JASPER'S Tale - Hardwicke, Karen

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Résumé :
Jasper is a puppy that is deaf. Despite his moulds having bones on them, he does not like his hearing aids... You wouldn't believe where he hides them and what he does to avoid wearing them! Then one day, he gives himself a fright by rushing headlong into the street. Surrounded by angry drivers and honking car horns (which he can't hear because he's buried his hearing aids in the garden!), he is rescued by Mummy and decides that, after all, his life is more fun - and safer - with his hearing aids on! This gently humorous story encourages children who are deaf or hard of hearing to think about their own assistive hearing devices (cochlear implants or hearing aids), to consider how these devices help them in everyday life and to understand why it's important to take good care of them. Also available in Spanish as Las Aventuras de Toby

Biographie:
Karen is a Teacher of the Deaf but if she were a stick of rock, at her centre it would say 'parent'. She is mum to a daughter and two sons; one of whom is deaf. The diagnosis of the latter's deafness changed everything. Initially there was shock and grieving for the future she thought was in store. And the grieving never really went away but remained buried under layers of time and positivity and a determination to make the best of things. The journey was also characterised by trainspotter levels of excitement about language development; in particular, sign language! Sign language was a game changer, transforming her son from a very frustrated little boy who had several tantrums a day to one who could communicate his thoughts and feelings. For sign language, Karen is very grateful. It is said that teachers are frustrated writers and Karen is no different. She began creating stories with deaf characters in 2014, largely for her own entertainment and because writing is cathartic. It is important to her that deaf characters are represented in a positive way and that her stories carry an affirming message for children and their parents.Karen currently works as a Teacher of the Deaf at Laycock Primary School, an incredible provision for deaf children in London. She is passionate about language acquisition and the development of listening skills. She loves using music with deaf children and has a back catalogue of slightly rubbish made-up songs for every occasion. Karen lives in the heart of the Berkshire countryside with her husband, her son and their two chocolate Labradors.