Carla's glasses

Gr 1--2--Carla likes standing out, unlike her friend Buster, who prefers blending in. When she finds out that eye health screenings are happening in her class next week, she's excited about the possibility of getting some fun glasses to stand out even more. Unfortunately, it's Buster who needs glasses--not Carla. Even when Carla helps him pick out some nice frames, he still dreads going to school and standing out. So Carla hatches a plan to help him gain confidence in his new specs. Both Carla and Buster are light-skinned with blue eyes, though their teacher appears to have darker skin, as do several of their classmates. Bailey's watercolor and digital illustrations are colorful and expressive, and include lots of details for children to pore over. VERDICT A solid choice for most collections, this book details an important rite of passage for many children, and could be especially useful for parents helping their child navigate wearing glasses for the first time.--Kadie Seitz

To see or not to see. Carla's thrilled that Vision Screening Day's approaching. She hopes she'll need glasses because no one else in class wears them. Her friend Buster scoffs, "You like to be different." Next day, Carla's wearing self-made purple pipe-cleaner frames. She tells Buster she wants to see what styles and colors will flatter her when she gets real glasses. Every day thereafter, Carla sports different frames she's designed and constructed. She's excited on Vision Screening Day, but the final verdict's disappointing: Carla doesn't need glasses, but Buster apparently does, a conclusion that's confirmed by an eye exam at the optometrist's. Supportive Carla accompanies Buster and his dad there and helps Buster select his eyewear. Buster confesses that he doesn't enjoy being different: His new glasses will make him stand out when what he wants is to blend in. Carla hatches a plan and gets crafting. Next day, she colludes with her teacher and classmates. When Buster arrives, everyone's wearing Carla-fashioned glasses to welcome him; he doesn't stand out after all. This uplifting, reassuring story is about warm friendship and about being seen--literally--and accepted for who you are. Carla's a supportive, creative pal, and this story should boost the esteem of kids nervous about getting their first pair of glasses. The high-spirited illustrations were created with a combination of watercolor and digital media. Carla and Buster are pale-skinned; their class is racially diverse. An insightful, thought-provoking story. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.