Next Door, written by Deborah Kerbel and illustrated by Isaac Liang. Kids Can Press, 2023. $23.99 ages 4 and up

A friendship blooms between 
a deaf boy and his new neighbor. 
The children speak different 
languages and find a way to 
connect without using their voices.

Such exceptional stories can, and are, told without benefit of words. They are NOT told without visual images that spark interest and encourage critical thinking concerning everything that is happening on the pages of the book. 

On the opening spread, readers watch a woman and child lock their apartment door. They cannot help but take note of the moving van filled with boxes, and a man beginning to unload those boxes. Turn the page, and readers become aware that the boy has a hearing impairment. It does nothing to keep him from greeting neighbors, community workers and others in the neighborhood (as shown in a series of action boxes along the bottom of the spread). 

Another turn shows the two at the park, where they take time and pay attention to what is happening there. On the walk home they stop for flowers and a bag of cookies. As they walk, a cyclist zooms past, startling the boy. His mother uses ASL to check that he is fine, and he does the same to provide a positive response. A cookie assuages any leftover fear. 

Once back home, the two stop at their new neighbor's door, offering both flowers and cookies as gifts of welcome. It is evident from the illustrations and the Arabic/English Picture Dictionary that there is likely a communication difficulty. Nonetheless, the visit is welcome and much enjoyed. The boy notices a shy girl peeking around the corner of the kitchen. It takes some time, but he feeds her hiding under a table. He offers a cookie; she shares a crayon. 

As happens so often with children, the two find ways to 'communicate' without benefit of words. Soon, they are drawing together, and even learning the ASL sign for friend. It's a great start to something brand new!

An author's note explains that Ms. Kerbel's sister was born profoundly deaf, yet always created ways to communicate and to take note of everything happening around her. Isaac Liang is a dear illustrator whose wonderful work here helps young readers 'see' what the child's ears cannot always hear. It's a lovely book!