Benjamin and the Super Spectacles

Like most of us, Benjamin Bunny shuns the idea of having to wear glasses, despite his obvious need for them. Accidents like bouncing headfirst into squidgy cake seem preferable to never being able to bounce again (for bouncing is Benjamin’s favourite thing).

So when his worst fears are realised and Benjamin’s new spectacles fall off mid bounce, he is cast into bunny like gloom.

But Benjamin lives in the tight-knit little community of Woollybottom where the supportive friends and neighbours are willing to try anything to help. So while Benjamin has a lovely glasses-free bouncing session, his friends get to work. They add, invent and concoct the most magnificent, splendid additions to Benjamin’s ordinary glasses making them into ‘Super Spectacles’. These specs not only stay on, but have both x-ray and night vision. Soon all the other Woollybottomers want glasses just like Benjamin’s, making Benjamin just like them after all. Happiness all around!

Rachel Bright paints funny, playful characters in clean and clear fresh colours. There are child-like visual jokes, lots of speedy movement and plenty of clean space for text. Utterly delightful.

However, aimed at a very young audience, I found the knowing archness displayed by the ‘Woollybottomers’ (who are embarrassed at being seen in their underwear) a little sad. Perhaps I am naïve to believe that this kind of coyness comes developmentally a little later, but the disparity between a first experience idea and the sophistication of modesty seemed at odds. Nevertheless this is a book that is certain to be a popular one.