Independent publisher of award-winning books by Kelly Brakenhoff
Mine solves murders. The other one wants to control your thermostat. A few weeks ago, I noticed something strange. Not ‘anonymous letter slipped under my door’ strange. But strange enough to earn a mental sticky note labeled: suspicious. There was a sudden blip of activity around my Cassandra Sato Mystery series. Nothing huge. Just enough […]
Big news from the Emerald Prairie Press HQ: Two Duke the Deaf Dog books have been named to the 2025 CBC Favorites Awards Lists! These awards are part of a national literacy program where kids, teachers, and librarians read newly published books and vote for the ones they love most. It’s an incredible honor to have these stories recognized by the very people who share books with young readers every day.
Every December, I sit down with a warm beverage and choose a word or phrase to guide me through the next year. It’s a little tradition that helps me focus on what matters most. It doesn’t mean everything magically goes as planned, but it helps me stay open to saying “yes” when the right moment comes along.
Belonging goes beyond just being in the room. Imagine how powerful it would be if every classroom used ASL to help students connect, not just with Deaf classmates, but with future coworkers and neighbors too.
If you’re new to Deaf education or just looking for ways to better support a DHH child in your life, Language First is the resource hub you’ve been searching for.
Maybe you’re wondering: why transition from picture books to chapter books? Well, the answer is deeply personal and rooted in years of my work as an ASL interpreter and my experiences in schools and IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings.
Duke the Deaf Dog’s new chapter books are here! Perfect for second and third graders, these heartwarming stories celebrate self-advocacy, resilience, and inclusion. Find out more about Duke’s adventures!
Lately, as I’ve been sprucing up my website, getting ready to launch a new chapter book series, and tackling some challenging interpreting assignments, I’ve found myself reflecting on the stories and experiences that have shaped my journey. These milestones have me thinking more deeply about the twists, turns, and lessons along the way.
Parents and grandparents, here are 5 reasons why Duke’s adventures will spark your child’s curiosity about ASL, while also teaching them about communication, belonging, and fun along the way.
We live in interesting times. I hear that phrase quite often these days, and how apropos it is! Put bluntly, there’s a lot going on in the world that really, really sucks. Many people just want to make like an ostrich and bury their heads in the sand, and who could blame them?
