By Xavier Deneux TouchThinkLearn: Shapes

by Xavier Deneux

Combining scooped-out die-cuts with raised, shaped elements, two new TouchThinkLearn books offer youngest learners an irresistible opportunity to explore their universe in a hands-on, multisensory way. See the image, trace its shape, say its these modes of perception combine in a dynamic way to stimulate understanding of essential concepts. Contemplate a circle by touching the raised surface of an owl hooting at night on one side, and the form of a moon rising on the other. Featuring a format unlike any other, these groundbreaking books translate abstract thought into tangible knowledge.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Kids, Mathematics

Unknown Binding

First published March 11, 2014

About the author

Xavier Deneux studied at Beaux-Arts de Paris. He has worked as a graphic artist, creating posters and decorations for various industries, and has illustrated more than forty children's books. He lives and works in Paris, France.

Reviews

[Kristine Peska · Rating 3 out of 5]

I paired this book up with the fiction book titled Circle Dogs by Kevin Henkes. It is a story about the day in the life of two dachshunds. These two dogs are considered the "circle dogs"because of the shape they take on when they sleep. The book goes through their day while emphasizing basic shapes such as "The dogs live in a big, square house." In Shapes, the diamond shape is represented in a kite and a half circle is represented in a lady bug. Both of the books do a great job presenting the basic shapes in real life form. It allows students to connect this material with real life objects that they may see everyday.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Xavier Deneux fills his book pages with bold and bright shapes created by easily recognizable objects. He balances the recognizable with the opposite page that shows the shape in isolation. Each page has parts that are either intended or raised. The raised parts fit into the indents on the opposite pages. Not many words are used, other than the ones that label the shape. For example, the book opens with an owl, which is mostly circular, and has large circles for eyes. On the opposing page an indented large white orb labeled “circle” serves as a possible moon while illustrating the shape. On the very last page the reader is asked to count as many shapes as they see. The picture is of what looks like a bird surrounded by hatching chicks. Each shape that was represented throughout the book is somehow worked into the image.

Although Xavier Deneux books are recommended for children between the ages of 3 and 5 I would personally suggest them for children 2 to 5 under supervision. I understand the concern that some of the textured shapes could be pulled off (with a lot of force) but the textures and bright colors are stimulating and enjoyable for a wide range of ages. I also enjoy how the shapes are represented in a more abstract way other than a straightforward “here is a circle” approach.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This clever book popped right out of our board books display cubbies at my library and said "Read me!"I took it right to my toddler story time. The colorful and clever shapes on one page inset into a similarly shaped diecut on the next page. Every illustration is so vibrant! The diecut shapes are perfect for little fingers to trace and feel. Everything about this books says come and explore, enjoy, learn! The binding is sturdy enough to hold up to multiple readings by small children ages 0-4.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my daughter’s early favorites. Actually the shape depictions are kind of silly, and the choice of shapes pretty random (also, different from the French version at our library!). But tactile books are fun, and this one has a very satisfying heft.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super board book about shapes featuring a die cut of a object or animal on the left side and the shape on the right side. The die cut illustrations are outstanding in this title. Love this series that originated in France.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly well designed book which has elements that are especially helpful for learning shapes -- children can trace with their fingers to 'make' and identify the shapes.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cut and fit board book where the cutout on one page fits the hole on the other page. Each two page spread features a different shape and object about the shape. baby and up

[Heather Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

lily summer reading 2018, board book, shapes, touch and feel, interactive

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son likes this book because of the bright colors and shapes that he can feel. I wish there was more than one word every two pages.

[Mindea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love these TouchThinkLearn books. My kiddo loves them and is engaged during book time. Touches the pages, looks at everything.

[Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can touch all the shapes.

[Kelly Chester]

What a great book

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A "first" book that explains the basic shapes and some. Colorful and textured illustrations.

[Maeve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Various shapes are highlighted with sensory features.

[Cleo Bhanot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleo: 4
Parents: 3.5

[Cherish Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4☆ Would recommend)
Such a cute & simple book for learning shapes. The illustrations & the 3-D touch aspect of the book are fantastic for learning.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

These amazing board books teach the concept of shape to young readers. The left-hand page features an object in a certain shape such as a rectangle while the right-hand page shows the hollowed out space where the shape for the other page was taken. Readers will want to stroke the book's pages so that they can feel the shape a square makes, thus, linking two different kinds of experience, visual and kinesthetic. The book is bright and eye-catching. I would have loved having a book like this one as a child. (Even as an adult, I enjoyed it a great deal.)

[Donalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fun to close these books slowly and watch how the cutouts fit into the recessed slots on the opposite pages.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully designed concept book.

[Anneliese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute pictures

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute and creative design.

[Ashley]

ISBN: 978-1-4521-1727-0
List Price: 14.99