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Jacob's Eye Patch
Being different is hard. This heartwarming story by the bestselling author of Get a Financial Life helps young readers embrace that one thing that makes them unique.
Jacob is in a hurry—there’s only one very special globe left at the store! And if he doesn’t get to it soon, he’ll never forgive his mom and dad for making him late. Strangers often stop his parents on the street to ask about their son. See, Jacob is unusual: he has an eye patch. Luckily, they make it to the store in time, and Jacob soon finds both the globe he wants and the courage to confront his difference. Along the way, he makes a friend at the store with a difference herself: braces!
Beautifully illustrated by award-winning picture book artist Jules Feiffer, Jacob’s Eye Patch offers just the right kind of encouragement for children who feel just a little bit different.
Jacob is in a hurry—there’s only one very special globe left at the store! And if he doesn’t get to it soon, he’ll never forgive his mom and dad for making him late. Strangers often stop his parents on the street to ask about their son. See, Jacob is unusual: he has an eye patch. Luckily, they make it to the store in time, and Jacob soon finds both the globe he wants and the courage to confront his difference. Along the way, he makes a friend at the store with a difference herself: braces!
Beautifully illustrated by award-winning picture book artist Jules Feiffer, Jacob’s Eye Patch offers just the right kind of encouragement for children who feel just a little bit different.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2013
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66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 14, 2018
Jacob wears an eye patch, for medical reasons. While he is usually quite happy to talk about it, today he is trying to get to the store, where a special toy awaits him. However, no one seems to have passed this memo along to his family, who are happy to field questions from those who are curious to ask about the patch. Jacob tries to slink away and hurry everyone along, but soon has to succumb to his family's long-winded explanations. In the end, Jacob learns a lesson that he can use in many situations. Neo, too, wears an eye patch. When I found this book I wanted to share with him that there are others who go through the day with the same questions lobbed at them. Like Jacob, Neo has come to understand that his patch is a help and that he can make a game of it. Neo liked the story and hopes other children can better understand his condition and why he patches.
May 3, 2019
A gentle approach calling readers in to consider how a kid with a disability may experience the relentlessness of questions about how/why they are different. The overall message is not necessarily that it's always "impolite" to ask questions, but that kids/people with disabilities have agency in sharing their story on their own terms and their own time.
Co-written by the real Jacob!
Co-written by the real Jacob!
February 27, 2020
Jacob’s Eye Patch is a book about a little boy with amblyopia that wants a toy globe from the store. He is very tired of explaining the eye patch to people everywhere he goes. Although along the way to the store Jacob and his Mom are stopped by people or asked questions by people that are curious and want to know more about his patch. Jacob is tired of talking about it and comes up with an excuse not to every time, but his mother, brother, or Dad always explain it. When they finally reach the store it seems that all of the globes are gone. Luckily he found out that they were all gone because his sister bought the last one for him. After Jacob has the globe a kid asks why he has band-aid on his eye so Jacob finally explains himself. Then as Jacob plays with the little girl he notices her braces, but doesn’t ask her about them because he is just having fun.
The overall theme of this book is that it is okay to be curious about people who have something different. I think the book also shows what it might feel like if people are asking you questions all the time.
As someone who has amblyopia and had to wear an eye patch when I read the book I felt like it was very relatable and I could make connections to exactly what the character was feeling. I felt like the book accurately portrayed Jacob as the eye patch as a normal kid with a want for a toy, but showed how his simple day to day encounters might be a little different than someone without an eye patch.
I would recommend this book because I think it does a good job of showing how the character feels about having to wear an eye patch, but also shows that he is not afraid of being different and is willing to share and not embarrassed. I think that even for kids who wear glasses that this is a valuable story. I think the lesson is good and it would help kids with Amblyopia.
The overall theme of this book is that it is okay to be curious about people who have something different. I think the book also shows what it might feel like if people are asking you questions all the time.
As someone who has amblyopia and had to wear an eye patch when I read the book I felt like it was very relatable and I could make connections to exactly what the character was feeling. I felt like the book accurately portrayed Jacob as the eye patch as a normal kid with a want for a toy, but showed how his simple day to day encounters might be a little different than someone without an eye patch.
I would recommend this book because I think it does a good job of showing how the character feels about having to wear an eye patch, but also shows that he is not afraid of being different and is willing to share and not embarrassed. I think that even for kids who wear glasses that this is a valuable story. I think the lesson is good and it would help kids with Amblyopia.
