Specs: A Joyful Story About a Girl Finding Her Perfect Glasses for Kids

by Van G. Garrett, Reggie Brown (Illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[MusingsofRu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Versify books an imprint of Harper Collins for this copy of Specs.

My kids fought over who got to read it first. As a mom who wears glasses it was fun to see the way glasses can be introduced as a fun part of your personality. Through bright colors and full page illustrations Specs comes to life. We especially enjoyed the rhythm of the words that lead us through the selection of a pair of glasses.

It’s a joyful journey with shapes, friends and furry family members. Each page has so many details that one read isn’t enough. Both playful and fun this story is sure to be hit with your family too.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

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A sweet book celebrating the uniqueness and style of wearing glasses. Join Brea as she looks for the perfect pair of glasses to reflect her individuality, personality, and spec-tacularness.

Nicely written with great rhythm.

Adorable and fun illustrations.

A great way to get kids excited about picking new glasses or celebrating the great ones they already have.

[Karen Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lively picture book is a must read for kids with vision issues. The featured character is a Black girl who is selecting her specs or eyeglasses. The text reminds readers how important it is to invest in yourself and to make a selection that represents who you are and your identity. I loved the message, and the colorful, cheerful art will be a story time winner with the PreK-3 crowd.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glasses don’t just help you see—they’re a statement. Which ones are right for you?

Words set to a hip, infectious beat and vivid illustrations of a Black girl selecting a pair of glasses—and imagining herself in different scenarios while wearing them—pair to create a joyous celebration of 'specs' of all kinds… and of the people who wear them.

Recommended for purchase for ages 3-8.

Thanks to HarperCollins for the copy via the Southeast Young Adult Media Group.

[Cynthia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but I was disappointed. While it may still have some value for children adjusting to wearing glasses, it did not resonate with me. The book is largely a collection of positive affirmations and statements about the importance of style when choosing glasses, which feels repetitive and somewhat superficial.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Specs is a wonderful story about picking the glasses you want when you are supposed to wear them for your focus and magnification. THey are an investment and a statement. And can be worn in light or darkness. Shapes and styles are shown in this story.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids who wear glasses or who know people who wear glasses may enjoy this concept book that discusses how to pick the right pair of specs. The illustrations are funny and I thought it would be nice if glasses truly were resistant to dog chews….

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids with apprehension about being fitted for glasses, particularly for the first time, can relate to this story about a girl who considers a whole lot of frames until she finds the perfect pair that meets all her exacting criteria. Digital illustrations lack some original luster.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! Gorgeous, colorful artwork. Would recommend for eye doctors offices and classrooms alike. Showing kids that glasses are just as unique as they are.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book about glasses and all the fun colors, shapes and attitudes you can have while wearing them. Perfect for kids who are about to get glasses and you want to hype them up about it.

[Jill Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty fun book about new glasses!

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book hyping up glasses. Better as a gift for a child who just got their first pair of glasses than a classroom read aloud.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the spunk of the main character and the brightly colored illustrations.

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cute book. Rated G. I honestly hate having to wear glasses, but if I had this book as a kid probably would’ve changed my perception of them.

[wildct2003 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok book