OJOS BORROSOS/FUZZY EYES

BILINGUAL PICTURE BOOK
Many factors influence a child’s ability to succeed in school, none however is more crucial than their vision. It is the dominant sensory system required for learning. Simple observation in any classroom confirms that children spend the majority of their day involved in activities that require healthy eyesight such as reading, writing, and outdoor recreation. It is estimated that as much as 80% of all learning is done visually.

SUMMARY
The short story follows Santiago, a young tarsier who struggles with his vision but doesn’t know it, and is narrated by his little sister Estelí. In the story, Santiago faces a series of obstacles that affect his experiences at home, in school, and with his closest friends. In the end, Santiago and his family seek the advice of a caring school teacher and learn the importance of regular checkups and general vision health. 

While the project is still under development, these images illustrate part of the process for creating the basic storyline and characters. The protagonist, Santiago, and his family are based on tarsiers, small primates found in the islands of Southeast Asia known for their excellent vision. Supporting characters are also animals common to the region. 

The objective of this project is to create an illustrated book that is visually compelling, universally appealing, and facilitates the dissemination of valuable information in both Spanish and English. The picture book is intended to reinforce the Vista Para Todos vision screening kits, inform children and their families of possible signs of a visual impairment, and encourage regular visits to an eye doctor.