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Circle Under Berry
Part Sandra Boynton, part Each Peach Pear Plum ; part Chicka Chicka Boom Boom , part Hippopposites —a treat for the brain and the tongue.
With an elegant and simple approach, this thought-provoking concept book shows young readers that everything in the world can be seen from infinite perspectives.
Each page compares colors, shapes, and objects in relation to each other. A triangle that is over a square is also under a circle. A circle that is pink also might be a flower.
The artful, playful combinations of simple concepts and Higgins's rhythmic writing and expert arrangement of objects on the page make this book a perfect read-aloud, capable of entertaining, educating, and challenging readers in equal measure.
There are multiple ways to read the book, allowing it to work for several ages and reading levels at once. The educational value and sheer fun packed into this book's language and visual design will make it a huge hit with educators and librarians, new parents, and creative kids who are visual learners.
This striking, delightfully different exploration of shape, color, and patterns redefines what a picture book can be. Read it once, read it ten times. See something new every time.
A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO MANY DIFFERENT This book's focus on color, shapes, objects, and relative words like "over," "under," and "next to" make this the perfect introduction to basic concepts of all kinds. Rather than traditional concept books that focus on only one idea, this book combines its teaching approach, helping young readers learn more than one concept at once by showing how they relate to each other.
A DYNAMIC LEARNING The unusual combination of colors, shapes, and animals intelligently introduces young readers to patterns, classification, and problem-solving. The imaginative language of this book, rich with rhythmic phrasing and a tongue twister-like playfulness, creates a soothing read-aloud text that engages young children with questions and encourages audience participation.
PERFECT FOR ANY KIND OF With a variety of concepts, clear read-aloud qualities, and the many different ways this book engages different styles of learning, this book is ideal for librarians, educators, and anyone creating reading events in their communities.
BELOVED Carter Higgins is not only the author of many acclaimed books for children such as Everything You Need to Build a Treehouse, This Is Not a Valentine , and Bikes for Sale , she's also a seasoned school librarian who's spent many years working with children. Her love of kids—and her passion for teaching—shines throughout this book.
EASY ART PROJECT Having honed her art skills as an elementary librarian, Carter Higgins makes her own debut as an illustrator for this book with simple, appealing collages. Kids will love making their own art projects inspired by the illustrations in this book.
BRIGHT, EYE-CATCHING The simple shapes and lively colors are designed to appeal to young children. Read this if your children enjoy Hervé Tullet's Press Here or Bill Martin Jr.'s Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?
Perfect
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Educators
• Gift-givers
With an elegant and simple approach, this thought-provoking concept book shows young readers that everything in the world can be seen from infinite perspectives.
Each page compares colors, shapes, and objects in relation to each other. A triangle that is over a square is also under a circle. A circle that is pink also might be a flower.
The artful, playful combinations of simple concepts and Higgins's rhythmic writing and expert arrangement of objects on the page make this book a perfect read-aloud, capable of entertaining, educating, and challenging readers in equal measure.
There are multiple ways to read the book, allowing it to work for several ages and reading levels at once. The educational value and sheer fun packed into this book's language and visual design will make it a huge hit with educators and librarians, new parents, and creative kids who are visual learners.
This striking, delightfully different exploration of shape, color, and patterns redefines what a picture book can be. Read it once, read it ten times. See something new every time.
A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO MANY DIFFERENT This book's focus on color, shapes, objects, and relative words like "over," "under," and "next to" make this the perfect introduction to basic concepts of all kinds. Rather than traditional concept books that focus on only one idea, this book combines its teaching approach, helping young readers learn more than one concept at once by showing how they relate to each other.
A DYNAMIC LEARNING The unusual combination of colors, shapes, and animals intelligently introduces young readers to patterns, classification, and problem-solving. The imaginative language of this book, rich with rhythmic phrasing and a tongue twister-like playfulness, creates a soothing read-aloud text that engages young children with questions and encourages audience participation.
PERFECT FOR ANY KIND OF With a variety of concepts, clear read-aloud qualities, and the many different ways this book engages different styles of learning, this book is ideal for librarians, educators, and anyone creating reading events in their communities.
