My Family’s Joy
by Hanna Ahn with illustrations by Jenny Han
Join six-year-old Lyra as she celebrates her grandmother’s birthday with family—including her baby sister, who is Deaf. Through laughter, delicious food, and the beauty of sign language, Lyra experiences how their differences only make their bond stronger.
My Family’s Joy is an endearing and empowering picturebook that celebrates family, connection, and the beauty of diversity. Through the eyes of six-year-old Lyra, readers are invited to experience a joyful family celebration that includes her baby sister, who is Deaf. As Lyra navigates the day, the story highlights the many positive aspects of being Deaf and using sign language, showcasing how these experiences create meaningful bonds within the family.
Sensory-rich and filled with vibrant illustrations, this story not only celebrates Deaf culture but also fosters inclusivity and empathy. With its affirming message, My Family’s Joy will resonate with young readers and families alike, offering a beautiful reminder of the importance of love, acceptance, and communication. Educators and parents will find this book a valuable tool for initiating important conversations about diversity, language, and the power of family connection.
Author’s Note: Why I Wrote My Family’s Joy
This story grew out of two lifelong truths: my deep love for picturebooks and my deep respect for Deaf Culture. In my twenties, I helped establish a small school for the Deaf near Boston, where I taught kindergarten. That experience shaped the way I think about learning, identity, family, and communication.
I’ve always believed that stories should reflect the full range of human experience, especially the lives of children who aren’t often centred. It was important to me that this story reflect Deaf Culture authentically and visually, so I’m especially proud that the illustrator is Deaf herself. Her vision brings emotional nuance and cultural truths to the page in a way that I could never achieve alone.
This book is, in many ways, a bridge - between siblings, between cultures, between ways of hearing and being heard. I hope it sparks conversations, connections, and maybe even a little curiosity about the many different ways we listen to one another.
~ Hanna Ahn