A Cozy Family Moment with "Circle" (The Shapes Trilogy)
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the house quieted down, I found myself snuggled up with my little ones for bedtime storytime. It’s one of our favorite rituals—wrapping up the day with colorful pages and shared giggles. Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for picture books that can hold their attention and spark our conversations. That’s when we dove into "Circle" by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, the final installment in their delightful Shapes Trilogy.
In this charming tale, we meet Circle, Triangle, and Square, who navigate a world shaped by friendship, rules, and the occasional mischief. Circle, wise and nurturing, sets a rule that regulates their playtime. But, as children often do, Triangle decides to defy it, setting off an unexpected journey that has him needing rescuing. My kids were instantly drawn into the playful drama. Their eyes widened when I read about Triangle’s shenanigans—my five-year-old even exclaimed, “That’s not how we play!” catching the tension of the story.
One of the things I loved most was how the book doesn’t come laden with overt morals. Instead, it merely nudges us to explore themes of friendship, daring, and the importance of rules—all framed within lighthearted humor. It’s refreshingly uncomplicated, and both my kids, ages two and five, found the interactions between the shapes relatable. "Why did he break the rule?" my older one asked, while my youngest giggled at the silly antics.
The illustrations, oh my goodness—they are visually captivating. Jon Klassen’s artwork complements the wit of Barnett’s writing perfectly, with just enough cleverness layered in that kept me chuckling too. I could hear my toddler’s laugh every time Circle’s calm demeanor contrasted with Triangle’s goofy tendencies. Reading aloud turned into a delightful spectacle, as I played with different voices—Circle’s gentle encouragement versus Triangle’s mischief. It made for an energetic performance that had us all on the edge of our seats!
One particular page—where Circle stands tall, eyebrows slightly furrowed—it prompted my daughter to shout, “She needs to help!” It was a sweet reminder of her empathetic nature and how easily these characters help her explore emotions.
I can wholeheartedly recommend "Circle" for ages two to six. It’s a fantastic pick for parents who appreciate a book that respects children’s curiosity while still being entertaining for adults. Whether your little ones are already fans of the trilogy or you’re introducing them to the shapes for the first time, it’s a charming addition to any family bookshelf.
As for me? "Circle" has carved out a special place in our hearts. It’s not just a book; it’s a beautiful memory wrapped in laughter and bonding during those cherished bedtime moments. Who knew that a simple book about shapes could resonate so profoundly? Absolutely, a new family favorite! 💖
Dive into the magic of shapes with Circle from The Shapes Trilogy! >>