October 13, 2020
What really makes this special is that it helps instill mindfulness. Or what granny used to call manners. Yes Jacob has an eye patch. No need to ambush him with questions about it. Maybe he's busy. Maybe he doesn't want to talk about it. Let's be mindful of his feelings. It's not all about satisfying you.
May 26, 2021
What a cute, adorable, and true story for children to read. Understanding what Jacob goes through being asked all the time and then realizing that others are different too made him happy to tell his unique story.
April 3, 2024
This book reminded me of how my sister had to wear an eye patch in elementary school to strengthen one of her eyes and how it wasn’t always a great experience for her to have to explain why she wore it and I think this book does a great job of realistically portraying that experience.
June 21, 2021
This book would work well for a family storytime. Great book for helping people understand what it is like to live with a visible difference.
January 29, 2016
Jacob’s Eye Patch is about a boy who has to wear an eye patch because when he was born, one of his eyes was weaker than the other so he covers the good eye to make the weak eye do all of the work. Jacob normally does not mind being asked about his eye, given that children and even adults are curious, it happens a lot and he is used to the questions. But on this day, Jacob is in a big rush. He really wants to get this light up globe from the science store but a ton of people keep asking him about the patch. His mom is stopping to talk to everyone about Jacob’s eye, even the man at the ice cream store. Jacob is growing more and more impatient and when they finally get to the store, the globe is gone. Jacob is furious, but then he sees that his sister surprised him and bought it earlier. Jacob is relieved and loves his new globe. He runs into a girl who wants to play with his globe and then sees that she has braces. At the end of the story Jacob learns that almost everyone has something that makes people curious. He realized that sometimes you are fine talking about it, and other times, you want people to not say anything.
This flows into the moral of the story and the major themes. It is not okay to point, stare, or say anything to people with a disability, or even something different that the person may not want to talk about. If you really want to know, let the person open up to you, do not be rude and just blurt out questions. On the flip side, it is also normal to be a bit different. A personal connection for me is about a child that I babysit for. The girl had a classmate who happened to have two dads. Whenever people found out about it, the little girl was bombarded with questions. I told the girl that I babysit for that is important to be respectful and not the make her classmate feel embarrassed or like she is weird just because her family is not what she is used to. I recommend this book because the lesson is so important. I think it teaches respect and also shows kids who are a little different or who have something, that they are not alone.
This flows into the moral of the story and the major themes. It is not okay to point, stare, or say anything to people with a disability, or even something different that the person may not want to talk about. If you really want to know, let the person open up to you, do not be rude and just blurt out questions. On the flip side, it is also normal to be a bit different. A personal connection for me is about a child that I babysit for. The girl had a classmate who happened to have two dads. Whenever people found out about it, the little girl was bombarded with questions. I told the girl that I babysit for that is important to be respectful and not the make her classmate feel embarrassed or like she is weird just because her family is not what she is used to. I recommend this book because the lesson is so important. I think it teaches respect and also shows kids who are a little different or who have something, that they are not alone.
September 3, 2016
Jacob's Eye Patch is a true story for kids about what it is like to be different. Jacob is a young boy who has worn an eye patch a few hours a day since he was only (5 days old), to treat "amblyopia", commonly referred to as "lazy eye".
Whenever Jacob goes out, people ask him or his mother about his eye patch. Normally Jacob doesn't mind, but today is different. He is in a hurry to get to the science store to purchase a light-up globe, but along the way people stop them to inquire about his eye patch and he is getting annoyed. At one point he takes the eye patch off and tosses it on the ground, but his mother always carries extras, so he's not off the hook.
At the end of the book there is a short narrative about how the real Jacob felt about the eye patch as well as his mom's perspective of how people should react when encountering someone who looks "different".
The book covers and important topic. I liked the book, but there isn't a lot of attention to made regarding illustrative detail. It seemed at times what is going on and being said in words, and what was shown (illustrated) on paper didn't match, making for an almost confusing feel. I would recommend checking this one out at the library first, and then deciding whether to purchases it or not.
3.5/5 stars
Whenever Jacob goes out, people ask him or his mother about his eye patch. Normally Jacob doesn't mind, but today is different. He is in a hurry to get to the science store to purchase a light-up globe, but along the way people stop them to inquire about his eye patch and he is getting annoyed. At one point he takes the eye patch off and tosses it on the ground, but his mother always carries extras, so he's not off the hook.
At the end of the book there is a short narrative about how the real Jacob felt about the eye patch as well as his mom's perspective of how people should react when encountering someone who looks "different".
