TALKING BOOKS

A glimpse at the man who helped pioneer audiobooks.

At age 5, Robert B. Irwin (1883-1951) became blind, indicated in Fortson’s illustrations by empty white irises. Sounds, especially the melody of chirping birds, had always entranced him, and though he learned to read braille, as a slow finger-reader, he dreamed of “talking books” that he could listen to without help. Eager to make books more accessible, he worked with the newly formed American Foundation for the Blind, which led to the creation of the National Library Service, a braille library that served readers across the U.S. After learning that not all blind people could read braille, Irwin set about making the “talking books” of his fantasy a reality, hiring engineers to create recordings of people reading books aloud. Lacika’s narrative highlights Irwin’s inquisitive nature and determination and speaks to the joys of reading, no matter the format. Near the end, the author reminds readers that audiobooks aren’t just for blind people—a small nod to the concept of universal design that she expands on in an appended note. Though her main text focuses on Irwin’s accomplishments, she emphasizes in her backmatter that he worked with a larger community to effect change. Fortson’s charming artwork includes embroidered elements; swirling ribbons and linework visually capture the sounds that so mesmerized Irwin. The most poignant page depicts blind readers testifying to the pleasures of being able to read on their own.

An engaging and empowering tribute to the power of books—and to a trailblazer who made them more accessible.