Spectacle-ular Children’s Books With Main Characters Who Wear Glasses
by Rosemary D'Urso
When I learned my son needed glasses in preschool, I feared his reaction and that of his classmates. I turned to children’s books and was happily surprised by how reading stories featuring main characters with glasses helped reassure him and build his self-confidence. He excitedly picked out a pair of bright red glasses, and his friends were so jealous they showed up the next day wearing sunglasses!
After that experience, I loved creating this reading list of books featuring protagonists who wear glasses. While all the stories include a main character with eyewear, some address common self-conscious feelings kids might experience when getting new spectacles. With tons of kid appeal, these books are excellent choices for all children, regardless of their eyesight requirements.
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Disney Encanto Golden Book (Disney Encanto)
Available from:Based on the blockbuster movie, Disney Encanto Big Golden Book recounts the enchanting story of Mirabel and her magical family, the Madrigals. While Mirabel is the only one who doesn’t receive a supernatural gift, she uses her kindness and bravery to show that we all have something special inside us.
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Glasses: Eureka! The Biography of an Idea
Available from:Readers will travel back in time to learn about the evolution of glasses in this exceptional STEAM-themed book. From why people need glasses to how they were discovered and changed through the centuries, this informative and engaging book is a fascinating look at the groundbreaking eyewear.
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Douglas, You Need Glasses!
Available from:Douglas is a nearsighted dog whose poor eyesight causes many comical mishaps until he gets glasses and can see clearly. This uplifting story ends with a spread of smiling children wearing glasses — perfect for anyone getting their first pair of eyewear!
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Glamorous Glasses
When Joanie begrudgingly gets glasses, her best friend Bobbie wants them, too. Joanie is happy to lend them to Bobbie, but they quickly discover that Joanie can’t see correctly without them, and Bobbie can’t see well with them. This sweet friendship story has just the right amount of humor blended with the message that we can all be glamorous in our own way.
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Philomena's New Glasses
Three adorable guinea pigs star in this delightful tale of sibling rivalry that could not be cuter! When Philomena gets glasses to help with her eyesight, her two sisters also want them. As one continues to get more accessories, the others feel the need to keep up until they realize not everyone needs the same things. The photographs of the guinea pigs sporting different outfits and the relatable story of jealousy create one utterly charming book!
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Mr. Posey's New Glasses
Available from:Mr. Posey’s view of the world is quite dull. He thinks new glasses will help, so he invites a young neighbor named Andy to help him pick out new spectacles. Each time he tries on a fresh pair, however, they conjure the most unusual sights! With Andy’s help, Mr. Posey realizes he might need a new outlook on life instead of updated glasses.
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The Patch
Available from:When an exuberant girl named Becca needs to wear a patch to help with her amblyopia, she uses her imagination to turn her patch into a game. She enters school as a ballerina pirate and enlists her friends in a fun treasure hunt. Becca’s self-confident nature is contagious, and this reassuring story is perfect for anyone who may also need a patch.
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Look Out, Leonard!
Full of humor and possible peril, this amusing read-aloud follows the misadventures of a little shrew named Leonard. While traveling through the jungle with his family, Leonard gets lost. With the engaging refrain of “Look Out, Leonard,” readers will help Leonard avoid danger and find his family.
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Super Specs
Available from:When her little brother Eddie teases her about her glasses, Molly uses her math skills to convince him that her glasses give her X-Ray vision. This easy-reader book is not only an entertaining story but also reinforces essential math skills focusing on patterns and predictions.
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Pearl and Wagner: Four Eyes
Available from:Wagner can’t stand his new glasses, especially after getting teased at school. When his best friend Pearl stands up for him, glasses become the latest trend everyone wants to follow. This leveled reader expertly addresses delicate social dynamics and reinforces the power of kindness and perspective.
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