The book covers and important topic. I liked the book, but there isn't a lot of attention to made regarding illustrative detail. It seemed at times what is going on and being said in words, and what was shown (illustrated) on paper didn't match, making for an almost confusing feel. I would recommend checking this one out at the library first, and then deciding whether to purchases it or not.
3.5/5 stars
November 23, 2013
Beth Kobliner Shaw co-authored the book with her nine-year-old son, Jacob. They wrote a charming, funny and encouraging story to show that every one has something that makes them unique. This will be a welcomed and very helpful book for the many children who wear eye patches to strengthen an eye. You have to admire Jacob’s courage and strength as he’s not going to let his eye patch get in his way of getting to the science store before it closes. Yes, Jacob understands people are curious about why he’s wearing and eye patch, and normally he doesn’t mind answering their questions. But he’s on a mission and there are too many amusing obstacles that get in his way. You’ll find yourself cheering for Jacob! Jules Feiffer’s illustrations are lively and bold. The artwork is done in pen and watercolor and convey Jacob’s urgency and frustration to get to the store! It is an excellent book to use with kids to teach them about differences.
November 18, 2013
Jacob doesn't usually mind talking to others about why he wears an eye patch. But he's in a hurry to get to the science store so he can buy a globe that lights up. The book shows him dragging his mother through the streets and becoming increasingly annoyed at all the delays, including picking up his brother and stopping for ice cream. As his mother patiently responds to those who ask about his patch, Jacob just can't stand to wait. The story itself is humorous and addresses Jacob's vision problem directly and with humor as well as providing additional information about amblyopia and strabismus in the back matter written by the actual Jacob and his mother. The color-drenched illustrations have plenty of visual appeal and highlight Jacob and his family members as they move through their day and try to reach their goal of buying that much-wanted globe.
August 12, 2016
Jacob wears an eye patch to correct his vision. He's normally happy to talk to people about it but today he's in a hurry and annoyed with the constant interruptions to his trip to the science store.
Jacob's age is a bit vague -- he seems as if he is preschool aged since he is picking his brother up from school and he throws a tantrum at the store.
I wore an eye patch when I was a child so I'm glad to see such a fabulous book about this particular vision correction. The authors provide factual information while presenting the annoyance of wearing an eye patch. This book is great for kids adjusting to wearing an eye patch; it's also great for parents who aren't sure how to respond to people's questions and comments.
Recommended for kids up to second grade, this will particularly appeal to kids with eye problems and their families.
Jacob's age is a bit vague -- he seems as if he is preschool aged since he is picking his brother up from school and he throws a tantrum at the store.
I wore an eye patch when I was a child so I'm glad to see such a fabulous book about this particular vision correction. The authors provide factual information while presenting the annoyance of wearing an eye patch. This book is great for kids adjusting to wearing an eye patch; it's also great for parents who aren't sure how to respond to people's questions and comments.
Recommended for kids up to second grade, this will particularly appeal to kids with eye problems and their families.
February 27, 2014
I had to wear an eye patch as a kid so I could certainly relate to this story, but Jacob deals with his patch much more good-naturedly than I did since my parents had to practically sit on me to get it on.
Jacob doesn't mind answering questions about his eye patch, but in this story, he's in a big hurry to get to the store to he can buy a light-up globe. Today is not the day he wants to stop and answer questions from strangers. But everywhere he goes, people are curious and Jacob worries they'll never make it to the store in time before the last light-up globe is sold.
Not the best book I've ever read about celebrating differences, but certainly one that is relateable and easy for kids to understand.
Jacob doesn't mind answering questions about his eye patch, but in this story, he's in a big hurry to get to the store to he can buy a light-up globe. Today is not the day he wants to stop and answer questions from strangers. But everywhere he goes, people are curious and Jacob worries they'll never make it to the store in time before the last light-up globe is sold.
Not the best book I've ever read about celebrating differences, but certainly one that is relateable and easy for kids to understand.
January 13, 2015
This is a book about a boy who wears an eye patch. He doesn't mind explaining to people why he has to wear it, but in this story he is in a hurry to get to the store to buy a light-up globe. He is worried that he won't get to the store in time, but his mom still stops to explain his eye patch, and his dad stops to explain it, and finally, FINALLY they get to the store and get his special globe.
This story is based on a real person, and more of the real Jacob's story is explained in the back of the book. This is a great book for young children who are starting to notice differences in people. This could also be used in a preschool / lower elementary classroom if a new child with a disability or some sort of assistive device is joining the class.
This story is based on a real person, and more of the real Jacob's story is explained in the back of the book. This is a great book for young children who are starting to notice differences in people. This could also be used in a preschool / lower elementary classroom if a new child with a disability or some sort of assistive device is joining the class.
