New Children’s Book Highlights Speech Therapy
A new children’s book titled “Ruby Rose, to Speech She Goes!” aims to showcase the fun side of speech therapy through its main character, Ruby Rose. The book was created by Northern Arizona University master’s student Taylor Clarkson and fellow student Guyliliane Kuete, who collaborated to provide representation for children with communication disorders.
The project originated as Clarkson’s undergraduate Honors capstone, fulfilling her aspiration to write and illustrate a children’s book. With a focus on making speech therapy relatable, the duo hopes to encourage empathy and understanding among young readers. “Visually bringing this story to life felt so important,” Kuete said.
Additional Resources for Caregivers
In addition to Ruby’s journey, the book includes guides for parents and caregivers designed to support children’s reading development. These resources were suggested by Mary Harmon, an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, who emphasizes the importance of emergent literacy skills. Reading aloud with caregivers is highlighted as a vital aspect of preparing children for school.
Clarkson expressed her desire for the book to foster deeper conversations between children and their families, emphasizing the beauty of individual uniqueness.
Future Aspirations for Ruby Rose
Although neither Clarkson nor Kuete has plans for a sequel, both creators envision further adventures for Ruby Rose. They noted that their coursework has equipped them for careers in speech-language pathology. Clarkson has one semester left along with an internship, while Kuete is currently completing her internship in Phoenix.
Kuete echoed this sentiment, hoping to incorporate representation of various languages and cultures in future illustrations.
Source: Northern Arizona University
