Goggles! | written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats (1969)
Summary
Two boys must outsmart the neighborhood bullies before they can enjoy their new treasure, a pair of lensless motorcycle goggles.
Format
Picture Book
Age Range
3-7
Why I Love It
Keats is a classic for a lot of reasons, but what I love most about his books, and this title in particular, is how he can really dial into the specifics of the childhood experience. In the span of a few minutes, two friends find treasure and then must save it from a group of older boys with a little help from a dachshund named Willie. The story touches on imagination, problem-solving, and social dynamics. Keats’ illustrations, done in gouache, now appear charmingly retro, except for his attention to inclusivity.