pages stated
• Most recent publication date here, November 8, 2022

Cons

• No reading age is stated
• No grade level is stated
• Baby focus, not older kids

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More picks to compare

• Ready to Sign by PartridgeBaby signs board book, 12 pages, Baby to 1 yearCheck on Amazon
• Caterpillar's First Signs by CarleASL signs for babies and toddlers, 24 pagesCheck on Amazon
• Sign with Blue! by Random HouseIntroduction to sign language, 26 pages, Baby to 3 yearsCheck on Amazon
• My First 100 Signs by RebeloTiny signs for everyday moments, 112 pagesCheck on Amazon
• Pocket Genius ASL by DKPocket ASL guide, 160 pages, ages 7 to 12Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents, edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. Four of the five picks list a reading age or grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best sign language books for kids

Reading age and grade level

We Can Sign lists a reading age of 8 to 12 years and grade level 3 to 7, while Nita’s First Signs lists a reading age of 1 to 3 years, marked as from customers, and grade level Preschool and up. The other picks list younger ages or neither, so check each listing. See the beginners list.

Board books, guides and books for parents

Nita’s First Signs is an interactive ASL board book with signing instructions in simple prose, while We Can Sign is an illustrated guide for older kids. My First Book of Baby Signs and Learn to Sign with Your Baby are parent books for babies with 40 and 50 essential signs. See the workbook list.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age and grade level, noting ages marked as from customers.
• Check the format, page count and publication date.
• Check whether the book is standalone or first in a series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a child start with sign language books?

Start with the reading age. Toddlers suit Nita’s First Signs, ages 1 to 3; older kids suit We Can Sign, ages 8 to 12.

What ages do these books suit?

The picks range from Baby and up to ages 8 to 12, with grades Preschool and up to 3 to 7 where stated. Learn to Sign with Your Baby lists neither.

Which edition should I buy?

Check the publication date. The most recent date here is November 8, 2022; Nita’s First Signs dates from June 15, 2018.

Still deciding? Our top pickWe Can Sign! by Adams

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Related lists

See every reading and phonics workbook list and all workbooks and homeschool lists.

More lists: students list, beginners list, and workbook list.