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Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language
This picture book about friendship and sign language, originally published in the Philippines in concert with nonprofit Room to Read, is revised for this global edition.
Our new neighbors’ hands are dancing. Their hands move as if to music. What are they saying to each other?
Sam’s new neighbors’ hands make graceful movements she doesn’t recognize, and she wonders what they are saying. Soon she meets her new neighbor, Mai, who teaches Sam some Filipino Sign Language. Along the way, they both discover the joys of making a new friend, a best friend.
Our new neighbors’ hands are dancing. Their hands move as if to music. What are they saying to each other?
Sam’s new neighbors’ hands make graceful movements she doesn’t recognize, and she wonders what they are saying. Soon she meets her new neighbor, Mai, who teaches Sam some Filipino Sign Language. Along the way, they both discover the joys of making a new friend, a best friend.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
6 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Que
3 books3 followersJoanna Que is fascinated by the beauty of nature and how it can be experienced in a multitude of perspectives, both during the day and night.
Apart from the love for stories and writing, she enjoys making things with her hands and usually makes toys for kids and kids at heart via her handmade brand—Hiraya Tree.
Apart from the love for stories and writing, she enjoys making things with her hands and usually makes toys for kids and kids at heart via her handmade brand—Hiraya Tree.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 19, 2024
This is another great preschool story time read. It is also a great way to introduce kids to the concept of how diverse sign languages are. The story is cute.
September 30, 2023
Lovely artwork. Beautifully drawn story about two friends meeting and bonding as one teaches the other Filipino Sign Language. Q&A at back with more info.
February 2, 2024
2024 Schneider honor book for young children:
-“Dancing Hands,” written by Joanna Que and Charina Marquez, illustrated by Fran Alvarez
Both of the authors and the illustrator are Filipino and bring us the story of new neighbors who communicate with “Dancing Hands.” As Sam and Mai meet, and play together, Mai teaches Sam some Filipino Sign language so they can talk together.
Illustrator Fran Alvarez has the girls showing us a number of FSL words with their Dancing Hands” on front and end pieces as well as showing us their building friendship.
They discuss that @ 300 different sign languages and dialectsare based on their cultures and backgrounds. There is a more limited IS - International Signing, that helps people from different cultures communicate. Signing is a basic human right of deaf people. The authors point out how important to us to have access to early sign language education, and to preserve the different sign languages. It’s also vital that the deaf community be a part of this education and preservation work and the decisions not be made about them without them.
It was my first experience with a non-English sign language book. The text is in English.
-“Dancing Hands,” written by Joanna Que and Charina Marquez, illustrated by Fran Alvarez
Both of the authors and the illustrator are Filipino and bring us the story of new neighbors who communicate with “Dancing Hands.” As Sam and Mai meet, and play together, Mai teaches Sam some Filipino Sign language so they can talk together.
Illustrator Fran Alvarez has the girls showing us a number of FSL words with their Dancing Hands” on front and end pieces as well as showing us their building friendship.
They discuss that @ 300 different sign languages and dialectsare based on their cultures and backgrounds. There is a more limited IS - International Signing, that helps people from different cultures communicate. Signing is a basic human right of deaf people. The authors point out how important to us to have access to early sign language education, and to preserve the different sign languages. It’s also vital that the deaf community be a part of this education and preservation work and the decisions not be made about them without them.
It was my first experience with a non-English sign language book. The text is in English.
February 9, 2024
2024 Schneider Family Book Award Honor book.
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Spencer rated this book 3 out of 5 stars.
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Spencer rated this book 3 out of 5 stars.
January 23, 2024
2024 Schneider Family Honor for Young Readers!
November 17, 2023
Keywords: Dance, overcoming challenges, disability, perseverance, joy.
Summary: "Dancing Hands" is an inspiring picture book that tells the true story of a little girl named Teresa Carreño, born in Venezuela, who discovers her passion for playing the piano. The story beautifully captures Teresa's journey as she faces the challenges of moving to a new country and overcoming personal loss. Despite encountering difficulties, Teresa's love for music and her resilient spirit lead her to become a renowned pianist. The book celebrates the power of perseverance, the joy of pursuing one's passions, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
Prompt: How is intersectionality represented in the book? Why is this representation of intersectionality important?
