American Sign Language. Deborah Kent, $11.95

Learn more about ASL and how it developed. This middle-school level book gives a practical history of American Sign Language, one of the most common languages used in North America.

American Sign Language for Babies & Toddlers DVD. Gilda Toby Ganezer, $21.95 53 minutes

With over 200 words and phrases in ASL, this DVD is designed to help deaf and hearing children in all types of ASL communication daily.

The American Sign Language Phrase Book with DVD, 3rd Edition. Lou Fant & Barbara Bernstein Fant, $20.95

The American Sign Language Phrase Book is the reference guide to everyday expressions in American Sign Language. Clearly illustrated with hundreds of line drawings, this book focuses on areas such as health, family, school, sports, travel, religion, time, money, food and drink, and small talk. This edition's new chapter on technology boasts 50 signs to help you communicate about the Internet, computing, video relay, and more. There is even a chapter that gives you signs for communicating about signing: asking people to sign slower, indicating your finger-spelling ability, and requesting help with your fledgling skills. From asking simple questions to more complex phrases, The American Sign Language Phrase Book gives you the power to communicate easily and comfortably in ASL.

The accompanying DVD features more than 500 ASL phrases, with right and left handed signers demonstrating every phrase in the book from Chapter 3 through the appendix.

The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language. Clayton Valli, Editor in Chief, $68.95

• More than 3,000 ASL Sign Illustrations
• Fully Searchable Full-Color DVD Featuring Every Sign
• Special ASL Classifier Section
• Complete Index of English Synonyms for Every Sign

The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language contains more than 3,000 illustrations — the most useful selection of signs to be found in any single ASL reference resource. Each sign illustration, including depictions of finger-spelling when appropriate, incorporates a complete list of English synonyms. A full, alphabetized English index enables users to cross-reference words and signs throughout the entire volume. The full-color DVD included with this dictionary features a diverse group of native ASL signers demonstrating how to form each of the 3,075 signs. Fully searchable, users can view a sign and quickly go to its synonyms. This and the many other exclusive features in The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language combine to make it the outstanding ASL reference for all instructors, students, and users of ASL.

Little Hands & Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together. Kathy MacMillan, $19.95

Appropriate for adults who are completely new to signing, this authoritative guide on sign language helps them engage with children up to age five, regardless of their hearing ability. Each of the eight chapters contain a variety of activities, such as games, finger plays, songs, and crafts, which help children develop language learning, improve communication and self-expression, and raise their self-esteem. All vocabulary comes from American Sign Language (ASL). Illustrations of the relevant signs are prominently featured throughout the book.

My First Book of Sign. Pamela Baker, $33.95

Pictures demonstrate young children using signing 150 basic alphabetically arranged words, accompanied by illustrations of the words themselves. Includes a discussion of finger-spelling and general rules for signing.

Signing for Kids: the Fun Way for Anyone to Learn American Sign Language, Revised. Mickey Flodin, $20.00

With helpful hints, tips and an extensive index, Signing for Kids is a terrific book for beginners or for those who want to brush up on their signing skills. This revised, expanded version includes a new section on computer and technology terms.

Signing Illustrated: the Complete Learning Guide. Mickey Flodin, $21.00

Here is the complete learning guide that teaches American Sign Language by "category," the most popular and preferred method of teaching and learning. This easy-to-use guide is updated and expanded to include new computer and technology signs and offers a fast and simple approach to learning. Includes:

• Vocabulary reviews
• Finger-spelling exercises
• Sign matching and memory aids
• A complete glossary and a comprehensive index
• Clear instructive drawings

Time to Sign: Sign Language for Kids. Kathryn Clay, $9.95 (ages 5-9)

This helpful kid-friendly guide teaches the basics of American Sign Language (ASL). Kids will learn hundreds of words and phrases to help them communicate in everyday situations. Instructions on how to fingerspell the alphabet provides a good base to get started. It's time to sign!