Talking Books: Audiobook Inventor Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read
By Jenny Lacika
Illustrated by Ashanti Fortson
Published by Atheneum
Release Date: February 24, 2026
Hardcover ISBN: 9781665912679
Audio ISBN: 9781668192962
Ebook ISBN: 9781665912686
This story is told with a tone of courage and hopefulness. . . . In addition to the digital art, Fortson includes embroidery within the pages. It’s exquisite and represents the idea of communication incredibly well. A unique title, this will be a welcome addition to biography collections. – SLJ
An engaging and empowering tribute to the power of books—and to a trailblazer who made them more accessible. – KIRKUS
Throughout this winning portrait, upbeat narration emphasizes Irwin’s resolve, while embroidery lends an appropriate sensory dimension to busy pages featuring scratchy digital drawings of the protagonist doggedly working to effect change. – Publishers Weekly
Makes a lesser-known historical figure relatable by focusing on Irwin’s childhood and professional journey, weaving together his drive and the stepping stones to his achievements, as well as the achievements themselves. Fortson’s digitally rendered images in mostly pastel colors with fine lines are further textured with scanned embroidered elements, and the stitches bring a satisfying trompe l’oeil physicality to a book about words’ ability to leave the printed page. – The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Fortson uses curved lines swirling across the pages to convey the sound waves so critical to Irwin’s experience of the world. Both the clear writing and the friendly art succeed at providing helpful details for readers to understand Irwin’s life and accomplishments. – Horn Book Magazine
Focuses on Irwin’s desire to help others and his dogged determination to achieve his goals in spite of challenges. – Booklist
A captivating picture book biography of determined innovator Dr. Robert B. Irwin, who invented the audiobook and revolutionized the way stories are shared, opening the door for people of all abilities to become readers.
Robert Benjamin Irwin loves to learn and explore. But when he’s five, his eyes grow red and painful from fever, and he loses his sight. Since he can no longer see, Robert focuses instead on what he can do: discovering new ways to learn and experience the world through sound.
As he grows up, Robert learns to read books written in Braille, a system of raised dots that can be read with fingers. But as much as he loves stories, he finds finger-reading Braille slow and difficult. He wishes he could listen to a story like he listens to the birds. So, with a team of audio engineers, Robert sets out to make it happen—and revolutionizes reading for people around the world.