The book "Dancing Hands" does not explicitly delve into intersectionality as it primarily focuses on Teresa Carreño's journey as a pianist and her ability to overcome challenges. Intersectionality, which refers to the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, gender, and class, is not a central theme in this narrative. The book primarily highlights themes of resilience, passion, and the universal power of music. While Teresa's story provides inspiration and a representation of a strong female figure, it doesn't explicitly explore the complexities of intersectionality.
Summary: "Dancing Hands" is an inspiring picture book that tells the true story of a little girl named Teresa Carreño, born in Venezuela, who discovers her passion for playing the piano. The story beautifully captures Teresa's journey as she faces the challenges of moving to a new country and overcoming personal loss. Despite encountering difficulties, Teresa's love for music and her resilient spirit lead her to become a renowned pianist. The book celebrates the power of perseverance, the joy of pursuing one's passions, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
Prompt: How is intersectionality represented in the book? Why is this representation of intersectionality important?
The book "Dancing Hands" does not explicitly delve into intersectionality as it primarily focuses on Teresa Carreño's journey as a pianist and her ability to overcome challenges. Intersectionality, which refers to the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, gender, and class, is not a central theme in this narrative. The book primarily highlights themes of resilience, passion, and the universal power of music. While Teresa's story provides inspiration and a representation of a strong female figure, it doesn't explicitly explore the complexities of intersectionality.
October 30, 2025
A little girl named Sam was surprised to see that her new neighbors communicated to each other with their hands rather than by using their voices.
On the way to school Sam met the daughter, Mai, who began to teach Sam some words in her Filipino Sign Language so they could understand each other. Soon Sam’s hands “danced to describe the sounds around us, like the songs of birds.” Before long, the two could even share their secret dreams with each other.
Sam said:
“We are Sam and Mai.
We are best friends.”
The book ends with back matter explaining what Filipino Sign Language is and how it differs from American Sign Language. There is also information about other sign languages, including International Sign, created to help people from different countries communicate. End papers in both the back and the front show Sam and Mai performing simple signs.
Fran Alvarez employed colored pencil and graphite illustrations that incidentally will show observant children in the recommended age group of 3 and over how to draw birds, leaves, butterflies, and even little girls.
Evaluation: Children will see that even what might seem like a profound difference at first doesn’t need to be a barrier to friendship and mutual enrichment.
On the way to school Sam met the daughter, Mai, who began to teach Sam some words in her Filipino Sign Language so they could understand each other. Soon Sam’s hands “danced to describe the sounds around us, like the songs of birds.” Before long, the two could even share their secret dreams with each other.
Sam said:
“We are Sam and Mai.
We are best friends.”
The book ends with back matter explaining what Filipino Sign Language is and how it differs from American Sign Language. There is also information about other sign languages, including International Sign, created to help people from different countries communicate. End papers in both the back and the front show Sam and Mai performing simple signs.
Fran Alvarez employed colored pencil and graphite illustrations that incidentally will show observant children in the recommended age group of 3 and over how to draw birds, leaves, butterflies, and even little girls.
Evaluation: Children will see that even what might seem like a profound difference at first doesn’t need to be a barrier to friendship and mutual enrichment.
March 2, 2024
This picture book [3.5 for me!] challenged my assumptions about sign language and how Deaf Filipino children and adults communicate. Naively, I assumed that this was through American Sign Language or perhaps British, making this title quite eye-opening for me. It follows one girl, Sam, who is fascinated by her new neighbors' ability to communicate with their fingers and hands. When the girls meet, somehow they are able to transcend the language barrier and share their dreams and feelings as Mai teaches Sam how to sign, and a friendship forms. The artwork, created with colored pencils and graphite, depicts the girls' strong connection with their hands and arms touching on some pages and close-up views of fingers moving quickly to deliver messages. There is minimal text, and some of the double-page spreads contain no words, just the girls or their fingers and hands dancing across the pages. Clearly, language is no barrier with the right motivation. Back matter includes interesting information about Filipino Sign Language, and the endpapers even showcase 24 different words in three languages: Filipino, English, and sign. This one has originality all over it.