BELOVED Carter Higgins is not only the author of many acclaimed books for children such as Everything You Need to Build a Treehouse, This Is Not a Valentine , and Bikes for Sale , she's also a seasoned school librarian who's spent many years working with children. Her love of kids—and her passion for teaching—shines throughout this book.
EASY ART PROJECT Having honed her art skills as an elementary librarian, Carter Higgins makes her own debut as an illustrator for this book with simple, appealing collages. Kids will love making their own art projects inspired by the illustrations in this book.
BRIGHT, EYE-CATCHING The simple shapes and lively colors are designed to appeal to young children. Read this if your children enjoy Hervé Tullet's Press Here or Bill Martin Jr.'s Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?
Perfect
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Educators
• Gift-givers
45 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2021
3 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Carter Higgins
22 books106 followersCarter Higgins is the author of the middle grade novel A Rambler Steals Home (HMH) and three picture books from Chronicle Books: This Is Not a Valentine (illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins), Everything You Need for a Treehouse (illustrated by Emily Hughes), and Bikes for Sale (illustrated by Zachariah Ohora).
Her first picture book as both author and illustrator, Circle Under Berry, releases in 2021 from Chronicle Books. Also releasing in 2021 is Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish, a chapter book illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann. Big and Small and In Between, a picture book illustrated by Daniel Miyares, releases in 2022.
She is an Emmy-winning visual effects and motion graphics artist and spent a decade as an elementary school librarian. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @carterhiggins. She lives in Nevada.
Her first picture book as both author and illustrator, Circle Under Berry, releases in 2021 from Chronicle Books. Also releasing in 2021 is Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish, a chapter book illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann. Big and Small and In Between, a picture book illustrated by Daniel Miyares, releases in 2022.
She is an Emmy-winning visual effects and motion graphics artist and spent a decade as an elementary school librarian. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @carterhiggins. She lives in Nevada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
July 28, 2021
Circle Under Berry is the rare book that feels both simple and complex, original and like it’s been around forever. Just brilliant.
March 14, 2022
The GR synopsis says, "Part Sandra Boynton, part Each Peach Pear Plum; part Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, part Hippopposites—a treat for the brain and the tongue." ...which I think is a pretty decent description. I'm thinking of all the ways this could be used in the pre-school and kindergarten classrooms when discussing the colors, items used, shapes, patterns, and then making our own classroom books. I think this might be fun to pair with Want Names, Too! We by Jean Leroy. This book was a finalist for the Cybils awards!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!!
April 21, 2022
Beautifully designed for all ages. I love how it's not just a read, but an exploration... and a work of art. Have lots of conversations with your littles, and with that creative part of you that needs to come out and play. What do you see when you look at the world? Is it actually Berry Over Circle? Does it matter what kind of berry, or what color circle? Is the frog notable for being green, or is notable for being square?
The blurb is longer than the book, and I feel that I should tidy it up to get rid of the hype. Goodreads prefers straight descriptions, and so do I. But still, I want to add that it reminds me more of Ruth Heller's amazing concept books for older children, like Kites Sail High: A Book About Verbs, than the others listed.
Highly recommended to all fans of books for preschool children.
The blurb is longer than the book, and I feel that I should tidy it up to get rid of the hype. Goodreads prefers straight descriptions, and so do I. But still, I want to add that it reminds me more of Ruth Heller's amazing concept books for older children, like Kites Sail High: A Book About Verbs, than the others listed.
Highly recommended to all fans of books for preschool children.
February 28, 2023
"circle under berry...
berry over square...
circle over berry
under orange
over square."
Whew! Now this will make you think...this will push you a little past your simple thoughts of colors and shapes...this will send you a little beyond your ordinary classifications...
berry over square...
circle over berry
under orange
over square."
Whew! Now this will make you think...this will push you a little past your simple thoughts of colors and shapes...this will send you a little beyond your ordinary classifications...
