In Circle, Circle, Triangle and Square are playing a game of hide and seek. Sneaky Triangle does not heed Circle’s warning to stay away from the waterfall, and when he disappears, Circle is forced to go find him.
But when Circle ventures into the cave behind the flowing water, what she finds there in the darkness isn’t exactly what she — or Triangle — expected.
Circle is the third book in this marvellous series about shapes, and what’s special about Circle’s story is that for much of the book, there are no shapes at all, because the story takes place within a darkened cave.
So what’s in there? What’s the mysterious thing the friends find in the blackness? That is the ultimate question and it will spark such marvellous curiosity in kids. Circle gets kids to think about what could be, what other shapes exist and what they might be like.
It explores the concept of stereotyping and making assumptions about people (perhaps incorrectly) before you get to know them.
It’s also a story about friendship — a complicated friendship — which is so relatable for kids. Circle, Square and Triangle all have very distinct personalities, and they don’t always get along (like many friends), but at the end of the day, they are there for each other, and they respect each other’s differences.
Like always, Mac Barnett’s text is infused with fun and humour, and Jon Klassen’s illustrations are minimal and absolute perfection. These two create picture book magic, and Circle is no exception.
And for even more Barnett and Klassen collaborations, make sure you check out The Wolf, The Duck and The Mouse and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole.
Title: Circle
Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Publisher: Walker Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 March 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781406384222
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book