March 27, 2024
Amazing story about sign language and friendship. This book received some recognition,
Schneider Family Book Award Nominee for Young Children (2024), Ezra Jack Keats Book Award Nominee for Illustrator (2024). The simple illustrations speak for themselves to tell the story. The book highlighted the importance of communicating either by feelings or signs. One of the girls taught the other how to express her thoughts using sign language. She called them “dancing hands”. They spent time together enjoying their surroundings and appreciating the world. They are teaching us a lesson to overcome the adversity of not being able to speak to others but instead using their hands to communicate. It also highlights the differences between Filipino sign language and American Sign Language, which is very impressive.
I recommend this picture book to any pre-k through 6th grade or even upper grades classroom. It is also very appropriate for classes with special needs. I would use this book during social-emotional lessons to teach empathy, friendship, acceptance, and the power of sign language in communication.
Schneider Family Book Award Nominee for Young Children (2024), Ezra Jack Keats Book Award Nominee for Illustrator (2024). The simple illustrations speak for themselves to tell the story. The book highlighted the importance of communicating either by feelings or signs. One of the girls taught the other how to express her thoughts using sign language. She called them “dancing hands”. They spent time together enjoying their surroundings and appreciating the world. They are teaching us a lesson to overcome the adversity of not being able to speak to others but instead using their hands to communicate. It also highlights the differences between Filipino sign language and American Sign Language, which is very impressive.
I recommend this picture book to any pre-k through 6th grade or even upper grades classroom. It is also very appropriate for classes with special needs. I would use this book during social-emotional lessons to teach empathy, friendship, acceptance, and the power of sign language in communication.
June 16, 2024
Wow! This story of two kids, one speaking and one signing, is fascinating. Sam is fascinated by her new neighbors as she watches their hands dance when they are together. Her new neighbor Mai and Sam try to play, but realize they need a way to communicate. Mai teaches Sam some words in Filipino Sign Language and a new friendship grows quickly.
This book is so much about acceptance and learning as much as it is about friendship and people new to a community. I absolutely love the author notes after the story that really simply allow student readers to understand the vast number of sign languages in our world and how important communication is to all of us in a community. I see this book as a FIRST PURCHASE for all libraries serving students as at any time our families could use sign language and need our acceptance. I will forever remember the term: dancing hands. It is the most joyful way I have heard of sign language explained in a children's book!
This book is so much about acceptance and learning as much as it is about friendship and people new to a community. I absolutely love the author notes after the story that really simply allow student readers to understand the vast number of sign languages in our world and how important communication is to all of us in a community. I see this book as a FIRST PURCHASE for all libraries serving students as at any time our families could use sign language and need our acceptance. I will forever remember the term: dancing hands. It is the most joyful way I have heard of sign language explained in a children's book!
February 11, 2024
Wonderful picture book about the friendship between two Filipino children and the teaching of sign language to communicate better and become best friends.
Maybe more of a 4.5, because of the backmatter. Discusses how there are as different sign languages just as there are different spoken languages. How all languages are important to the cultures of the people who speak them. That there is an International Sign for deaf people to use with people who speak different sign languages or are traveling though the vocabulary is limited. That sign languages are declining due to the lack of support by many countries and governments. The UN does recognize the importance of sign language to deaf culture and has declared 9/23 the International Day of Sign Languages. Early access to sign language is seen as vital to deaf children.
Schneider Family Honor Book.
Maybe more of a 4.5, because of the backmatter. Discusses how there are as different sign languages just as there are different spoken languages. How all languages are important to the cultures of the people who speak them. That there is an International Sign for deaf people to use with people who speak different sign languages or are traveling though the vocabulary is limited. That sign languages are declining due to the lack of support by many countries and governments. The UN does recognize the importance of sign language to deaf culture and has declared 9/23 the International Day of Sign Languages. Early access to sign language is seen as vital to deaf children.