November 6, 2022
This is the kind of book that deserves a place on the shelf in every elementary school library - though it probably won't be on the shelf very long because there will always be kids wanting to check it out.
September 24, 2021
This delightful concept book is sturdy and colorful and delicious in every way- perfect for kids to savor and devour repeatedly… with guidance or on their own. The seemingly simple images and language are dense with nuance, arrayed on bright white pages in permutations of color, shape, abstracted animals, order, and joy. From the very youngest to language learners to early education to art class, there are audiences everywhere for this performance.
Consider using it as mentor text for early writers and artists, too!
Consider using it as mentor text for early writers and artists, too!
January 23, 2022
creative thinking unleashed
This is such a creative book! I can imagine cutting all sorts of shapes from construction paper and letting students go wild. Glad I got this one in my hands before the ALA awards are announced tomorrow. I think it has some shiny sticker potential.
This is such a creative book! I can imagine cutting all sorts of shapes from construction paper and letting students go wild. Glad I got this one in my hands before the ALA awards are announced tomorrow. I think it has some shiny sticker potential.
April 13, 2024
Cool drawings
September 29, 2021
Over, under, in-between, left and right, colors, and shapes are all included in this unique book for toddlers. This book has a board book outside but pages (thicker than normal) on the inside. This style of a book helps toddlers transition from board books to reading and turning the pages in picture books. It’s like the perfect in-between stage for toddler reading.
Higgins has expanded on the typical color and shapes book to includes shapes that turn into animals and items, teaching location as well as word recognition. This book has it all for preparing toddlers for preschool.
The illustrations have a watercolor/mixed media look to them that gives them almost a 3D look on the white page background reminiscent of Eric Carle’s books. I love the shapes incorporated into the animals like a square frog, oval guppy, and trapezoid dragonfly. Reading this aloud to your child allows your toddler to point on the pages when you read “over” or “under” or “right” or “next to”. Then encourage your toddler to move about the room and sit under or next to something to enhance the learning experience even more.
The concepts in this book seem simple, but really each one is expanding on the other to eventually achieve advanced learning by the end. Repetition and visual illustrations that are simple help toddlers recognize the same shapes and colors on each page, building their memory bank. I really love this book written especially for toddlers ready for the next level of learning in preparation for preschool.
Higgins has expanded on the typical color and shapes book to includes shapes that turn into animals and items, teaching location as well as word recognition. This book has it all for preparing toddlers for preschool.
The illustrations have a watercolor/mixed media look to them that gives them almost a 3D look on the white page background reminiscent of Eric Carle’s books. I love the shapes incorporated into the animals like a square frog, oval guppy, and trapezoid dragonfly. Reading this aloud to your child allows your toddler to point on the pages when you read “over” or “under” or “right” or “next to”. Then encourage your toddler to move about the room and sit under or next to something to enhance the learning experience even more.
The concepts in this book seem simple, but really each one is expanding on the other to eventually achieve advanced learning by the end. Repetition and visual illustrations that are simple help toddlers recognize the same shapes and colors on each page, building their memory bank. I really love this book written especially for toddlers ready for the next level of learning in preparation for preschool.
September 30, 2021
If you are a reader who is happiest sharing what you've read with others, sometimes, more often than not, as you are reading another part of your mind will be thinking about who will enjoy this book the most. You can't help but wonder how you can booktalk it. What parts will you share? You imagine using the book as a read aloud or showpiece in a thematic story time.
