It’s not often you find a children’s book that is as much a toy as it is a story, but Arlo Needs Glasses by Barney Saltzberg is exactly that. This brilliantly interactive kids book about getting an eye test tackles the subject with immense fun and positivity. While it’s an American import, its clever design and heartwarming message make it a standout choice for any family preparing for a child’s first pair of glasses.
Please note: This review is primarily for the original hardback edition (2012) and only appears to be sold second hand on the marketplace. A more recent edition “Arlo Needs Glasses (Revised Edition)” is now available new on Amazon and does not feature the interactive elements – that said it is less expensive!
What is “Arlo Needs Glasses” About?
The story follows Arlo, a fun-loving dog who suddenly can’t play his favourite game of catch anymore because he can’t see the ball properly. His owner, a boy who also wears glasses, realises something is wrong and takes him to the “eye doctor.”
The book then takes the reader through the process of an eye test in a wonderfully hands-on way, allowing them to pull tabs to blur an eye chart and try different styles of cardboard glasses on Arlo. With his new specs, Arlo can not only catch the ball again but discovers a new love for reading. I particularly like the puns in the book titles!
Eye Care Themes in This Book
This book is a masterclass in making eye care accessible and fun for children, covering:
Symptoms of Poor Vision: It starts with a very clear and relatable problem -Arlo can no longer see well enough to play.
The Eye Test Process: It demystifies the eye test by turning it into a series of interactive games.
Normalising Spectacle Wear: Both the main character (Arlo the dog) and his owner wear glasses, making the idea of wearing glasses feel completely normal.
The Fun of Choosing Frames: The book includes several different styles of glasses for Arlo to “try on,” showing that there are lots of fun choices available.
The Positive Outcome: It clearly demonstrates how glasses can restore abilities and even open up new hobbies like reading.
Jason’s View on “Arlo Needs Glasses”
As an optometrist, I have to admit this book is outstanding! The interactivity is its greatest strength. The pull-tab that simulates the change from clear to blurry vision on the eye chart is one of the best tools I’ve seen in a children’s book for building empathy and helping a child understand why they need an eye test. The fact that Arlo’s owner also wears glasses is a fantastic touch for normalising spectacle wear. Furthermore, showing Arlo trying on different fun frames (with styles ranging from movie star to mad scientist) is an excellent way to frame the dispensing process as one of creative and personal choice.
The only caveats are for my UK audience. The book uses American terminology like “Eye Doctor” instead of “Optometrist.” It also features a phoropter (the large testing machine), whereas many UK optometrists use a trial frame for examining young children. These are not flaws in the book, but rather small cultural differences for parents to be aware of.
As a parent, this is simply a fun, engaging, and brilliantly designed book. The interactivity is second to none; from throwing a ball on a ribbon for Arlo to try and catch, to trying the different cardboard glasses on his face, it’s designed to keep a child’s attention and make the entire topic of needing glasses feel exciting. The artwork is bright and cheerful, and the story is full of warmth.
My only practical concern is that the wonderful interactive elements (especially the removable cardboard glasses) are at high risk of getting lost or damaged, particularly with toddlers. This is a book that will likely need some supervision to keep it in one piece. For UK buyers, it’s also worth noting that as an import, it may cost a little more and take longer to arrive, but in my opinion, it’s worth it. Additionally, care must be taken on which edition you order if you wish to have the interactive edition – which may now only be available as a pre-owned copy.
What Other Parents Think
This book receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an average rating of over 4.3 stars. Parents in the UK and elsewhere consistently praise its fun, positive, and interactive approach. Many reviewers state that the book genuinely helped prepare their young children for getting glasses, with some toddlers even talking about Arlo when adapting to their own first pair. It is frequently described as the “perfect” book for a child’s first glasses experience.
Despite the minor logistical and terminological hurdles for a UK audience, Arlo Needs Glasses is one of the best books you can buy on this topic. Its wonderfully hands-on, positive, and joyful approach to the process of getting an eye test and choosing glasses makes it an outstanding tool for any family. If you want to make the idea of glasses feel fun and exciting for your child, this book is a must-have for your collection.
Ready to read it yourself? You can purchase “Arlo Needs Glasses” on Amazon by clicking the link below.
Please note: The link and review is for the original (2012 Hardback) edition, which contains the interactive elements. A lower-priced and non-interactive edition is available via the link below. Please keep this in mind if purchasing away from this website and check the individual listings to ensure you purchase the correct copy. Given the age and more recent releases, most copies original copies are in used condition.
As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission on any purchases through this link. All earnings help with the running of The Eye Care Advocate.
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