Square (The Shapes Trilogy #2)

Humor is in the details: a bit of twig that catches on harried Square's head and stays there; the shadow that appears beneath Circle as she floats along through the air. For all its brevity, chockablock with philosophical topics to ponder and debate.

Funny and lightly philosophical, Barnett's story gets an extra punch of hilarity with Klassen's minimalist graphite-and-watercolor artwork. A must for Triangle fans that will leave them wondering how this geometric drama will end.

Angled lines (in the rocks, plants, and slanting rain) and white space direct readers' own eyes across each page or spread, and short sentences, smart dialogue, and word repetition keep the story moving at a steady pace. Readers looking for a compelling read-aloud will not be disappointed.

Square, who squabbled with Triangle in the first volume of Barnett and Klassen's Shape trilogy, suffers from a case of imposter syndrome in this second picture book offering. Circle sees Square pushing stone blocks one after the other to the top of a hill among huge, ghostly boulders. She mistakes them for self-portraits—"You are a genius! I did not know you were a sculptor!"—and insists that Square must make a sculpture of her. Anxiety overwhelms him. Slashes of rain cut across the spreads as the stone disintegrates under his hammer and chisel, amid his growing despair. In the morning, his circular pile of rubble holds a pool of rainwater, which reflects Circle's image as she gazes downward. "It is perfect," Circle gushes. "You are a genius." Is Circle a good friend who sees the worth in Square's work that he can't see himself? Or is she just a flatterer? Poor Square isn't sure, and readers aren't, either. Square's efforts to please are equal parts hilarious and cringeworthy, and the moment he topples over in exhaustion is comic gold. The story's decidedly ambiguous conclusion leaves the door open for questions about what it means to be an artist—and that's the whole point. Ages 5-9. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (May)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2—In their sequel to Triangle, the Barnett/Klassen dynamic duo follows the previously introduced character of Square. Every day Square pushes one square block from his cave to the top of a hill, adding to a pile of square rocks. "This is his work." One day, Circle floats by, and to Square's bewilderment, sees these square blocks as amazing sculptures—Square is a genius at self-portraits! She requests that he create a sculpture for her. Klassen's minimalist watercolor and graphite illustrations are effective in creating a space for the character's expressive eyes to stand out which enhances the book's underlying humor and sense of irony. Short sentences, a gripping plot, and great page turns make this both an excellent read-aloud and an approachable title for beginning readers. This book takes a sweeter turn from its prankish predecessor in that Square works hard to create something for Circle, only to feel like he failed; but when Circle sees what he created, she is "beguiled" once more by his genius. Though this title will stand alone, children familiar with Triangle might recognize the extra layer of humor at the end when an unnamed narrator poses a game-changer of a question. VERDICT A must purchase that will satisfy old fans and create new ones.—Danielle Jones, Multnomah County Library, OR

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

There's a '60s flair to this story of friendship and artistry; the text is spare yet robust, with a lot of meaning behind the carefully selected words, and the open-ended conclusion will give kids much to discuss. Klassen's watercolor, graphite, and digital art is animation ready, with simple textured shapes against white backgrounds...While the story could provoke discussions about expectations and friendships, this title is most at home as an original entry in art curricula.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Square attempts to make a Circle sculpture that will be as perfect as his friend is...Children will no doubt find the results hilarious. The droll illustrations by the Niagara Falls, Ont., native Klassen, in subtle shades of gray, brown and blue, endow these friends with personality and Barnett's simple text is perfect.
—The Buffalo News

Droll, subdued and enigmatic, this second volume of a planned trilogy will delight children ages 5-9."
—The Wall Street Journal