Thank you, thank you, to Julie for her book review.  You can read more of Julie’s writing at Balancing Mama.  Interested in reviewing a book?  Email me (ann@shinypebble.com).  – Ann Z

With just a basic Internet search, you can find children’s books about glasses, but it is more difficult to find cute and fun bespectacled characters in books that are not about the glasses at all. It is important for glasses-wearing children to feel completely normal, and it is helpful for them to see characters in glasses living their own everyday lives as well.

I recently found a book featuring a smart and determined little girl, Velma Gratch. In her story, Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly
written by Alan Madison, Velma is a third child trailing behind her very well-remembered sisters. Velma wants to be remembered as well, but she initially goes about that the wrong way. However, on a school field trip one day, a Monarch butterfly lands on Velma’s finger – and it won’t leave! Velma goes day after day with her butterfly friend, becoming the talk of the school. Neither she – nor her butterfly – will ever be forgotten!

The story includes a few  big science words, so I would guess it is best for age 5+ . But all kids enjoy being read to – and they will definitely enjoy Kevin Hawkes’ adorable illustrations (where several characters wear glasses!).

—  Julie is a part-time working mom, mother to 4-year-old Amelia, and the blogger behind BalancingMama.com.