October 18, 2016
Jacob’s Eye Patch Is about a boy who has to wear an eye patch because he has a weak eye. This story is about how Jacob is on his way to the store to buy a light up globe and on the way he and his mom keep getting stopped because people are curious and asking questions about his eye patch. Jacob gets frustrated because he thinks what he wants at the store will be gone if he doesn’t get there fast enough.
This story is written by Jacob and his mom. Jacob in real life wears an eye patch. I think this is a great book because I know several children who have to wear an eye patch so this would be a good book for them to see a story that they can identify with. The way this relates to my topic is that Jacob has an observable disability and dyslexia is an unseen disability.
This story is written by Jacob and his mom. Jacob in real life wears an eye patch. I think this is a great book because I know several children who have to wear an eye patch so this would be a good book for them to see a story that they can identify with. The way this relates to my topic is that Jacob has an observable disability and dyslexia is an unseen disability.
October 13, 2013
Jacob wears an eye patch due to a condition he was born with and will eventually he wont need it.
Sometimes he wants to talk about it but other times he does not want to be bothered.
It is a great way to explain to children how we are not all the same, some wear eye patches, some wear glasses and some wear braces but we don't always want to talk about it.
Don't point and sometimes people are kind and some are not but don't get upset as many people just don't understand
A wonderful reason why parents should talk to their children about things like this so people mostly children will not point or ask questions.
Sometimes he wants to talk about it but other times he does not want to be bothered.
It is a great way to explain to children how we are not all the same, some wear eye patches, some wear glasses and some wear braces but we don't always want to talk about it.
Don't point and sometimes people are kind and some are not but don't get upset as many people just don't understand
A wonderful reason why parents should talk to their children about things like this so people mostly children will not point or ask questions.
December 5, 2013
I rarely review picture books, since I know most of my goodreads friends aren't necessarily interested in them - but this one was so cute and well-done that I couldn't resist. "Jacob's Eye Patch" is the story of a boy with an eye patch who is trying to get to a toy store, but keeps being interrupted by people asking him why he wears an eye patch. The book manages to be about the eye patch without making "Jacob" just a boy who wears an eye patch. Plus there's a great lesson about how to treat people who look different (a lesson Jacob then has to apply when he sees a little girl with braces!)
October 12, 2013
A great book that helps kids understand what it might be like to live with something that makes others notice you. We all have things that make us different...both seen and unseen. Sometimes we are willing to talk about it...sometimes we don't want to. My only concern is that some of us with never outgrow what makes us noticeable.....it will be a part of our lives forever. Some kids might be left with the feeling that the situation must change in order to have a happy ending.
November 7, 2013
Jacob is in a big hurry to get to the store to buy a new light-up globe. Along the way people want to stop and ask him about the eye patch he wears. Jacob likes to talk to others about being different, but not now! A heart-warming true story that helps all to realize that being different is a very good thing!
March 4, 2015
My nephew has an eye patch and I was looking forward to the story behind Jacob's. With a little bit of humor the author explores a day in the life of Jacob. I feel it was nice story that gives a little bit of insight to how Jacob feels about the constant questions. I do not think I would recommend it though, I think my expectations were a little too high for the book and I was let down.
July 23, 2014
People are curious about Jacob's eye patch. Most days he is willing to talk about, but sometimes he doesn't want to because he has things he has to do. Great for kids who have to deal with curious people.
April 11, 2017
I related to this story, and I'll be using it to talk to kids about my disability. Recommended--along with the extra stuff on the web site.
December 7, 2013
I appreciated the message, as an eye patch-wearer in my youth. Personally, I found the illustration style jarring and incongruous with the subject matter.,. but that might just be me.
January 8, 2014
I, too, had to wear an eye patch as a kid and also got very tired of people asking me why I wore one so I can certainly relate well to this story.
February 12, 2014
I enjoyed the story and the art. And the message was powerful...and felt real.
June 26, 2014
A pleasant book, good for a lesson on how to treat strange sights. Perhaps instead of asking that blush-generating question, your children will think of Jacob and ask you later.
August 21, 2014
Good book to start a discussion on differences and how we treat people.
December 11, 2014
The kiddos really liked this story- I wish I had seen it before E had her eye surgery!
January 21, 2016
Jacob has to wear an eye patch. People are constantly asking questions about it but all he wants to do is to get to the store to buy the last lighted globe.
April 9, 2017
"Almost everyone has something that makes people curious. Sometimes you feel like talking about it, and sometimes you don't." --> this quote is my favorite from the book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews