Reviewing: “Vicky Vision” by Rebecca Eliana Savitsky. 2023. English. Paperback. 24 pages. ISBN-13: 979-8988469100.

Eliana Savitsky, a Hollywood, Florida native currently residing in Queens, recently published her first children’s book, entitled “Vicky Vision and the Lost Pet.” A licensed and board certified occupational therapist, Savitsky wrote the book with sensory systems in mind, trying to teach children how to keep such systems healthy through creative illustrations and a relatable story. The book is now available for purchase on Amazon, and the author is in the process of writing other books with similar content to create a cohesive series on the senses.

The publication’s main character is a young girl, Vicky Vision, who uses her glasses to help people. Specifically, Vicky is tasked with assisting a little boy who loses his dog, and she aims to reunite them. Through the engaging, non-hero character, kids and adult readers are able to enjoy and easily digest information on the vision system.

Since graduating from Stern College with a major in psychology, Savitsky had always been interested in therapy, and wanted to utilize her skills and interests in her future career. This led to her pursuing occupational therapy, and her passion for writing allowed her to use her vocation in the service of writing and illustrating children’s books. Further, she hoped to use this medium to help teach others the purpose and benefits of occupational therapy, as that understanding seemed to be lacking in society.

Savitsky’s knowledge of her professional field coupled with her creative mind produced a book that will inspire the younger generation, and adult readers, to be invested in their own personal health and self care. This book also enables children and parents to find that understanding of what occupational therapy is, and why they might require such services.

The author worked on this book for six months, creating and illustrating the story of Vicky. After someone digitized her physical drawing of Vicky, Savitsky was tasked with completing and locating the simple yet enticing language needed to reach her intended audience. Eventually, she was published on Amazon books, with convenient and simple print-as-needed production.

Ultimately, Savitsky’s goal was to develop a character who would be a relatable role model. Vicky is an ordinary girl who dedicates time to make sure her vision is healthy. Savitsky wants to reiterate to parents and kids alike that it is important to attain healthy sensory systems, use them for good, and know when to seek further assistance. Beginning to develop in utero, sensory systems “are a foundation for us as people; if you struggle with one system it can really affect others as well,” she said.

To the parents, she emphasized that it is “important to expose kids to textures, environments, nature … that’s how they develop properly and adjust.” A parent may see kids put items in their mouths and proceed to take them away, but Savitsky noted that it may mean the child needs oral stimuli, and if they receive the right type, the behavior may cease. If it doesn’t, or if any issues that hinder a child’s day-to-day well-being occur, it is important to seek the proper help, and she hopes people may be inspired to find that help by reading the book.

The book is available on Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/4dusy9w8

Hannah Kirsch was the Jewish Link intern coordinator this summer and is a senior at Binghamton University.