LeoNora M. Cohen

Alfalfa’s Glasses

Alfalfa is a pretty little Palomino horse who goes to
school. She is good at PE, but has a hard time with reading and writing, because she cannot see very well. Once she gets glasses, the world changes for her and she can read and write, but she faces bullying in school. The story deals with feeling terrible about not being able to read or write when others can, wearing glasses, and the bullying problem.

Alfalfa’s Glasses is bilingual, English and Spanish, so a child can read either and can learn words and sentences in another language, especially with the delightful drawings that make the meaning clear. Written by an emeritus professor of education with humorous illustrations by Justin Bouchard, who recently graduated from Corvallis High School in Corvallis, Oregon, the poignant story can help a young reader deal with having reading and writing problems, wearing glasses, and being bullied. It is written for children between 6 and 10 years of age, with large print, so young readers can read independently.  

Many children struggle with reading and writing difficulties, some because of eyesight problems, others because they have dyslexia or other learning disabilities. Very early in their school lives, such children begin to feel like failures. If the problems are addressed promptly, often they can become successful and can feel better about themselves.

Bullying of children because they are different is a big
problem, such as wearing glasses or not being able to read.  This story explains what bullying is and how
it was addressed in the class for little horses, which could help children who deal with this issue.

All profits from Alfalfa’s Glasses are donated to the Lions’ Club of San Miguel de Allende, which provides glasses for children and adults, as well as diabetes testing. Some 30,000 pairs of glasses have been provided since the organization began in SMA in 1987.

About the Artist:  Justin Bouchard

Justin Bouchard is a recent graduate from Corvallis High School in Corvallis, Oregon. He’s been drawing for most of his life. He loves creating characters and making people laugh; so he aspires  to combine the two and create funny, animated cartoons for people to enjoy. He loves video games and cartoons, and most everything he draws is inspired at least somewhat by these things.

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