I Can See Just Fine

The title draws you right in: "I can see just fine," Paige insists to her teacher and her parents. The illustrations, however, tell a different story, and Paige's mom brings her to the eye doctor. Paige still insists that she can see just fine...all the way to the store where she is confronted with a wall of frames to choose from. Paige tries on "lots and lots of different frames...until she [finds] the pair that look[s] just right."

As Betsy Bird says, the best books are the ones that make you wonder how they didn't exist yet, and this is one of those: a funny, yet reassuring story for kids who might need a first pair of glasses.

Paige is just like every other kid. She goes to school. She practices her violin. She plays outside. The only problem is, she cannot quite see the chalkboard, her sheet music, or anything else! Despite Paige’s repeated refrain of “I can see just fine,” the comical illustrations portray a different story. Paige’s parents decide it’s time for her to visit the eye doctor, despite her protests. But Paige’s stubbornness quickly dissolves as she braves an enthralling eye checkup, enjoys a playful frame selection, and, most importantly, ends up with perfect eyesight! Barclay successfully depicts a very real and relevant issue with lightheartedness and gentle humor.

Paige’s teacher realizes that Paige is having trouble seeing the chalkboard. Paige's dad is concerned that the “kitty” Paige brings home is a skunk. Everyone thinks that Paige might need glasses, except for Paige. She often says, “I can see just fine!” Still, Paige and her Mom go to an eye exam and they choose frames. When Paige first looks through her new glasses, she suddenly goes from seeing “just fine” to seeing “EVERYTHING!” The story has a good mix of narrative and information. Children worried about their first eye exams will appreciate knowing about eye drops and the “mask with nobs and buttons”. Children will also enjoy finding all of the clues that might mean that Paige has difficulty seeing without show more glasses.

Ages 4-7
Pierce College Library show less

A completely relatable story for young children in similar situations with some nice touches of humor.

When I was a kid and found out I needed glasses, I was completely convinced "I could see just fine." I understand Paige, completely.

Paige is in denial that she can see just fine even though she can't see the chalkboard in class. Her parents take her to visit the eye doctor where she finds out she needs glasses. This story shows Paige going through many emotions but ends in her enjoying her new pair of glasses.
age 3-6
resource: pierce college library

This book is for grades kindergarten and 1st grade. This book is good for a text to text connection with the book, The Patch by Justina Headley. This is a good book for students who can connect to themselves who are struggling to accept that they need glasses and help them make connections. Both characters in the books struggle accepting that they need glasses and that with glasses they are no different.