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The Doodling Duo vs. Spaghetti Monster

Words & Art By: Lavanya Karthik

Finding ways to understand each other when words—and languages—aren’t easy

Adil is the new kid in Neel’s class and Neel thinks he’s pretty cool! He runs like the wind and swims like a fish. He also uses his hands and body to make words. This is because Adil is Deaf and he uses sign language. Neel wants to be Adil’s friend but can’t figure out how to communicate with him. One day at lunch, Adil spots Neel sketching in his notebook. What if Adil can draw like Neel, and Neel can learn to sign like Adil? Imagine the amazing adventures they could go on!

A heartwarming picture book that centers empathy and the surprising superpowers of friendship between a Deaf student and his hearing classmate.

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A CBC Favorites Pick—Teacher & Librarian Lists (2026) 

Skipping Stones Honor Award: Best of Multicultural & International Award (2026)

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"Karthik’s book was originally published in India, and she bookends the story with both the American and Indian Sign Language alphabets. The illustrations are not only charming, but also brilliantly convey the movements of the characters’ sign language. Karthik notes that although Deaf kids may seem different from hearing children, “in lots of other ways—the books we read, the food we like, the jokes that make us fall over laughing—we are all the same.” This book delivers this message flawlessly with plenty of heart and good humor. A joyful tale of finding connection and making friends." — Kirkus Reviews (STARRED)

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Themes:

Deaf Awareness; School Stories; Sign Language; Friendship Stories; Imagination Stories; First Person; Flashback; Asian American; Diverse Abilities; Relationship Skills; Social-Emotional Learning; Special Needs; Superheroes; Include Back Matter; Include Teaching Resources; Include Extension Activities; Picture Book; Comic Book;