Nicola Coughlan Reads Carla’s Glasses for Storyline Online®

Nicola Coughlan reads for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s children’s literacy program Storyline Online® / Photo courtesy of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation

New Release Celebrates Back-to-School & National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Emmy-winning children’s literacy program Storyline Online® kicks off Back-to-School with a timely and heartwarming new read-aloud Carla’s Glasses, read by acclaimed actress Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls). The read-aloud video premiered today on storylineonline.net and the Storyline Online YouTube channel.

Written by Debbie Herman and illustrated by Sheila Bailey, Carla’s Glasses follows Carla, a bright, imaginative girl who longs to wear glasses, until she discovers it’s her friend, not her, who needs them. When he’s reluctant to wear his new specs for fear of standing out, Carla hatches a colorful plan for the whole class to sport artistic eyewear. With gentle humor and heartfelt moments, this story celebrates creativity, self-acceptance and the power of friendship.

Nicola Coughlan brings warmth and playful charm to the story, making it a meaningful read for families, educators and young viewers alike.

“I fell in love with this story the moment I read it,” said Coughlan. “It’s all about perspective and seeing the world through a new pair of glasses, literally and emotionally. I hope children everywhere can relate to Carla’s journey of having fun being themselves, and how friendship, connection and empathy can really make a difference, and make things better for everyone.”

Released during National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month and just in time for Back-to-School, Carla’s Glasses encourages young readers to embrace changes, like getting glasses, with confidence, while underscoring the importance of eye care for growing learners.

The video is accompanied by a free activity guide for parents and teachers, aligned with Common Core Standards, to promote reading comprehension and classroom engagement.

“August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, which makes the release of Carla’s Glasses especially meaningful,” said Courtney B. Vance, President and Chairman of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. “This story not only celebrates individuality, it shines a light on how something as simple as a pair of glasses can transform a child’s experience in the classroom. Nicola Coughlan brings such heart to Carla’s Glasses, and we’re thrilled to share it with children everywhere as they head into a new school year.”

With millions of views each month, Storyline Online features celebrated actors reading beloved children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. The series is produced by the nonprofit SAG-AFTRA Foundation and available for free 24/7.

In addition to Nicola Coughlan, Storyline Online features over 95 acclaimed actors reading beloved children’s books aloud, including Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Rami Malek, Chris Pine, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh and many more.

To watch Carla’s Glasses and all of Storyline Online’s read-alouds, visit storylineonline.net. Keep up with new videos by subscribing to Storyline Online on YouTube and following Storyline Online on Instagram, X and Facebook.

Storyline Online is made possible through gifts, grants and sponsorships. For more information about becoming a Storyline Online sponsor, please email sponsorship@sagaftra.foundation.