Little Ahmed is a typical two year old except for one thing - he can't hear. Follow Ahmed's journey as he discovers sound.
Little Ahmed lives in a world of silence, unaware that the world around him can be experienced in a whole other way. A heartwarming story of discovery and the need for early diagnosis of a common childhood sensory impairment.
Excerpt
Ahmed sits and builds a castle out of moist and rock-free sand;
A chance to be artistic and to do it all by hand.
The tide soon comes rolling in and catches him by surprise.
He didn’t see it coming and the tears fill up his eyes.
Mama comes and gets him and wipes away his tears.
Just another fallen castle for a boy of little years.
Mama says, “Go and play” and points out to the sea.
Ahmed sees her gesture and scampers off with glee.
Professional Reviews
5 Star Review by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
And So, Ahmed Hears is a picture book story written by Dawn Doig with illustrations by Renee Benoit. Told in rhyme, the story is about a two-year-old boy named Ahmed who doesn’t speak or sing. He also doesn’t seem to hear, which causes him to be knocked down by a swing in the playground and separated from his mother in the market. He can’t hear the sound of the sea in a shell put to his ear or the roar of the surf on the beach as the waves wash away his sandcastle. Ahmed’s mother takes him to see a doctor and an audiologist. They’re able to determine that he has a hearing loss and fit him with an aid that allows him to hear and begins the process of helping him learn to vocalize.
I really enjoyed reading And So, Ahmed Hears. Doig, who is a certified Canadian audiologist turned English teacher, wrote it as a humanitarian project to raise public awareness of childhood hearing loss and the need for early diagnosis. The story is touchingly told and beautifully illustrated. Hearing children will experience some of the frustrations and fears that can accompany undiagnosed hearing loss and they’ll rejoice with Ahmed when he can finally hear the sounds of people and nature. They will also learn that a hearing aid isn’t a point of ridicule or bullying for the child wearing it, but an amazing device that can bring hearing to children who otherwise wouldn't have it. A lovely and informative read for both parents and children.
