What do you think?
Rate this book
Glamorous Glasses
Bobbie and Joanie are best friends and best cousins, and they do everything together. So when Joanie has to get glasses, Bobbie figures she'll get them, too--especially once she discovers the fabulous frames on display at the eyeglasses store. Meanwhile, Joanie has the opposite reaction. Glasses make her feel different and look different. And they're uncomfortable. So the ever-resourceful Bobbie comes up with a perfect plan to make both of them happy. Illustrations full of rich, comical details enhance this story about friendship and a classic childhood experience.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2012
24 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 18, 2024
Super cute story that I can relate to... I've always wanted glasses but I have perfect vision. I suspect as I get older I'll need them, like both my parents did. Until then, I rock a handful of fake glasses that I own :-p
September 24, 2018
One girl thinks glasses are cool, but the other one doesn't. It is best to wear glasses only if you need them. I've got glasses before and I didn't think they were very cool. I like certain styles, but glasses look better if you get the poly glass or extra protection added. I feel like I can see a wider range of view wearing contacts. For this story, I think it is great that one girl needs glasses because other people might relate to that. If someone is scared and he or she reads this story then he or she may feel better after reading.
March 19, 2019
Like the illustrations.
April 7, 2019
This is the book I needed when I was in second grade and wailing about not wanting to wear glasses.
April 27, 2019
Cute book—especially for when a girl needs to get glasses for the first time.
April 19, 2021
Such a great book for my niece ( age 7) who is uncomfortable about her glasses! She loved it and I did too.
June 4, 2021
We often want what we can't have, and sometimes it takes learning the hard way to realized what we have is perfect for us.
September 18, 2013
My four-year-old son picked this book out from the library this week.
I love slice-of-life books -- they tell me about a place, a time and a little bit about the author. Melanie Hope Greenberg does it well with My Father's Luncheonette. Dan Yaccarino does it well with Every Friday. And Barbara Johansen Newman does it well with Glamorous Glasses. What I learned from Glamorous Glasses is that Barbara Newman really wanted to wear red and white striped glasses as a child. I'm pretty sure she wears them as an adult. That is not a criticism: I am wearing black and pink polka-dotted glasses as I type this review.
When I was a kid, I had to wear glasses. I hated them. I felt weird and different. Little did I know that my two sisters WANTED to wear glasses when they were younger. They wanted to look a bit different. The reason this book is so wonderful is that it tells both sides of the story. One girls does not want to wear glasses, but has to; the other girl wants to wear glasses, but does not need them. In the end, they both decide they would rather be able to see properly, which is the conclusion I reached, too. Incidentally, both of my sisters get to wear glasses now. I wear contact lenses, unless I'm reading or typing, and then I wear my black and pink polka-dotted glasses. Or orange striped ones. Or red ones.
The artwork for this book is completely delightful, so whether you wear glasses or not, make sure you can see it properly.
I love slice-of-life books -- they tell me about a place, a time and a little bit about the author. Melanie Hope Greenberg does it well with My Father's Luncheonette. Dan Yaccarino does it well with Every Friday. And Barbara Johansen Newman does it well with Glamorous Glasses. What I learned from Glamorous Glasses is that Barbara Newman really wanted to wear red and white striped glasses as a child. I'm pretty sure she wears them as an adult. That is not a criticism: I am wearing black and pink polka-dotted glasses as I type this review.
When I was a kid, I had to wear glasses. I hated them. I felt weird and different. Little did I know that my two sisters WANTED to wear glasses when they were younger. They wanted to look a bit different. The reason this book is so wonderful is that it tells both sides of the story. One girls does not want to wear glasses, but has to; the other girl wants to wear glasses, but does not need them. In the end, they both decide they would rather be able to see properly, which is the conclusion I reached, too. Incidentally, both of my sisters get to wear glasses now. I wear contact lenses, unless I'm reading or typing, and then I wear my black and pink polka-dotted glasses. Or orange striped ones. Or red ones.