Two weeks ago, an individual took her experience as an
Emmy-winning visual effects and motion graphics artist and . . . a decade as an elementary school librarian
and used those talents in her debut as both author and illustrator. She previously released three picture book titles and a middle grade novel as an author. Circle Under Berry (Chronicle Books, September 14, 2021) written and illustrated by Carter Higgins is a sensory sensation. Vivid colors combine with classic shapes and spare text to expand our understanding of possibilities.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
Two weeks ago, an individual took her experience as an
Emmy-winning visual effects and motion graphics artist and . . . a decade as an elementary school librarian
and used those talents in her debut as both author and illustrator. She previously released three picture book titles and a middle grade novel as an author. Circle Under Berry (Chronicle Books, September 14, 2021) written and illustrated by Carter Higgins is a sensory sensation. Vivid colors combine with classic shapes and spare text to expand our understanding of possibilities.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
November 6, 2021
Shapes, colors, direction, animals, plants: it's hard to imagine a concept book that successfully introduces all these concepts but this book does it smashingly well. Each page holds one or more simple shaped and colored item ~ "circle next to berry, square by bear by sweet ~on white background. Though it's not a rhyming book, somehow the author has so carefully chosen the descriptors as to roll off the tongue like a song. Colors from simple red to bright magenta. A book that can be read over and over and children will chant "down below is indigo magenta up above" as they learn to recognize colors and shapes.
P.S. To the publisher: by comparing in your introduction to the classics of Ahlberg, Boynton and Martin, you do this book a disservice. It's so much more.
P.S. To the publisher: by comparing in your introduction to the classics of Ahlberg, Boynton and Martin, you do this book a disservice. It's so much more.
September 5, 2021
Wow wow wow! As a mom of teens, THIS is the book I needed when they were little! Delightful rhythm, simple but unique and beautiful illustrations… wow! I could read it over and over again and not get tired of it! It engages the reader to follow along and look closely at the illustrations as well as answering questions and encourages creativity.
Thank you Chronicle Books for the Advanced Reading Copy.
Thank you Chronicle Books for the Advanced Reading Copy.
October 1, 2021
Such a unique concept book that’s fun to read out loud. Built in activities will have kids learning and pointing out what they find inside the book. I have a feeling many will take what they learn and make their own shape/color/position puzzles.
November 28, 2021
Deceptively simple, definitely brilliant. Destined to be a new classic.
January 7, 2022
Another clever and unique book by author/illustrator Carter Higgins. A great way for littles to learn about colors, shapes, objects, and position. Can’t wait to read this one to my young grandkids.
January 19, 2022
Excellent example of a concept book for pre-school children.
September 4, 2025
Shape storytime. I chose this when I was still kind of waffling about trying to do shapes AND colors - it really works for either theme. It's cute, but probably not one I'd pick again for an older crowd. It might also be more fun to read one on one and point out the different shapes and colors. Since we have a mixed-age crew at storytime this season, I'm doing some experimenting with different kinds of stories - some that are probably more for toddler time, and some that may require more sitting still. This has shown me I might need to have some backups, depending on the age of my crew on any given day. Hmmm!
April 9, 2026
The Story: A beautifully minimalist concept book that uses bright colors and simple shapes to explore patterns, colors, and spatial relationships. It plays with placement and wordplay in a way that keeps toddlers and preschoolers engaged with every page turn.
The Character Connection: This was a hit for its simplicity! It’s a fantastic tool for practicing prepositions and spatial awareness. My kids loved pointing out the different shapes and imagining what they looked like. Because it’s so light and simple, it's a great "park book"—perfect for tossing in the bag for some quick, educational fun while out enjoying the fresh air and a picnic.
The Character Connection: This was a hit for its simplicity! It’s a fantastic tool for practicing prepositions and spatial awareness. My kids loved pointing out the different shapes and imagining what they looked like. Because it’s so light and simple, it's a great "park book"—perfect for tossing in the bag for some quick, educational fun while out enjoying the fresh air and a picnic.
October 27, 2021
I love this playful and vibrant celebrations of colors, shapes, and relationships. This is a perfect book to read to preschool-aged children. They will love the word-play and following along with the different objects described: "do you see frog by pig by circle? chicken over square? ..." This book has an Eric Carle style and appeal to it and it's one I think young children will want to revisit. Beautifully done!
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book by Chronicle Kids. Opinions are my own.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book by Chronicle Kids. Opinions are my own.
December 30, 2021
Colors, shapes, positionality, and objects with short, repetitive text that sometimes rhymes but always has very satisfying rhythm. Combines shapes together in interesting ways (sometimes reminding me of Shape Shift).
