“Twelve children bend, twist, and join limbs to form various shapes, all photographed against large, patterned pops of color…Some shapes are accomplished alone (a circle with one's arms overhead or a "little" triangle with one's fingers). But most shapes are a collaborative effort. (Whenever one child's toes nearly touch another's face, the apprehensive looks are priceless.)…The children are racially diverse with names hinting at ethnic diversity as well, and playful touches (tongues out, gleeful smiles) expertly capture childlike exuberance. A treat for all learners, kinesthetic or otherwise.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“In this inviting concept book, children use their bodies to make different shapes. Brilliantly clear, eye-catching photographs showcase gross motor skills in action…The cheery, conversational text encourages children not only to recognize shapes in their world but also to make connections between themselves and others, and playfully prompts more abstract thinking…The personalities of the 12 diverse participants shine through…A kinetic celebration of body and mind.”
—School Library Journal
“Grab a friend—or two or three—and challenge yourselves by bending, stretching, and twisting into a variety of geometric shapes. Color photographs show a multicultural team of smiling children working together, using their fingers, hands, arms, legs, and whole bodies to create basic shapes like squares, triangles, diamonds, and stars. With this interactive guide that encourages healthy, creative play through imitation, just follow the examples to shape up, or practice identifying sight words and patterns.”
—Foreword Reviews
“[M]ore than a book about shapes. It is, but it’s also a book that is subtly about movement and exercise, about friendship and co-operation, and about how much fun learning about and experiencing all of those things can be.”
—Baby Librarians
“Charismatic, collaborative and creative shapes made with engaging kids who twist, turn and work together. A bold and bright book that will get you moving and inspire kids to create their own shapes. A perfect classroom read aloud and activity.”
—Jesica Sweedler DeHart, Librarian Review, Neill Public Library
