Never Mind!

Duke the Deaf Dog #1

by Kelly Brakenhoff, Theresa Murray (Illustrator)

Duke the Deaf Dog does not like being told "never mind."

Whether it happens at preschool or the park, both parents and children will relate to feeling left out when you aren't part of the action. A great way to teach children that everyone deserves to be included in conversations.

Bonus American Sign Language material free with every purchase:
Learn 10 ASL signs within the story.
Learn 5 ASL concepts for the English words never mind.
Watch the ASL lesson, vocabulary words, and the complete story signed on video using the link provided in the book.
Watch a deaf parent sign the Never Mind story on video using the link provided in the book.

Genres: Fiction

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2019

About the author

Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 17 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.

In 2025, two of her children’s books were selected for the CBC Favorites Award Lists, honored by teachers and librarians nationwide for excellence in children's literature. Parents, kids, and educators love the Duke the Deaf Dog books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through engaging stories.

And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project thrown together the night before it’s due.

A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.

Reviews

[Dave Balcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this as a birthday present for a grandchild, and am really glad I did. After contemplating the values expressed in this book, I sent the following note:

Dear Jack, on your 5th Birthday:

Every year, we all celebrate the day you were born. It’s a fun time for you, a precious memory for your folks and your grandparents. Our birthdays are cool and fun, but they’re also a good time for each of us to take some time and be thankful for our blessings.

Blessings are things like having a mommy and a daddy who love us; a brother who is growing up and is more fun every day; a brother, for example, who is as healthy and happy as you are. Being healthy is one of the greatest blessings we can have; being happy is another great blessing.

Sometimes we take blessings for granted, and this book – written by a woman who helps people who cannot hear – is about how we treat others who can’t hear us as we talk. Grammy and I thought this book and all it offers is a perfect gift for a boy as blessed as you.

Happy birthday, kiddo…

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book from the author for my daughter and grandchildren. My daughter is a physical therapist for children and she deals with deaf and hard of hearing kids. She took signing in high school and has decide to teach some signing to her children. So when I seen Kelly’s books I wanted to get them for my family. The pictures are just as wonderful as the story. Thank you Kelly and Theresa for these awesome books!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An educational, interesting story about being deaf – peoples reactions, the persons reactions and also showed some ASL sign words! An introduction to being deaf, how it feels and how others react to it!

[Jurene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book to teach hearing people what life is like from a deaf perspective. Being dismissed and ignored is never okay. I love the context for all the never minds.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful book that keeps you thinking and learning. I loved the short story of Duke, the deaf dog, and how he felt when his friends were not aware of they might be excluding him. Although this is a child's book, the message of how to include others, especially those who may have a disability, was meaningful to adults as well. I thought of times when older adults with hearing challenges might also be hurt with "Never Mind." There are ASL instructional photos within the text plus bonus material at the end of the book and on the author's website to allow for continued learning. I bought a copy for myself but also one to donate to a library. This book begins to fills a gap in children's literature, looking forward to more adventures with Duke.

[Pete Seiler]

As a former teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and as a current part time tutor for these children, I really liked the format of the book. Being a Deaf person, I have encountered the "Never Mind" attitude of people who are hearing and don't realize the emotional impact of that statement. This book does a tremendous job in explaining that to children. It is a must-read book for library and school story telling time.

Dr. Peter Seiler

[Brad McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a simple word can have complex effects and feelings. I loved how the book explores the different nuances the word Nevermind can have. I liked the idea of highlighting words on some of the pages to teach the sign for it. But too many of them require motion. If I didn't already know them, I think the still images would have confused me. Still, I love the attempt.

I also appreciate the ASL grammar lesson after the story and the personal anecdote from a parent and a Deaf adult talking about banning the word in the home.