The book describes the shapes, words, colors, etc. as a kind of puzzle, and that feels right. And in a couple of places it asks questions of the reader ("what could __ become?") that I liked.
The book describes the shapes, words, colors, etc. as a kind of puzzle, and that feels right. And in a couple of places it asks questions of the reader ("what could __ become?") that I liked.
July 9, 2023
This is classified as a picture book, but the extra thick pages make me think it could also be a board book. While the premise of the book is great, I can see it being a bit too difficult for certain audiences, especially if you are trying to introduce different spatial awareness concepts. Changing what you are looking at with each picture (i.e. color, shape, picture) is a great way to show children how they can classify the same thing in different groups, the wording of the book sometimes make it hard to follow, specifically as an introduction to spatial awareness.
October 1, 2021
Compare the spatial relationships of different objects in this rhyming picture book with thick pages for little hands. The illustrations are bold and inviting, a combination of shapes and also objects like frogs, grasshoppers and an octopus who becomes upside down. There are colors to explore, shapes to find, and plenty to discover in this simple book that asks readers to participate. The text is perfect to share aloud with a small or large group who are sure to want to join in.
October 1, 2021
"Circle Under Berry" is sure to be popular with young listeners and their adult caregivers. The use of bold illustrations and simple text combine to make an interactive, engaging reading experience. A clever presentation that masterfully combines the concepts of colors, shapes, sight words, and prepositions.
Publication Date: 2021
Elements: Bold illustrations, simple text; interactive
Connection/Topics: Colors, shapes, sight words/prepositions
Publication Date: 2021
Elements: Bold illustrations, simple text; interactive
Connection/Topics: Colors, shapes, sight words/prepositions
November 8, 2021
Clever concept book that is chock-full of concepts. It definitely would have to be read in different ways for different audiences and trying to take it all in at the same time is a little overwhelming. It can feel like little IQ tests on each page. I enjoyed the different ways of looking at a single object: as a shape, color, animal, or object, or any combo of these, as well as the art style that feels like a nod to Eric Carle.
February 1, 2022
There isn't much of a story, but there are eye-catching simple illustrations that can lead to a lot of discussion and learning. Lots of practice for the early prepositions, colors, and shapes kids need to be ready for learning and for ESL learners. The text and action begins very simply, but increases in length and complexity by the end of the book. I can see lots of accompanying art activities with basic shapes in clear crayon colors.
April 23, 2023
This interactive concept book invites readers to explore colors, shapes, and simple objects arranged in vertical or horizontal lines—“a stack of shapes / can make you think / and wonder what you see.” The book also offers a language lesson on prepositions as readers can come up with other ways to describe the relationships of the figures (cut and collaged from hand-painted paper and assembled digitally against a white background). (PreK-Gr 2)
October 30, 2021
I can't wait to present in-person story times again and read aloud this concept book that explores colors, shapes, opposites, and prepositions. The illustrations, simple and clear, bright and colorful, and reminiscent of Eric Carle, are amply surrounded by white space that makes them pop off the page. I can see myself using this in the same game-like way I do Hervé Tullet's books.
January 29, 2022
This was really good, but it had the potential to be great. I'll probably go back and give it 4th star, but I'm cranky about the missed potential. White background and clear shapes, and then a bit of creativity with the shapes to give them personality. Lots of clear visuals for kids to find and then stretch their imaginations and identifications a bit.
February 16, 2022
CIRCLE UNDER BERRY IS A bright, simple book that teaches so many concepts you can't keep up! It is full of shapes, colors, prepositions, oh my!
Carter Higgin's book is a perfect addition to your board book bookstack, but it is also ideal for the older picture book child who is still learning and honing concepts.
Carter Higgin's book is a perfect addition to your board book bookstack, but it is also ideal for the older picture book child who is still learning and honing concepts.
August 6, 2022
This is my three year old son's favorite book. We initially got it from the library and he wanted it read to him constantly followed. Eventually we had to purchase it for him. I think what he likes about it is that the shapes are described differently each time either by color, shape, or alternatively views i.e. circle under berry, berry over circle. Maybe, he just likes the shapes though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews