Can We Talk? - (Orca Timeline) by Maria Birmingham (Hardcover)

About the Book

Part of the nonfiction Orca Timeline series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book examines how humans have communicated over time.

Book Synopsis

Let's talk.

We don't think much about our ability to communicate. We simply have a conversation, make a call, send a text or use sign language to share information. But how was human language invented? And when?

Communication is a way for us to express ourselves, share information and maintain relationships with others. Hundreds of years ago, humans needed to communicate to hunt, farm and defend against threats. Today, thanks to satellites and computers, we can communicate in an instant with just about anyone on Earth. Can We Talk? examines the evolution of human communication--from the theories about how spoken language began to the technological advances that connect the world now.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

From the Back Cover

Communication is how we express ourselves, share information and build relationships with others. We talk, sign, call, text and even use whistling and yodeling to stay in touch. Hundreds of years ago, humans needed to connect to hunt, farm and defend against threats. Now, thanks to satellites and computers, we can be in touch with just about anyone, anywhere, at any time! Discover the way spoken language began, how it continues to change and the technology that connects us all today.

Review Quotes

"An epic cross-curricular journey for curious minds."

-- "School Library Journal (SLJ)"

"An intriguing look at how humans have stayed connected through the ages."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Provides an excellent overview of human communication and its history. Everyone can learn something new about human communication from this book and be inspired to find out more. Xulin's lively and colourful illustrations bring the concepts to life visually. Highly Recommended."

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

About the Author

Maria Birmingham has worked in the children's publishing industry for over 25 years. She is the award-winning author of several books for young people, including Are We There Yet? How Humans Find Their Way and Are We Having Fun Yet? The HUman Quest for a Good Time in the Orca Timeline series. She lives with her family in Brampton, Ontario.

Xulin is an award-winning Canadian Chinese illustrator, cartoonist, writer and muralist based in Toronto. They write and illustrate comics at the intersection of science and social justice. As a lifelong learner passionate about education and science communication, they've dedicated their career to translating complex ideas into compelling and understandable illustrations.