What Shape?

Brief text and photographs introduce a variety of shapes as curious toddlers explore the world around them

PreSchool-K-- A well-designed concept book with crisp, engaging photos. The first picture of each double-page spread shows a child with an object and asks what shape it is. The facing page shows a collage of smaller items of the same shape, which is also repeated in the border. In addition to the usual square, round, rectangle, and triangle, there are hearts, diamonds, stars, and ovals. The children featured are of varied ethnic backgrounds and age groups. The ideas here are similar to those found in Tana Hoban's work, although Hoban challenges her readers to pick shapes out of a realistic context whereas the objects in What Shape? are shown discretely, in suspension against a neutral background. This will be a popular choice, and especially appealing to toddlers. --Linda Wicher, Highland Park Public Library, IL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Eight shapes--diamond, oval, heart, etc.--are explored in crisp, attractive color photos: on the left, a single picture shows a child with a large object of a particular shape (Grace with a rectangular gift; Gemma in a triangular tent); at the right, familiar objects extend the idea (a starfish has five points, while the star-shaped cookies here have six). A simple but exemplary concept book, put together with unusual care and intelligence. (Picture book. 1-5) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.