Schneider Family Honor Book.
February 21, 2024
At its core it is the story of friendship between two girls. One that speaks Filipino Sign Language and one that is hearing and teachers her friend how to communicate so that they can spend their days enjoying each others' company and the beautiful outdoors.
The sweet way they interact and provide the natural comraderie that exists between little kids is what brings an adult back to youth and the beauty of easily making friends, friends who embrace differences rather than finding ways to cut each other down or badmouth anyone or distance themselves.
Using the context of Mai's dancing hands, Sam and Mai connect.
There's information at the back about the diversity of sign language across the world and a global sign language that has emerged as well teaching readers a few things they might not know.
The sweet way they interact and provide the natural comraderie that exists between little kids is what brings an adult back to youth and the beauty of easily making friends, friends who embrace differences rather than finding ways to cut each other down or badmouth anyone or distance themselves.
Using the context of Mai's dancing hands, Sam and Mai connect.
There's information at the back about the diversity of sign language across the world and a global sign language that has emerged as well teaching readers a few things they might not know.
January 31, 2025
Lovely, short story about a girl named Sam who notices a neighbour's family is talking to each other without speaking, just with their dancing hands. She meets the little girl, Mai, and becomes her friend, even though they can't always communicate with each other. After some time, Mai teaches Sam to sign and they learn more about each other.
We see some simple signs being taught (water, tree, friend, butterfly, bird). Even though this book is about Filipino Sign Language (FSL), which is a separate language from ASL (American Sign Language), the few signs Mai teaches Sam seem to be the same as the ASL signs. This would make it really easy to learn and practice these signs with Mai and Sam as we're reading the book. The minimal written language would also make it a great Story Time book!
We see some simple signs being taught (water, tree, friend, butterfly, bird). Even though this book is about Filipino Sign Language (FSL), which is a separate language from ASL (American Sign Language), the few signs Mai teaches Sam seem to be the same as the ASL signs. This would make it really easy to learn and practice these signs with Mai and Sam as we're reading the book. The minimal written language would also make it a great Story Time book!
September 17, 2025
Sam meets her new neighbor, Mai, and they quickly become friends. Mai's family is deaf and they communicate with their hands and facial expressions. The two young girls quickly learn to communicate with one another as Sam learns how to make her hands dance like Mai's.
The illustrations in this book make the characters so endearing. I think the information in the back of the book is really valuable, pointing out that different countries and cultures have different sign languages. It also mentions IS, international sign, which is a more simplified sign language for all peoples. The author also points out that some sign languages are in danger of becoming extinct because some cultures are not as supportive of the deaf community and do not see the importance of sign language and show preference for spoken language only.
The illustrations in this book make the characters so endearing. I think the information in the back of the book is really valuable, pointing out that different countries and cultures have different sign languages. It also mentions IS, international sign, which is a more simplified sign language for all peoples. The author also points out that some sign languages are in danger of becoming extinct because some cultures are not as supportive of the deaf community and do not see the importance of sign language and show preference for spoken language only.
August 7, 2024
A sweet story of Sam, a young girl, who makes friends with the new neighbor's daughter who's hands "dance". Mai, a Filipino girl, is deaf. She uses the very specific Filipino Sign Language to speak with her friends and family. She teaches Sam how to make her own hands dance so they can communicate better.
Information regarding Filipino Sign Language is included. It's important to note that FSL is very different from ASL. As the book states "...(FSL) is the natural sign language of the Filipino Deaf community, meaning that it is a unique visual language rooted in Filipino culture and not based on any spoken language."
Information regarding Filipino Sign Language is included. It's important to note that FSL is very different from ASL. As the book states "...(FSL) is the natural sign language of the Filipino Deaf community, meaning that it is a unique visual language rooted in Filipino culture and not based on any spoken language."
November 14, 2024
This is a lovely picture book about the friendship between two little girls who have to overcome a multi-tiered language barrier in order to communicate. Not only is one of the little girls Filipino, she is also deaf. Even so, we realize pretty quickly that this is not actually an impediment to true friendship.
