#blogbookaday: Square

Summary:  “The beguiling second entry in the innovative shape trilogy by multi-award-winning, New York Times best-selling duo Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.

This book is about Square. Square spends every day taking blocks from a pile below the ground to a pile above the ground. This book is also about Square’s friend Circle. Circle thinks Square is an artistic genius. But is he really? With the second story in a trilogy of tales about Triangle, Square, and Circle, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen nudge readers toward a more well-rounded way of looking at things. Understated and striking in its simplicity, this funny, thoughtful offering from two of today’s most talented picture-book creators emphasizes the importance of keeping your eyes — and your mind — open to wonder where others see only rubble and rocks.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review: This is the second in a trilogy of shape books by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen that are about so much more than just shapes. In this story, Square is moving square shaped rocks up a hill when Circle stops him admiring his artistic skills. Square is not convinced, but doesn’t want to let Circle down and spends a whole day and night trying to make something perfect for Circle, because he knows Circle is perfect. When Circle returns the following morning, Square is worried and upset, but maybe Circle sees something that Square can’t.

Personal Reaction: I am intrigued by this story and wonder how kids react to it, because it feels like something that could easily be discussed in a high school or even college philosophy class – how you perceive yourself versus the way others perceive you. I think this would also work for an elementary art classroom and could be paired with The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds about how you feel as an artist, or even calling yourself an artist. Mac And Jon are not afraid to try new and different things and that’s what I love about their work together.

Title: Square
Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: May 8, 2018

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!