The artwork for this book is completely delightful, so whether you wear glasses or not, make sure you can see it properly.
November 10, 2012
When I think of eyeglasses I think of glamorous people: Elton John, Elvis, Jackie O., and a few others. But I also recall those glasses known as Clark Kents that were issued to military inductees. I never wanted those, but some people even make those look glamorous. And it is the search for that perfect pair of glasses or other fashion accessory that makes life quite exciting at times. Never mind that kids can even look cool in glasses as long as they are not the ones who have to wear them.
Glamorous Glasses is an all-too-cute story that should resonate with girls and their moms. Imagine what can happen when you wear a pair of prescription glasses that are not yours, and the person that should be wearing them doesn’t wear any. The story gets better when a shopping trip to the city is the background for the fun that ensues. Yes, the story is both fun and funny; it can be enjoyed at any pace by almost anyone including boys.
School librarians will want to be sure to pick up this title for a variety of reasons. Yes, chief among those is a reminder that it can be quite cool to wear glasses. Secondly, this title is ripe for reading aloud by a bespeckled teacher or librarian. The vivid colors reinforce the sense of fashion that can be found in everyday items and how individuals can achieve that elusive glamorous effect.
Glamorous Glasses is an all-too-cute story that should resonate with girls and their moms. Imagine what can happen when you wear a pair of prescription glasses that are not yours, and the person that should be wearing them doesn’t wear any. The story gets better when a shopping trip to the city is the background for the fun that ensues. Yes, the story is both fun and funny; it can be enjoyed at any pace by almost anyone including boys.
School librarians will want to be sure to pick up this title for a variety of reasons. Yes, chief among those is a reminder that it can be quite cool to wear glasses. Secondly, this title is ripe for reading aloud by a bespeckled teacher or librarian. The vivid colors reinforce the sense of fashion that can be found in everyday items and how individuals can achieve that elusive glamorous effect.
March 9, 2013
This is a really cute story with a great message for kids. I remember being in 5th grade and dreading having to get reading glasses. It was not something I wanted to have to wear. I loved that this story isn't just about Barbara's cousins Joanie needed glasses, it's about how Bobbie wanted also wanted to find her own glamorous pair of glasses even though she didn't need them. I wish I had, had a friend like Barbara to go eye glass shopping with me at this age. I think I would have enjoyed having to get glasses a lot more than I did.
This is a cute story about friendship, and Barbara wanting to have her own pair of glasses. My little girl and I enjoyed reading this story and laughing out loud at all the things Barbara does to try and get glasses, even faking like she can't see well, until the eye doctor tells she has perfect vision. Things get a little crazy when she and her cousin switch, Barbara wears Joanie's glasses and the two of them make a mess of things, as neither one of them can see well, well I mean Joanie can't see without her glasses on and Barbara can't see with Joanie's glasses on. Luckily everything works out in the end and Barbara finds her lucky pair of Glamorous Glasses at a yard sale.
This is a cute story about friendship, and Barbara wanting to have her own pair of glasses. My little girl and I enjoyed reading this story and laughing out loud at all the things Barbara does to try and get glasses, even faking like she can't see well, until the eye doctor tells she has perfect vision. Things get a little crazy when she and her cousin switch, Barbara wears Joanie's glasses and the two of them make a mess of things, as neither one of them can see well, well I mean Joanie can't see without her glasses on and Barbara can't see with Joanie's glasses on. Luckily everything works out in the end and Barbara finds her lucky pair of Glamorous Glasses at a yard sale.
March 15, 2013
As soon as the reader sets eyes on the cover art for “Glamorous Glasses” by Barbara Johansen Newman, it is clear that this story is going to be a celebration of eyeglasses. A glimpse at the endpapers, crammed with many styles of eye wear confirms it, and then the reader is engaged in humorous tale of two cousins, Bobbie who is as eager to wear glasses as Joanie is not.
