Walter's Wonderful Web: A First Book about Shapes

PreS-K--This engaging story introduces triangles, squares, circles, diamonds, and rectangles as a big-eyed spider's attempts to create a perfect web. Fuzzy, round Walter tries hard to improve his technique, but, alas, his webs are "wibbly-wobbly." One by one, he employs different shapes in his spinning, but none withstands the "whoosh" of the wind. Inspiration hits one night, and success comes with a glorious composition of all the shapes, in varying sizes. Even a trio of owls gape in admiration. Hopgood reinforces the lesson by offering a large example of each shape opposite its spider web representation and a conclusion with cue questions for further exploration. The art is clear and simple but graphically appealing, and Walter is an adorable and determined protagonist. VERDICT The cartoon art and gentle humor marry well with the tiny geometry lesson for a fun read-aloud and an effective concept book.--Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

In a lighthearted introduction to five basic shapes, a big-eyed spider named Walter attempts to build a web that will withstand the gusting wind. Walter's initial attempts, which include triangular, square, and diamond-shaped webs, aren't up to the task, and even a strong-looking circular web gets blown away. Eventually, Walter weaves an enormous web that incorporates all of the shapes--a "truly wonderful web" that gleams in the moonlight. Hopgood doesn't really get into why Walter's final web is strong enough to get the job done (if anything, the implication is that size, not shape, is what matters), but the story still offers opportunities for adults to discuss shapes--and the habits of spiders--with young readers. Ages 2-4. (Aug.)

"Walter is an adorable and determined protagonist. The cartoon art and gentle humor marry well with the tiny geometry lesson for a fun read-aloud and an effective concept book." —School Library Journal