Triangles

Toddler-PreS-Yonezu makes artful use of die-cuts in this inspired ode to the triangle. Alternating pages feature a die-cut shape (different sizes and types are included throughout), and readers are asked to speculate, "What could this triangle be?" Youngsters will be happily surprised at the different options: a flag, a mouse's face, and a crown are among the responses. The design is simple, with copious white space and large, thick-lined triangles: ideal for preschoolers just becoming familiar with shapes. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A die-cut board book introduces triangles to the very young through a variety of everyday objects. Die-cut pages invite little ones to explore the possibilities of a triangle. What can a triangle be? Using bold colors and simple geometric images, Yonezu challenges children to guess those possibilities before revealing the answers at the turn of the page. So, what can a triangle be? It can be a roof or a hat. Flip it onto one of its points, and it could be a flag or a sail. Add two more, and it can be a crown or a tree. Add two dots and watch them become the eyes of a fox or a mouse. Two triangles could be two umbrellas or two carrots. A triangle could also be the beak of a goose or a piece of cheese. And three triangles can make the ears and snout on the face of a pig. The book not only appeals to the imagination, but it invites touch: little fingers will want to trace the triangular die cuts, and readers may even peek through as they search for more triangular shapes beyond the book. A smart and engaging book that will encourage the imaginations of children, all while teaching them to recognize triangles. (Board book. 2-4) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.