I thought the way their friendship was portrayed was wonderful. It showed that, despite the fact that there was some miscommunication, their love and understanding of each other went beyond that. I thought the English-Filipino-Filipino Sign Language equivalent of words displayed on the front inner cover and back inner cover was a lovely touch.
I thought the way their friendship was portrayed was wonderful. It showed that, despite the fact that there was some miscommunication, their love and understanding of each other went beyond that. I thought the English-Filipino-Filipino Sign Language equivalent of words displayed on the front inner cover and back inner cover was a lovely touch.
February 25, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. Sam was noticing that her neighbor's hands were dancing. She saw that they weren't talking and only using their hands to communicate plus using facial expressions. Sam met Mai later on and they didn't understand what the other was saying. Mai then taught Filipino Sign Language to Sam. They were now able to communicate with one another and use their dancing hands together. This introduces kids to sign language and shows them that you can build a connection with someone when there is a language barrier. You might learn a different way to communicate rather than just speaking.
November 27, 2023
Keywords: friendship, Filipino sign language, differences
Summary: Dancing Hands by Kevin Noble Maillard is about Sam who notices that her neighbor makes her hands dance. She does not understand why she does this. It is not until one day she develops a friendship with the neighbor that she realizes why. A must-read book to find out what the reason is.
Prompt: This easy read book provides a lot of insight as to why it is necessary to be kind to others. Plus, the illustrations are just enough to help visualize the bond that develops.
Summary: Dancing Hands by Kevin Noble Maillard is about Sam who notices that her neighbor makes her hands dance. She does not understand why she does this. It is not until one day she develops a friendship with the neighbor that she realizes why. A must-read book to find out what the reason is.
Prompt: This easy read book provides a lot of insight as to why it is necessary to be kind to others. Plus, the illustrations are just enough to help visualize the bond that develops.
January 24, 2024
Dancing Hands, A Story of Friendship In Filipino Sign Language by Joanna Que & Charina Marquez, Illustrated by Fran Alvarez was named an Honor Book for the Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience: for young children (ages 0 to 8). Sam and Mai are neighbors. The girls face a language barrier. But they still have fun. Eventually Mai teaches Sam words using Filipino sign language. This book is translated to English. I love the concept. However, this work seems to have lost something in its translation to English.
February 25, 2024
Sam noticed that her new neighbor Mai only spoke with her dancing hands and facial expressions, gradually they get to know each other and soon Mai teaches Sam Filipino Sign Language.
The endpapers are full of examples of FSL. Includes an author's note about sign language and the need for global sign languages. The colored pencil and graphite illustrations are bold and interesting. (Sam's braids). An interesting title representing a hearing-impaired child. The children are Filipino
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
The endpapers are full of examples of FSL. Includes an author's note about sign language and the need for global sign languages. The colored pencil and graphite illustrations are bold and interesting. (Sam's braids). An interesting title representing a hearing-impaired child. The children are Filipino
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
August 7, 2024
This beautiful picture books tells a simple story about a friendship between a hearing and a Deaf girl.
Originally published in the Philippines, it mentions that each place in the world has their own unique sign language...but it looks to me like the hand-signs the characters are using in this book are American Sign Language. The notes do not explain whether Filipino signs are identical to American, or if the illustrations were re-created to show ASL.
Despite that vexing detail, the book is clear, moving, lovely, and inspiring.
Originally published in the Philippines, it mentions that each place in the world has their own unique sign language...but it looks to me like the hand-signs the characters are using in this book are American Sign Language. The notes do not explain whether Filipino signs are identical to American, or if the illustrations were re-created to show ASL.
Despite that vexing detail, the book is clear, moving, lovely, and inspiring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
1-2 sentences per page. A story about a deaf Filipino girl and another girl becoming best friends and learning to communicate with Filipino sign language. A lot of white space on the pages. Black and white simple childlike illustrations with a little bit of pale blues, yellows, reds, browns, and oranges. Loved the info pages in the back about FSL, difference between FSL and ASL, and sign language around the world.
