One has to allow for the visual strengths of young deaf children. Visual-gestural communication and American Sign Language are usually the most reliable ways to quickly build up a child's language base and everyday vocabulary. However, there is no reason for the deaf child cannot master English language through print. Young children in general do not understand everything at first.
Children always enjoy looking at books with their parents.
The fact that the parent takes the time to sit with the child to read is often more important than the story itself. It helps to strengthen the emotional bond between the parent and the child, and to foster a love of reading in children. Many parents have discovered that their deaf children really follow the stories in this manner. Also, many popular fairy tales and children's stories are available in ASL on videotapes to complement the books. This is possible if you place the child up on a chair or the bed.