Sadie Says: A Story About AAC and All the Ways We Communicate - Paperback

by Melba Acey (Author), Abbey Bryant (Illustrator)

In this joyful picture book about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), readers meet Sadie: a bright, funny, big-hearted girl who communicates with her whole self. With a hug, a sign, a raise of her arms, or a tap on her talking tablet, Sadie says love, eat, up, yes, all done, go, help, play, more, no, want, and like - twelve powerful words that carry her through a day full of popcorn, bubbles, snuggles, and one very silly puppy.

Every way Sadie communicates counts. And every day brings new words.

This book is perfect for:

- Children who use AAC - finally, a hero who talks like they do

- Siblings, classmates, and friends - a warm introduction to communication devices and sign

- Parents and caregivers - a story that celebrates every step of the communication journey

- Speech-language pathologists and teachers - a read-aloud built entirely around core vocabulary, ready for therapy sessions, circle time, and inclusive classrooms

Built around a warm, repeating refrain - "Sadie says..." - each spread anchors one core vocabulary word, making the book a natural fit for shared reading, pausing, and modeling. Diagnosis-neutral by design, Sadie's story belongs to every child who communicates differently.

Ages 3-7 Preschool-Grade 2 Free companion resources, including a printable core board and shared reading guide, available from AAC Adventure.

Written by pediatric speech-language pathologist and AAC specialist Melba Acey, MSP, CCC-SLP, and brought to life with vibrant illustrations by award-winning illustrator Abbey Bryant, Sadie Says honors multimodal communication - devices, signs, gestures, expressions, and speech - and reminds every reader that all voices deserve to be heard.

Because everyone has something to say and everyone communicates in different ways.