Unique in that I haven’t read any other picture books showcasing FSL so clearly and prominently!!!
Unique in that I haven’t read any other picture books showcasing FSL so clearly and prominently!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
This is a beautiful story about a girl who becomes friends with a deaf classmate and learns to communicate using Filipino Sign Language. This book shows the power of friendship, inclusion, and understanding different ways people express themselves. I’d use this book to start a conversation about different ways people communicate and why inclusion matters. After reading, we will learn a few basic ASL words together and talk about how we can make everyone feel welcome. It’s a great way to teach kids about empathy, respect, and the importance of friendship.
August 29, 2025
Sam’s new neighbor Mai has dancing hands. She doesn’t speak out loud, she uses her hands. As the two girls become friends, Mai teaches Sam to have dancing hands so they can speak more easily.
The back of this book has a great introduction to what Filipino Sign Language is, how it is different from other sign languages, why some sign languages are dying out, and how the UN recognizes sign languages as distinct languages. It was interesting to read that section. The story of Mai and Sam is sweet, and shows that friendship can cross all sorts of language differences.
The back of this book has a great introduction to what Filipino Sign Language is, how it is different from other sign languages, why some sign languages are dying out, and how the UN recognizes sign languages as distinct languages. It was interesting to read that section. The story of Mai and Sam is sweet, and shows that friendship can cross all sorts of language differences.
October 3, 2025
Date: 2022
Award: Schneider Family Book Award
Pura Belpre Honors
Genre: Picture Book/ Fiction/ Disability Book
It’s about two girls, one hearing and one Deaf, finding friendship through Filipino Sign Language; exploring communication across difference, culture, community. What stuck with me most here was the idea that friendship can be built even without the same spoken language. Reading it made me realize how creative and caring people can be when they want to connect. It’s a heartwarming reminder that differences don’t have to be barriers.
Award: Schneider Family Book Award
Pura Belpre Honors
Genre: Picture Book/ Fiction/ Disability Book
It’s about two girls, one hearing and one Deaf, finding friendship through Filipino Sign Language; exploring communication across difference, culture, community. What stuck with me most here was the idea that friendship can be built even without the same spoken language. Reading it made me realize how creative and caring people can be when they want to connect. It’s a heartwarming reminder that differences don’t have to be barriers.
December 22, 2023
I saw this picture book at the Honolulu Museum of Art gift shop and immediately bought it. Partly due to the cute illustrations, but mostly because it is about sign language and a non-American sign language! This beautiful picture book is about a Hearing girl who is neighbors with a Deaf family and learns to become friends with the daughter without sharing a language. It is sweet and is a great lesson that friendships form past language barriers!
January 22, 2024
This is a darling picture book about Sam and Mai -- best friends. When Mai's family moves in, Sam is curious about how her family talks with their hands. But after meeting Mai, Sam starts to learn Filipino sign language so the friends can talk to each other. The illustrations are lovely and simple and the text is affirming and hopeful. This is a great book for learning about disability with young children.
September 12, 2024
I've seen people communicating in sign language. Silent beauty. This is what I felt. This picture book captures the beauty I felt at the time. The process of a vocal child learning sign language and sharing friendship with a friend through hand signing is beautiful. The illustrations are also beautiful. It's fun to look at the Filipino sign language in the front and back of the book and try to interpret what's happening in the scenes without words.
February 23, 2025
This story follows two friends who learn to communicate with each other. While Sam verbally speaks to communicate, her friend Mai teaches her how to communicate with sign language. While they sometimes have miscommunications, they become best friends who can share their deepest thoughts. In the classroom, this book can be used to start conversations about sign language. This book can help students to see that language barriers don't have to prevent friendships.
May 9, 2025
I really liked this story that centers FSL! I remember when I was younger and being amazed when I learned that there were different sign languages like there are different spoken languages. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about ASL and come across some BSL, but haven’t seen some of the less spoken sign languages, so this was delightful for me. I especially loved to see the different signs in the book and how some were similar to ASL and some were completely unique.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews