Shapes are fun. Shape books for kids are fun too.
Shapes by Shelly Rotner and Anne Woodhull (Toddler, Preschool)
Using photographs of many of the objects children encounter in their daily life, Rotner shows us all kinds of ways to imagine shapes. Each photo spread invites conversation: you can talk about size, color, and distance, among many other things. After enjoying the book, take a walk through your neighborhood to see what shapes you can see around you. Find it at the Library
Circle! Sphere! by Grace Lin (All Ages)
Spring and summer are the perfect time to blow bubbles. Three friends each get a different shape of bubble wand. Does this mean the bubbles will be different shapes? Find out in this board book from the Storytelling Math series. Find it at the Library
Walter’s Wonderful Web by Tim Hopgood (Toddler, Preschool)
Walter the spider is trying to make a strong web that will stand up to the wind. He tries many special-shaped webs with triangles, squares, and circles–but they are still wibbly wobbly and get blown away. Can Walter make a web that is both wonderful and strong using all kinds of shapes? Find it at the Library
Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stoll Walsh (Toddler, Preschool)
What pictures can you make with some ovals, circles, and triangles? Three clever mice will find out in this book as they hide from and try to trick the chasing cat. After you read this book, use some scrap paper to create your own fun pictures from shapes. Find it at the Library
Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes by Hena Khan (Preschool)
This beautiful picture book will help families explore shapes while learning about Islam and the cultures of the many Muslim people who live around the world. Find it at the Library
Which One Doesn’t Belong? Playing with Shapes by Christopher Danielson (Preschool, School Age)
This deceptively simple book with sparse text encourages children (and their grown-ups!) to use their critical thinking skills. Each page shows a collection of shapes and asks, “which one doesn’t belong?” The answers? There are no right or wrong answers! As the author says, “as long as you have a reason, you’re talking math!” Find it at the Library
All available at the library! These resources are recommended by Samantha Blanquart, Early Literacy Outreach Librarian with the Anchorage Public Library. Visit their website for more info about early literacy or to check out one of their reading kits for young children.
