In this delightful board book featuring three stacked objects on each page, the expectation of a simple pattern of geometric shapes (“Triangle, circle, square / Circle, rectangle, triangle”) is interrupted when an elephant makes a sudden appearance on page three (“Triangle, elephant ?!, circle”). After that all bets are off as each flip of the page throws an unexpected object into the mix. Expertly playing on the concept of humor through incongruity, this silly book would make an excellent read-aloud with a group or one-on-one. Clear illustrations also invite children to participate in a point-and-say reading experience. (Ages 1-3)

A clever and refreshing approach to learning about shapes, with a bit of silliness mixed in

This unexpected take on shapes offers a breath of fresh air within this well-established toddler concept genre. With bright block-art visuals and a rhythmic, read-aloud text, this book begins by offering familiar shapes - a triangle, a circle, and a square - and then throws an elephant into the equation: triangle, elephant, circle. Surely an elephant doesn't belong in a book on shapes... or does it? The joy of the unexpected, including guest appearances by boats, lemons, and other random but recognizable silhouettes, in a shape-driven narrative will prompt giggles and squeals, as children build skills of labelling and classifying.