About

Eddie the Elephant has Something to Say: A children's book about AAC

Eddie has lots of ideas... but it is so frustrating when his friends don't understand him! So he comes up with the brilliant idea to create an augmentative and alternative communication device to help him communicate his ideas more clearly.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is any mode of communication used to supplement or replace speech, and is used by individuals who have disabilities that impact their speech.

Eddie the Elephant has Something to Say is a beautifully illustrated children's story that aims to help children and adults learn more about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Eddie’s story teaches about different ways of communicating, and about the importance of being able to express yourself and be understood. It is written and illustrated by Speech-Language Pathologists Alison Johns and Tara Put, and includes a foreword by AAC communicator Chelsea Hagen.

Through relatable characters and an engaging narrative, Eddie the Elephant has Something to Say fosters empathy and understanding for those with communication disabilities, while also allowing children and families who use AAC to see themselves represented in children's literature. We envision a future where communication accessibility and inclusion is the norm.

About the Author

A picture of Alison, the author, a white woman with long brown hair. She is wearing a grey turtle neck and posed smiling against a green brick wall.

Alison Johns

Author

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist with years of experience supporting children with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). I am passionate about helping children access the tools they need to communicate to their fullest potential, and acting as an ally and advocate for communication accessibility. It was my goal with this book to write an entertaining and educational story with relatable characters that authentically represent the experience of those who use AAC and promote understanding and inclusion in children's literature. In my free time, I love to travel and get out to the mountains to hike, camp, ski, and climb . I am from Calgary, AB, Canada.

A picture of Tara, the illustrator, a white woman with medium length brown hair. She is smiling in her home.

Tara Put

Illustrator

Tara is a Speech-Language Pathologist and artist. She loves her work with young children, which allows her to use knowledge, creativity, and kindness every single day in her work. Tara is married to a coffee pro and is a mom to two outstanding kids. In her free time, Tara is constantly making art. She loves to paint and draw, and especially loves designing fabrics and illustrating books for kids. Tara is from Calgary, AB, Canada. You can see more of her art on Instagram: @tarakarinput and more books featuring her artwork from Three Horn Unicorn Press.