All children are full of zest for life and they all want to be treated like grownups. Mila is no different. Even though she has a hearing impairment and has to wear cochlear implants to hear better, something she calls her Super Ears, Mila wants to prove to her parents that she can do things by herself like any grownup: she can dress appropriately (not in the princess outfit her mother thinks is unsuitable for going to school), she can fix her own breakfast (but she has to change her plan of pizza and cupcakes to cereal when Mommy gives her a ‘look’), and she’s determined to ride her bicycle without training wheels and without help for the first time. Like everyone else, even grownups, Mila has to learn that sometimes you have to ask for help.

Katie Petruzziello’s story, Mighty Mila: An Inclusive Children's Book about an Unstoppable Deaf Girl, is an empowering (and somewhat humorous) story for young girls as well as all children (and adults, too) with special needs. The main character, Mila, is full of energy and enthusiasm with lots of charming personality, in spite of her messy room. This character is imaginative and has a determination to see things through, no matter how difficult they might appear. Young readers will be cheering Mila on as she attempts one thing after another to prove she’s a big kid. The language is simple so young readers can follow along and improve their reading skills. Some of the words are written in different fonts and bright, bold colors to make them stand out. The illustrations are just as much fun to study as the story is to read. Loved it!

Mighty Mila will delight and entertain, encourage and inspire you and your family with her love for life and powerful determination to be seen as a BIG GIRL. Debut author and mom Katie Petruzziello created an exquisite book with illustrator Nadja Sarell. Mighty Mila is a real-life story of Mila, big brother Luca, little sister Sofia, mom Katie and her fabulous Dad.

Mila has a gift for enjoying life, and with her “super ears,” a.k.a. cochlear implants, she can hear BIG and tiny sounds all around her. Never a dull moment; with every turn of the page, Mila will surprise you with her independent, grown-up abilities. UNTIL! Well, I can’t be a spoiler. You will have to read the book to find out what super big challenge awaits her.

You will fall in love with the Mila, a true-life story character. A delightful, fun, witty child with big hopes and dreams. Learn more about her cochlear implant and hearing loss journey.

Parents and teachers, you will love the bonus pages!
-Listen and Look, Messy Mila!
-Listen and Look, Mealtime Mila!
-Where’s the Purple Cat?”
So much to love, learn and enjoy.

I highly recommend this delightful story. Connect with Mila, Katie, and the family at #mightymilastories or mightymilabook@gmail.com. All the best love and joy from Kathy Marcath at ASLPictureBooks.com

In Petruzziello’s debut picture book, a young girl wants to prove to her parents that she’s a big kid now.

Little Mila, who has cochlear implants, sets out to show her parents how grown-up she is: “From now on, I’ll do everything on my own and I won’t ask for help…not even once!” She starts by coloring a picture of her plans for independence—one of artist Sarell’s many delightful color illustrations, lively with whimsical detail. Mila chooses her own clothes and comes up with a creative solution (tape) when she can’t tie her shoelaces. She only spills a bit of milk when she pours it by herself, and with her “special little hearing machines,” she uses sounds she hears to track her brother during hide-and-seek. After her dad takes off her bike’s training wheels and she takes a few spills, she realizes that “even big kids” ask for help sometimes. Petruzziello’s sunny narrative, delivered in Mila’s voice, is inspired by events in her own daughter’s life. It ends with an informative profile of the real-life Mila’s “hearing loss journey,” a well-considered list of story-related “Comprehension Questions,” and fun seek-and-find activities based on the illustrations of Mila’s kitchen, her messy room, and a purple cat that appears throughout.

A book with appealing storytelling, visual charm, and matter-of-fact themes of representation and inclusion.

"Mighty Mila is much more than a storybook. Mila offers inspiration and determination as a life lesson all ages can embrace and appreciate. Mighty Mila is a wonderful resource for clinicians and teachers, especially those working with children. Lessons of acceptance, determination, "can do attitude" and knowing it's okay to ask for help are themes throughout the story. The colorful and whimsical illustrations bring this charming and joy filled read to life!"

What Katie has provided at the end of the book to interact on a deeper level shows how important it is to her that ALL children can follow the rainbow to reach the pot of gold like Mila. The bar is set high and is attainable with whatever mighty power you have, even if it's knowing when to ask for help

I am a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing and I am CONSTANTLY searching for stories that represent my students. The subtle references to her cochlear implants are perfect and surrounded by a beautiful story about Mila proving that she is a big kid...something that all kids relate to! The writing is true to the mind of a child, the illustrations are beautiful and the mini follow up activities at the end of the book leave you wanting more! I am so excited that I get to add this to my classroom library!