When my daughter learned she would need glasses she was devastated. She told me that she couldn't get glasses because princesses didn't wear glasses. I felt pretty sad for her because I was watching my confident princess become deflated right before my eyes. I couldn't believe what was happening and felt like I was witnessing the beginnings of some rather serious self esteem issues develop. 

I googled for princesses in glasses and came up blog after blog of moms who had little girls upset that there was no princess role model wearing glasses. Finally, I came to a site that had a link to this Princess Peepers book, which I ordered on the spot. I believe I paid $12 for it, the cover price is $16.99.

Princess Peepers is a children's book written by Pam Calvert and illustrated by Tuesday Mourning. It is suggested for kids ages 4-8 years and in hardcover format (40 pages).  The book jacket features Princess Peepers wearing oversized pink glittery glasses with lots of pink and purple on it. I was sold on buying the book from the cover alone, so much for "don't judge a book for its cover"!

The story is about a Princess named Peepers who wears glasses and loves them. She has all sorts of eccentric glasses to go with every occasion.  At princess school another princess ridicules her for her glasses and then all the rest of the princesses follow suit. She decides she won't wear her glasses anymore because she wants to fit in and be accepted by the other princesses and most of all by a prince.  Unfortunately for Peepers not wearing her glasses doesn't work out all that hot and she ends up on quite the adventure.  Ultimately though, she lands herself the prince and they live a happily ever after (wearing glasses) picture perfect ending.

The message of the book: wear your glasses to help you see and be yourself - don't bow to peer pressure.  Some of the story may be a little complicated for younger readers - my only recently turned 4 year old did need some explaining to the first time we read it. She loves Princess Peepers though and especially is into the illustrations. I can't blame her for that one bit as the illustrations by Tuesday Mourning are priceless.  She especially loves that Princess Peepers is a princess who wears glasses. Finally, we have a princess in glasses. 

Ironically, for all the hesitation and upset that my daughter had about wearing and getting glasses - she loved them from the moment she picked out her frames. On the advice of several friends I let her pick her frames out all by herself - yes we did end up with hot pink ones (no big surprise there!). She likes to wear them because she can see so better and has met no teasing like Princess Peepers did from the other princesses. 

I'd suggest Princess Peepers for any little girl who is getting glasses or who doesn't want to wear her glasses for whatever reason. The book would also be good for classroom settings or storytime for Pre-K to early elementary ages. 



 

Recommended: Yes