Glamorous Glasses will resonate with Fancy Nancy fans. Young fashionistas will identify with Bobby, who loves the fabulous range of frames displayed at the eyeglass store and wants a pair of her own. Other readers may identify with Joanie, who has a different reaction. Glasses make her feel different and look different.
When Bobby offers to wear Joanie’s prescription glasses, both girls discover challenges in a trip to the candy store. All ends well and readers will enjoy the humorous story and upbeat message that wearing glasses can be desirable, even “cool.”
The colorful illustrations and humorous text make this a good story time choice. Even boys will see the funny side of Bobby’s quest for glasses (even though she has 20/20 vision). Children apprehensive about getting glasses will find this story reassuring.
Glamorous Glasses will resonate with Fancy Nancy fans. Young fashionistas will identify with Bobby, who loves the fabulous range of frames displayed at the eyeglass store and wants a pair of her own. Other readers may identify with Joanie, who has a different reaction. Glasses make her feel different and look different.
When Bobby offers to wear Joanie’s prescription glasses, both girls discover challenges in a trip to the candy store. All ends well and readers will enjoy the humorous story and upbeat message that wearing glasses can be desirable, even “cool.”
The colorful illustrations and humorous text make this a good story time choice. Even boys will see the funny side of Bobby’s quest for glasses (even though she has 20/20 vision). Children apprehensive about getting glasses will find this story reassuring.
January 9, 2013
Cousins and best friends Joanie and Bobbie and their moms are on a mission: pick out a pair of glasses that Joanie likes. Joanie tries on many pairs, finally settling on a cute blue pair with polka dots. Bobbie wants a pair of cute glasses too. Unfortunately for her, she has 20/20 vision. Will Joanie ever like her glasses? Will Bobbie snag a pair of glasses even though she has perfect vision? You'll have to read this adorably illustrated book to find out. A perfect pick for those kids who are new to the world of glasses. Good for a read-aloud or readers first grade and up.
Reviewed by Lisa Coleman, Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by Lisa Coleman, Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
August 31, 2016
When Bobbie’s cousin, Joanie, has to get glasses, Bobbie goes with her and becomes simply enthralled with the “zillions of beautiful glasses”! Bobbie decides that she really, really “needs” glasses to be glamorous and goes about trying to prove it to everyone around her. However, when Bobbie finally tries on Joanie’s prescription glasses, she decides that they may be more trouble than they’re worth.
This is a great book for any child who either needs glasses or protests to “need” glasses. Check out “Glamorous Glasses” by Barbara Johansen Newman to see how this wonderful story plays out!
This is a great book for any child who either needs glasses or protests to “need” glasses. Check out “Glamorous Glasses” by Barbara Johansen Newman to see how this wonderful story plays out!
February 27, 2014
This is cute story about two cousins who spend a lot of time together with their moms. One of the cousins finds out she has to get glasses. After looking through all the glasses the other cousin decides that she needs glasses too, however her mom says no. She comes up with a plan to trick her teacher and her mom into thinking she needs glasses. After her plan fails her, she tries on her cousins glasses and realizes that it isn't worth it to not be able to see. This story has a good message for any child that has glasses or thinks they need glasses. The pictures in this story are cute and fun to look at. Overall I think this is a good book with cute pictures and a great message.
December 31, 2014
I thought this book was super cute. I think it might be the first picture book I read where glasses where the theme…which is such a surprise, since I not only wear glasses, I think they are the best invention…and I think everyone looks better with glasses. :-) The pictures were great! I especially loved the pages when they first walked into the eyeglasses store and saw rows and rows of glasses…how do you choose??? It was also a great story of two great friends and the things they do to do everything together, to be the same…I remember those friendship moments also. Such a cute story and especially great since so many students hate to wear their glasses.
January 9, 2013
Cousins and best friends Joanie and Bobbie and their moms are on a mission: pick out a pair of glasses that Joanie likes. Joanie tries on many pairs, finally settling on a cute blue pair with polka dots. Bobbie wants a pair of cute glasses too. Unfortunately for her, she has 20/20 vision. Will Joanie ever like her glasses? Will Bobbie snag a pair of glasses even though she has perfect vision? You'll have to read this adorably illustrated book to find out. A perfect pick for those kids who are new to the world of glasses. Good for a read-aloud or readers first grade and up.
