My husband is an optometrist, and since my background is in marketing, I’ve spent a lot of time over the years noodling the best way to market his optometry practice in a fun and meaningful way.
As I thought about my own experience of getting new glasses (it wasn’t awesome), I realized how powerful it could be to help kids see getting glasses as an exciting milestone, not an intimidating experience. I wanted to change the narrative—from “I have to get glasses” to “I get to get glasses!” The idea of helping shift that perspective and help kids feel great about getting new glasses inspired me to write and illustrate my first children’s book, “I’m Getting New Glasses!“—a cheerful, imaginative story that helps kids feel proud and confident in their new frames.
What Readers Can Expect
I’m Getting New Glasses! is a sweet and simple rhyming story about Olive, a little girl who is about to pick out her first pair of glasses. She’s nervous and unsure—until her playful little brother, Andy, helps her see the experience in a new way. Together, the sibling duo begins trying on new frames in different colors and shapes, using their imaginations to help them find the perfect pair for Olive.
Through rhyming text and colorful illustrations, young readers will join Olive and Andy on their fun-filled adventure. Kids will laugh as they picture themselves in pineapple-shaped glasses or heart-shaped frames and be encouraged that even though getting new eye glasses might feel like an intimidating experience, everything is going to work out. In fact, they can even choose to celebrate getting new glasses!
Who It’s For
When I first wrote I’m Getting New Glasses!, my preschooler and second grader couldn’t get enough. We had copies at home and in the car, where they’d turn through pages every chance they got, giggling through pictures and rhymes. Over time, I’ve found that the sweet spot for this book is primarily with toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students (roughly ages 2–6), but even older children will appreciate the fun rhythm and playful illustrations of this super sweet and simple children’s book.
Parents love how it reframes the experience of getting eyeglasses in a positive way. Optometrists appreciate how it helps ease nerves and jitters for little patients (and often, parents!) in the exam room. Teachers and school nurses also enjoy reading it during back-to-school season and vision screening week as a fun way to talk about the experience of getting new eyeglasses.
My Experience Getting Eyeglasses
It was easy for me to empathize with kids who are getting eyeglasses while I was writing this book, because I didn’t have a great experience getting new glasses. In fact, I got my first pair of glasses in high school. When I missed a pop-up at softball practice. And had to experience my first eye exam because I had a great big black eye. I walked into school the next week self-conscious about my new glasses, but also about the black eye that was perfectly framed beneath my new frames.
That memory reminds me how vulnerable new experiences, like getting eyeglasses, can be. But more so, it made me want to make that experience better for other kids.
When I shared this experience and my new book with friends and acquaintances, nearly everyone had a story about their first pair of eye glasses and how much they wished a book like “I’m Getting New Glasses!” could have helped them have a better experience. Today, young kids have that opportunity!
Where to Find It
The easiest way to find “I’m Getting New Glasses!” Is to grab your copy on Amazon. Bulk and branded copies are also available. You can also find bulk and branded copies available for optometry offices, schools, and organizations who want to make eye exams a little brighter for kids.
Helping a child get glasses doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be a joyful milestone filled with imagination, confidence, and connection. My hope is that I’m Getting New Glasses! brings laughter and reassurance to families who are walking through this new experience together. If your little one has recently gotten glasses, I’d love to hear how they’re adjusting! You can find free printable activities and more fun resources to pair with the book on my website. Together, we can make every child feel proud to see the world in a whole new way.
Beyond the Book
Since its publication, “I’m Getting New Glasses!” has quickly taken on a life of its own. It placed 3rd at the 2022 Selah Awards and also became a cute and compact coloring book that optometrists can gift to patients who are getting new glasses. (A full size coloring book for families is in the works!)
You can also grab these Olive and Andy coloring sheets for some printable fun with your child.
It’s exciting to think about where “I’m Getting New Glasses!” might take your child next!
Let’s help kids feel great about getting new glasses!
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