A distinctive book about shapes provides examples of things that are round, things that are square, and things that are rectangular, all drawn from the young narrator’s world. Some of the examples she offers will be recognizable to most children, while others are specific to her Chinese American heritage: “Square is a checkerboard / in the park / Square is my name chop’s / inky mark.” The colorful gouache illustrations that fill each two-page spread clearly depict both general and Chinese-specific objects, and a glossary provides definitions of the Chinese terms. The rhymed catalog of objects for each shape ends by asking readers and listeners to find other things that are round, square, and rectangular in shape. (Ages 3-5)

A little girl's neighborhood becomes a discovery ground of things round, square and rectangular. Many of the objects are Asian in origin, other universal: round rice bowls and a found pebble, square dim sum and pizza boxes, rectangular Chinese lace and very special pencil case. Bright art accompanies this lively introduction to shapes and short glossary explains the cultural significance of the objects featured in the book. Perfect for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing.