Books

My Travelin’ Eye by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

Jenny Sue’s eyes are not the same as other people’s eyes. Her right eye looks in one direction, while her left eye sometimes wanders. Jenny Sue has a travelin’, lazy eye. Although it makes her different, it also helps her see the world in a special way.

The Patch by Justina Chen Headley

Here is a charming story about one very inspiring little girl who overcomes her disability and offers inspiration to others.

What could have been a saccharine and didactic message book about accepting differences is, instead, a lovely and surprising story that will certainly be enjoyed as a read-aloud. Becca’s doctor discovers that she’s got a lazy eye and needs a patch and glasses to strengthen her eyesight. The five-year-old is worried that the other students will think she looks stupid so, to boost her confidence, her older brother lends her his favorite pirate costume to go with her purple glasses and bright pink patch (this girl is clearly partial to pink). The bold hues in the cartoonlike watercolors reinforce Becca’s and her classmates energy. The students are fascinated as she plays Becca the Ballerina Pirate, Private Eye, and One-Eyed Monster before admitting the real reason for her patch. The illustrations dance off the pages, and Becca’s exuberance shines through.

All Children Have Different Eyes: Learn to Play and Make Friends by Edie A. Glaser

Beautifully illustrated storybook that models for children with visual impairment how to confidently and competently play and make friends while facing difficult social challenges, such as how to answer questions about their condition, enter play groups, and handle their limitations responsibly. Over 40 examples and activities transform the engaging stories into an interactive workbook for use by parents and teachers. Classmates will also learn to become better friends and playmates when they discover why children with visual impairment see and play in different ways. A glossary for kids and resources for adults complete this valuable resource in every child’s social development.

Blueberry Eyes By Monica Driscoll Beatty

Little Meagan, born with the vision disorders of amblyopia and strabismus, faces her fears about eye surgery. Perfect for children, whether they just hate their glasses or will be undergoing more serious treatment to correct their vision. A glossary at the end provides simple definitions for complicated terms.

Princess Peepers by Pam Calvert

Princess Peepers has always been secure in who she is, and is especially fond of her collection of fabulous eyeglasses. That is until she enters the Royal Academy for Perfect Princesses. The other royals make fun of her specs, causing her to pack them all away so she can be like everyone else. This leads to all sorts of mistakes: she misidentifies spaghetti as mud and string, the kitchen as the dungeon, animals as people, and a visiting prince as a horse. Luckily, a happy ending is in store for the hapless young woman as she and Prince Peerless, who is not wearing his glasses either, soon see that they are made for each other. Mourning’s graphite and digital/collage illustrations combine figures in traditional costumes from different eras with lush backgrounds. The palette of pinks keeps the emphasis on sweet, even when some of the characters are not.