Standing Out and Blending In

Carla’s Glasses – written by Debbie Herman, illustrated by Sheila Bailey
Flashlight Press, 2024

You might expect Carla’s Glasses to be about a girl who needs to acclimate herself to having less than perfect eyesight.  On the cover, she seems excited to be trying on a purple, glittery, pair of glasses that are hardly inconspicuous.  Instead, this warm and entertaining picture book is about the difference between being a person who wants to stand out, and one who hopes to blend in. Carla wants to wear glasses, but, unfortunately, she has 20/20 vision. Her friend, Buster, does not.  They don’t trade places, and they don’t change one another.

The issue at the center of the book is serious, but the tone is light and reassuring.  When the classroom teacher is named Ms. Pimento, you can expect some humor along with the conflict.  Carla is outgoing, somewhat non-conformist in a Ramon Quimby way. She wears clothing that deliberately calls attention to herself. When Ms. Pimento announces a vision screening, Carla is expecting the most exciting outcome. While the other children seem a bit hesitant, or at least noncommittal, Carla creates her fantasy vision of the future out of craft sticks, glitter, and construction paper. “This pair really accentuates my eyes,” she tells her friends about this new accessory.

When the real eye exams begin, Carla is ready.  In spite of her zeal, she doesn’t deliberately throw the test.  Honesty is apparently another one of Carla’s personal qualities. She’s also an optimist, believing that not being able to read even the tiniest line of print means she will qualify for glasses. Buster is not so fortunate, at least from his perspective. Unlike his friend, his nightmare is being obvious, and he has the insight to understand the contrast to Carla: “I’m the opposite. I like to blend in.” 

Debbie Herman is sensitive to the way children feel, but doesn’t overwhelm them with overbearing empathy.  Sheila Bailey’s pictures center Carla’s starring role. She is visually arresting everywhere she appears, and also in the scenes where her viewpoint dominates. When the whole class puts on the exotic array of glasses that emerged from the craft treasure box, everyone looks equally excited, including Ms. Pimento.  Intervening scenes, including Buster’s visit to the optometrist and his anxious car ride home, are more subdued.

Carla’s Glasses is perfect for children facing this particular situation. It’s equally encouraging for anyone who doesn’t want to stand out like the giant letter “E” on the eye chart, but can appreciate a friend who does.