Starring Shapes! Tania Howells. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2015. 24 pp., hardcover, $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-743-3. Subject Heading: Shapes-Juvenile literature. Preschool-kindergarten / Ages 3-5. Review by Elaine Fuhr. **** /4

excerpt:

Oval thinks acting could be fun-he likes to try new things. He’s a well-rounded fellow.

As a skating rink or surfboard, he is always up for an adventure any time of year! And one day he’d like to visit some of the places he’s seen as a map in the classroom.

He also likes quieter activities, like making fingerprint art, stretching out by the fire as a rug for storytime and reflecting as a mirror.

The two dimensional shapes and the other students are preparing to produce a special school play, Hansel and Gretel. There is so much to do, and the students are excited to begin. First of all, they must go through auditions, but it seems the teacher wants everyone to take part. They must study their lines and rehearse. Costumes must be made, and the sets painted before the play can be performed.

     Tania Howells has written and illustrated a delightful story for early learners, introducing six two-dimensional shapes in a unique and colourful way. If you are a fan of Today’s Parent magazine or Chirp, as I am, you will recognize the style of the illustrations. Tania has described each shape and included text and illustrations of familiar places where each may be seen. Because the vocabulary is much higher than the stated recommended age, Starring Shapes will be a perfect book for teachers, parents, librarians and older children to share with the younger child. I can envision a fun game of hide the shape and go seek or a treasure hunt for these shapes while reading the book. Starring Shapes is definitely a treasure for the classroom, school or family library.

Highly Recommended.

Elaine Fuhr is a retired elementary and middle school teacher living in Alberta.

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