We Are the Shapes
on Goodreads (64)
What’s inside...
This adventure-filled book features a group of shapes who embark on a journey to discover who they are beyond the pages of their book. As they explore various worlds, they learn about teamwork, friendship, and self-identity. This funny, bold and characterful picture storybook introduces young readers to the shapes, as they meet the Squares and the Triangles, who are always arguing. The Squares are straightforward, supportive, and reliable, preferring things to be even, but they don't get along with the Triangles. The Triangles, on the other hand, are edgy, sharp, and creative, but they have a disdain for the Squares. Circle, who encounters both groups, finds it difficult to take sides. When a fight breaks out between the two shapes, Circle must decide if they can help resolve the conflict. Featuring charmingly simple illustrations and plenty of puns, 'The Squares' is a truly fun introduction to shapes that children will enjoy reading repeatedly.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which shape in the book did you like the most, and why?
How do you think the circle felt when it couldn't fit through the square hole?
Can you think of a time when you worked together with friends to solve a problem like the shapes did?
What would you do if you were a shape in the book? Which shape would you choose to be?
How do the different shapes in the book help each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone to encourage your child to think deeply about the story and their feelings.
Relate the story to your child’s daily experiences, such as playing with shape-sorters or building with blocks.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or shape from the book, and discuss the emotions and actions in their artwork.
After reading, play a 'find the shape' game in your environment, enhancing practical understanding of shapes.
Praise your child for their insights and express interest in their answers to foster a love for discussion and reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The shapes in the story must work together to build a structure that shelters them from the rain, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Each shape in the book has unique characteristics and abilities. The story shows how these differences contribute positively when they come together.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate individual differences and understand that everyone has something valuable to offer in diverse settings like classrooms or playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The shapes encounter various challenges that they overcome by thinking creatively and trying different strategies.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to approach obstacles with an open mind and persistence, skills critical for academic and personal success.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite initial failures, the shapes continue to experiment with new ideas until they succeed.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of difficulties, instilling a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: Joy in Learning
Explanation: The playful interactions among the shapes make learning enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Promotes the idea that learning can be fun and engaging, motivating children to explore new concepts and ideas enthusiastically.