Review by Booklist Review
This inviting concept book looks at circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, ovals, diamonds, and stars. For each shape, an introductory two-page spread precedes another that showcases similar forms in approximately eight eye-catching photos. Naming objects in the pictures, the straightforward text flows well, creating a very readable accompaniment to the visual content. Images featuring triangles illustrate these lines: "Kites and sailboats. / Ice-cream cones and / party hats. / Quilts, / pizza, / Pumpkin eyes." For the latter, light gleams from within a jack-o'-lantern, highlighting the glowing triangles of its eyes. The last page challenges viewers to name the shapes they see among the objects in 15 new photos. The often-charming shots including individual children reflect racial diversity. Using the full range of vibrant hues that lit up the book's companion volume, Colors (2019), the illustrations here focus on shapes, not as a mathematician defines them, but rather as a young child sees them. This picture book organizes the topic logically and leaves space for kids to make their own discoveries. A useful, visually engaging introduction to shapes.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K--Woodhull and National Geographic photographer Rotner offer a colorful introduction to shapes. Shapes are everywhere, from a small marble to the moon and stars. Each page discusses one shape and the many places it can be found. The large, vivid photographs will encourage preschool readers to point out their favorite shapes on each page. The wide range of items shown will prompt discussions about size, color, and distance. Woodhull's simple, poetic prose lists objects for each shape, leaving plenty of room for youngsters to interact, volunteer their own suggestions, and think outside the (square) box. VERDICT A smart title for preschool collections in public libraries.--Savannah Kitchens, Parnell Memorial Lib., Montevallo, AL
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Exciting young children about mathematical concepts is becoming increasingly important, as parents and teachers recognize the value of STEM education. This attractive, new full-color photo essay will stimulate children to recognize, name, and categorize the basic shapes they see everywhere. The multisensory text encourages kids to associate shapes with listening and feeling. Taste and smell can also be explored. Phrases like "TRIANGLES chime..." and "OVALS pop..." will inspire poetic use of language. The introductory spread for each shape includes one photo within a cutout of the shape, for example, a red kite within a diamond-shaped background of blue sky, and the caption: "DIAMONDS fly...." The page turn reveals a grid of photos of diamond shapes, including pips on playing cards, textiles and tiles, and a baseball diamond. The text naming these images appears in one box in the grid, so identifying which photo represents what's described becomes a game, potentially spurring creative thought. On many spreads, racially diverse children interact with the shapes; a light-brown--skinned child sports a star barrette in curly brown hair, an Asian-presenting kid holds a square, wrapped present. The book ends with a challenge in the form of photos of different shapes and a question: "What shapes do you see?" An opening note discusses the difference between plane and spatial geometry and the importance of shape identification in early learning. High-quality photos of children and objects from nature and the built environment engage kids in exploring basic geometry. (Informational picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
