Specs for Rex

Specs for Rex

Written and illustrated by Yasmin Ismail

Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2014, Ages 4-8

The story is about a little lion named Rex who gets a new pair of glasses or specs as they call them. Rex doesn't like his new specs and is going to do anything not to wear them. He tried to hid them in the cereal, or put his hair over his face so nobody could see them. Rex was trying anything to make sure nobody could see them. He just really didn't want the others at school to see him in his new specs. But, then he realized his new specs might not be so bad after all. Once he found Miss Spots whistle, and he earned a gold star he started to like his new specs. He then realized wearing his specs was the good thing to do. 

The author's writing style was very easy to read. She used nice and simple words that would make it easy for younger readers. She also used fun descriptive words that younger children would both enjoy hearing and reading. The descriptive words made the story more interesting to read. As well as the rhyme words, like Rex and specs were both fun to say throughout the story. 

The illustrations definitely enhanced the story and made it better to read. Seeing Rex with paint all over his new specs, or with a trash can on his head are what the children are going to want to see and they are going to enjoy seeing. It looks as if the illustrations were painted in watercolor, with some fine colored pencils mixed in. The illustrations were great to look at and helped the story continue along. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book. From the cover of the book I didn't think I would like it. But, after reading it, it was a good book. I would recommend this to others, especially parents or teachers with children who are getting new glasses. This could be a good transition book for them and help them be more comfortable with their new specs. This is definitely a book I would put into my future classroom. 

Reviewed by Morgan Dyke