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Talking Books
Audiobook Inventor Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read
By Jenny Lacika
Read by Janina Edwards and Jenny Lacika
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Table of Contents
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About the Book
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.
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.
About the Author
Photograph by Jenny Lacika
Jenny Lacika is a children’s writer from Santa Fe, New Mexico. She’s the author of Talking Books: Audiobook Inventor Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read. As a chronically ill Chicana and graduate of MIT, her work often explores themes relating to STEM education, disability and accessibility, and Chicanx culture and history. She lives in her hometown with her husband and two kids. Visit Jenny online at JennyLacika.com.
About the Readers
Photograph by Jenny Lacika
Jenny Lacika is a children’s writer from Santa Fe, New Mexico. She’s the author of Talking Books: Audiobook Inventor Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read. As a chronically ill Chicana and graduate of MIT, her work often explores themes relating to STEM education, disability and accessibility, and Chicanx culture and history. She lives in her hometown with her husband and two kids. Visit Jenny online at JennyLacika.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (February 24, 2026)
- Runtime: 14 minutes
- ISBN13: 9781668192962
- Grades: P - 3
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
"An inspiring story of how one man used his own experience to help others and accomplish something extraordinary for everyone."
– —Kirkus
"Narrator Janina Edwards uses a deliberate pace and soothing voice to introduce the man who invented the audiobook, Dr. Robert B. Irwin. With gentle enthusiasm, Edwards guides young listeners through Irwin's heartwarming life story. Irwin became blind at a young age, and sound effects of bird song, crashing waves, and footsteps emphasize how much he loved hearing the natural world around him. He dreamed of a better way for people with vision impairment to read books, and he helped create the first recorded books that people could listen to on special players. Author Lacika focuses on Irwin’s tenacity and his honorable character."
– —Kirkus
Awards and Honors
- Capital Choices Noteworthy Books for Children's and Teens (DC)
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Talking Books
Unabridged Audio Download 9781668192962
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Author Photo (jpg): Jenny Lacika Photograph by Jenny Lacika(0.1 MB)
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