March 4, 2015
For fans of books like the Pinkalicious series, Glamorous Glasses celebrates all things dress up and fun. Two best friend cousins set out to get glasses for one of them. The other, of course, wants glasses too, but ultimately realizes that she just doesn't need them.
One of the coolest parts about this book is Johansen Newman's accompanying website. There, you can play with the characters and make your own Glamorous Glasses to color and cut out.
I like this one for a 4-6 year old storytime event.
One of the coolest parts about this book is Johansen Newman's accompanying website. There, you can play with the characters and make your own Glamorous Glasses to color and cut out.
I like this one for a 4-6 year old storytime event.
January 28, 2016
Glamorous Glasses is a picture book about two cousins and best friends who do everything together. When one finds out she needs glasses, the other one wants some two. The story is easy to identify with on both sides of the story, Joannie who needs glasses but doesn't want to wear them, and Bobbie who doesn't need glasses but wants to wear them! It includes fun illustrations, a good life lesson, and is the perfect story for a little fashionista. My favorite part about the book was the website that goes along with it, where you can decorate your own glamorous glasses!
September 21, 2012
Not only is this book cute and colorful, but it involves something I also wear--eye glasses. I hated it when I had to get glasses in the fifth grade. I thought people would start making fun of me, but the day I finally tried on my very first pair of glasses and I could see everything, it really didn't matter. As in the book, it's much better being able to see than looking glamorous.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 25, 2014
This book is real cute book! It's a silly little book that involves a family. There are two cousins and one of them needs glasses, while the other cousin wants glasses. This book has cute little illustrations that attracts the readers throughout the whole time. I would introduce this book in a classroom to show that it is okay to be different and wear glasses and be comfortable because it is a very normal thing.
March 29, 2013
Two cousins are best friends. One needs glasses and one wants glasses. Who will end up wearing them?
This book is a fun spin on the problem of needing glasses and the fun of a girl who likes look 'spectacular'.
I support Independent bookstores - use this link to find one near you or to Order GLAMOROUS GLASSES: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978159...
This book is a fun spin on the problem of needing glasses and the fun of a girl who likes look 'spectacular'.
I support Independent bookstores - use this link to find one near you or to Order GLAMOROUS GLASSES: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978159...
January 10, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. I wear glasses myself, so it was fun to see the antics the cousins got up to in their quests to wear (or not wear) them. I can empathize with Bobbie, though I don't wear mine to look glamorous. Like Joanie, I wear mine so I can see clearly. But I will always wear glasses rather than contacts because I think my face looks unfinished without my glasses on. :)
March 2, 2013
I gave this book 5/5 stars. I think it is a perfect book for a little girl who has to wear glasses. The illustrations were amazing and make this book worth reading. I loved how the story flowed and thought it was very well written. I highly recommend this book!
March 20, 2015
Growing up, I hated wearing my glasses. Like Joanie in GLAMOROUS GLASSES, I tried to go without--with similar results. How nice it would have been to have a book like this to show me that glasses can be glamorous, too. A valuable lesson tucked into a fun story with bright playful illustrations.
October 6, 2012
Good story for children apprehensive about getting their first pair of glasses.
November 29, 2012
Family: Girl cousins
Familiar experience: Getting glasses
A well-written niche-filler for kids that need glasses--glamorous glasses.
Familiar experience: Getting glasses
A well-written niche-filler for kids that need glasses--glamorous glasses.
February 18, 2013
About cousins. One gets glasses. One wants them.
May 8, 2013
Perfect book for the "glasses phase". Also a good book to teach the importance of being happy being you.
Read
January 30, 2014Good for empathy and two sides of things.
March 19, 2014
Another title for my storytime about eyeglasses this week. Glasses can be glamorous, after all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews