"This
picture book for young readers is a riot of colour from cover to
cover…Geoff Kelly has developed a fine reputation as a children's
book illustrator, but this is award-winning adult writer Bernard
Cohen's first picture book. It draws on his own childhood experience
of needing glasses, is written from a the sympathetic older sister's
perspective and it rings true." — Margaret Hamilton, Australian
Bookseller and Publisher
Parents
wishing to soothe the anxieties of their child who is getting glasses
for the first time might appreciate a new release from Kane/Miller.
Paul Needs Specs tells the tale of a young boy who, after
tripping over his toys, must pay a visit to the optometrist. Wacky
illustrations depict what happens when Paul tries on glasses to
see which pair suits him best. And for Paul, seeing is believing.
— Pamela Brill, Playthings (US)
“This
brightly coloured picture book oozes fun and playfulness, while discussing
an issue many school-aged children have had to deal with, that of
getting glasses.” — Magpies (Australia)
"This
is an exceptional text… The story is effective, timely and very
relevant, told in a sensitive and engaging way. The way the print
reflects meaning is excellent, giving children another strategy to
decode print." — Caroline Barratt-Pugh, Early Childhood
Education, Edith Cowan University,
Perth, Westerrn Australia
This
hard-back picture book speaks imaginatively to infants and primary
school-age readers of the reasons why glasses can
be helpful when your world begins to look strange.
As told to us by his older sister Sally, this is the story of Paul
who begins to notice that everything in his bedroom is getting just
a little bit fuzzy and blurry…
A trip to the eye doctor confirms wise Sally's tip that Paul needs
glasses. But Paul finds looking at the world through lenses takes
some getting used to. And learning to feel comfortable with your new
face is another hurdle.
"But as you can see," proud Sally beams, "the specs
look good. And I'm his sister so I should know."
Cohen's first picture book for children is a simple, playfully told
story filled with descriptive words that are creatively
arranged within the garishly coloured illustrations. Illustrator Kelly
has a wild and funky style that exaggerates to amusing effect the
world as seen through young Paul's eyes. —
Newcastle Herald
