Glamorous Glasses by Barbara Johansen Newman

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We stepped into the land of picture books with yesterday's post, so today I thought it only appropriate to stay in the land of children's books (or at least those AIMED at the younger set...but perfectly GRAND for one and all).  Today's selection takes place in the land of stories covering a topic that is only too real for so many...even this reader.  Know what that might be?  Glasses.  Yep.  GLASSES.  I remember I had a friend when I was younger that had those thicker light pink plastic frames and I thought they were SO pretty!  When I ended up needing glasses, I knew exactly which ones to choose.  As it turns out not all frames work on all faces...*-*...but that's a story to finish on another day for the friends in today's tale are waiting for their introduction.  Today's book of choice is...

Glamorous Glasses

by

Barbara Johansen Newman

This is the story of Bobbie and Joanie; two best cousins, close as close can be. When one wants a trip to the candy store, the other is already asking what kind their in the mood for.  Visiting a toy store?  They're already discussing the dress selection for their matching dolls.  Yes siree, they are two peas in separate pods but so connected they may as well have been sisters.

On this particular day, Joanie discovers one thing they don't have in common; a need of glasses.  Apparently her eyesight isn't quite what it should be and Aunt Tessie being the responsible parent she is, takes Joanie to get her first pair of glasses post haste.  Not a problem right?  I mean it doesn't hurt and it's easy peasy....yes, but for those of us that wear them, we remember getting our first pair and more often than not it wasn't all it seems cracked up to be.  The same can be said for Joanie's experience...with the exception that is Bobbie.

Author & Bitty

Her best-est friend will not let her go the road alone, in fact Bobbie helps Joanie see the GLAMOROUS side of all that's before her.  The only problem is...when you don't  have to depend on them for your vision, they always look more appealing to you.  Where Bobbie likes every pair that graces her face, Joanie has a bit more of a struggle.  Decisions are made, eyesight is checked and POOF, one friend has glasses...the other does not; so not cool in the world of B & J....but they devise a plan.  They will experience the world through each other's eyes...and in the end, development an understanding of why this one difference in their world's won't separate them but  actually bring them closer.

It's a wonderful story for any youngster that's just been told they need eyeglasses...especially if they are reluctant.  Not only does it show how wide ranging the assortment is in regards to styles, but it reflects the real world in revealing that A LOT of people need corrective lenses...it doesn't change who they are, it merely becomes an accessory to their brilliant personalities.  I totally understand Joanie's reluctance but Bobbie's support was refreshing and I love how the author show's what happens if you try to ditch the frames (walking into things, making wrong selections, etc.)...*ahem*...not that I ever did that as a kid. ~whistles~  Combine the real world story with the whimsical illustrations and presto changeo...you've got a winning combination.

In conclusion, a story that speaks to us all; the young and the small, the eyeglass-ed and the non.  It shows young ones there is nothing to be afraid of when it comes to new face framing accessories and reminds us all that they are simply a part of life that changes us not...it just makes things clearer in the end.  ^_^

Review copy courtesy of Barbara at Blue Slip Media.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their other promotions, be sure to visit their official website or like them on Facebook.  To discover more about the amazing glass filled world of the author, stop by Ms. Newman's website.  If you're not ready to say goodbye to Bobbie and Joanie just yet, check in with them at glamorousglasses.com (games, activities and more!).

Until next time...*adjusts glasses*....happy reading!