Green Lizards vs Red Rectangles

by Steve Antony

Green Lizards vs. Red Rectangles is an exciting new picture book from Steve Antony, the bestselling author and illustrator of Please, Mr. Panda!

The Green Lizards wanted to defeat the Red Rectangles.
The Red Rectangles wanted to defeat the Green Lizards.
They were at war!
Eventually they realized,
Enough Is Enough!
They stopped fighting, and by working together the Green Lizards and the Red Rectangles found a way to live peacefully.

Who will win, the green lizards or the red rectangles? Young readers will understand the value of living in friendship and peace. In the end, it's not about who wins but rather working together and having fun!

Genres: Picture Books, War, Childrens, Storytime, Animals, Fiction, Friendship

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2015

About the author

Since his 2014 debut, Steve Antony has so far written and illustrated over 20 picture books, including the Mr Panda series, The Queen Collection, Unplugged, Green Lizards Vs Red Rectangles, Amazing and You Can. Steve has been nominated seven times and long listed once for the Kate Greenaway Medal. The Queen's Hat was adapted into a musical concert by the London Symphony Orchestra and won the Evening Standard's Oscar's Book Prize. His award winning Mr Panda series has so far sold over one million copies worldwide and has been optioned for TV. Steve also illustrated Tim Minchin's When I Grow Up, a cover of the Famous Five and the all-new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (adapted by Peter Bently). He has contributed work to the LGBTQ+ Pride YA anthology and Drawing Europe Together.

Reviews

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, except that at the end the society of the green lizards is built upon the backs of colonized and oppressed red triangles whose progeny will inevitably fight back, leading to an even larger civil war.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even a five year old knows that a truce can't be brokered this easily, much less a lasting peace.

We already have books on the theme; remember the ones from the 70s with flowers, for example? And of course the Dr. Seuss one, with the Stars on the Bellies... Those may not have accomplished much, but at least they were appealing, not weird. This is just annoying.

New books need shelf space, and they all too often get it at the expense of older, but better, books. Say something worth saying, or don't say anything.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really awesome. The bold colours kill me, and the fact that we don't even know why or how this war started - and the one lizard who dared to ask was squished. He became a martyr, presumably, causing the war to escalate, until only a few pages later when peace is brokered. Would peace have happened anyway? Did that one lizard give his life to speed up the end of the war, or was it a senseless death?

After all these thoughts, I noticed the back endpapers included a lizard with a bandage on...and it turns out, this is the same squashed lizard who appears on every page after the squashing sporting a bandage. So, no one had to die! That's good. Also, the endpaper shows a budding romance between this lizard and a lucky red rectangle, so obviously whatever prejudices they were harboring during the war were quickly forgotten after the peace treaty. Unless this is a long-term romance that they are only now allowed to pursue publicly! Maybe this is how the war started in the first place, and the lizard's cry of "What are we fighting for?" is actually a plea for lenience and understanding.

There are a lot of layers to this book.

[IvyInThePages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes!

[Amy Aldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic book that uses colour, line, positioning and so many of the picture book codes in such a clever way. A book so simple at first glance, yet on deeper thought this book can be a powerful tool to use with older children yet still simple to use with those who are younger. A book for all to enjoy and learn from.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, it's a very simplistic approach to war, but a good discussion starter for younger students.

[Ellis Balague · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lighthearted spin on the serious topic of conflict.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green Lizards and Red Rectangles takes trademark Antony’s detailed drawings a step further. Soldiers and police officers dominated the earlier titles, this book features a colossal number of green lizards, each in a different position with a different expression. However, as the title implies, these are not passive lizards – they are in a big fight against the red rectangles. This is a fantastically clever book about conflict.

The book illustrates a war between the two factions, each page shows them fighting. When one green lizard asks what they are fighting for, he is promptly squashed by a red rectangle. Steve Antony cleverly depicts the futility of war – rectangles are inanimate objects.

The colours are well chosen – they stand out in direct contrast to each other. The page in which Antony describes the red rectangles as being smart is particularly clever. The lizards have pushed over a red rectangle, and more are toppling, but as the reader traces round the page, they discover the domino effect – in the end the last tall rectangle will fall on the lizards, crushing them.

The page in which the green lizards demonstrate their strength in numbers, managing to push back the red rectangles, is also witty and astute. Not all the lizards appear to be as gung-ho as the others – take a good look at their body posture and expressions.

When the war turns particularly bad in the middle of the book, the rectangles and lizards take to fighting each other individually. Again, there is much to notice on these pages – spot the ninja lizard, and the injured one.

There is resolution at the end though. Firstly, Antony correctly shows conflict as being exhausting – and then when a truce is called, the arrangement at the end is rather effective. Rather than resolving the fight by homogenising the differences between the two, Antony shows that the two sides may have stark differences, but they can live side by side – in a surprising way. You can read the rest of my review here http://www.minervareads.com/?p=1775

[Andrew Shumate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly have no idea how well this book would go over during read aloud. It's a bit out there. I'm getting ahead of myself though.
I really truly like this book. I smiled as I read the entire thing. Granted I just love weird stuff like this. Sentient lizards facing off against sentient red rectangles is right up my alley. The book does get a bit preachy at times but it seems like Antony was very wary of this and is quick to follow up any message with an immensely goofy image or twist. For example, one lizard wises up and inquires as to why the the two factions are even fighting. When the page is turned the reader finds that the curious lizard has been promptly squashed by a red rectangle. I'm sorry, but I just find that funny. I will no get a bit more official.

The illustrations are simple, yet fun. The illustrations frequently cross the gutter and each individual lizard is very expressive which makes me think that a child would enjoy gazing at the picture for a while.

The story is very simple. The lizards and rectangles are fighting, then they realize that life would be better if they worked together. Is the story engaging enough to draw kids back after a single read aloud. Maybe not. But the humor and overall silliness of the book might.

The "Message" is good. Violence is never the best thing for everybody and when people work together it can prove to be beneficial for all. The simple message reflects the simple story. Like I stated earlier. The message is often burried within the humor enough to keep it from being off-putting.

It's not a perfect book but I liked it enough to buy it and I'm excited to share it in a read-aloud.

[Byford's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sincerely believe this is a book that should be read to all children. Furthermore, I believe the message this wonderful little story conveys is one which each and everyone of us should hold close to our hearts.
Steve Antony is a truly exciting and reasonably new member to the world of children’s writing. In 2014 Antony won the Oscar’s First Book Prize and was also nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal for his debut book, The Queen’s Hat, and with his recent publication, GREEN LIZARDS VS RED RECTANGLES, his talent once again blows us away!

Admittedly, when this book first arrived in my bookshop it was judged solely by the title as something odd, which differed greatly from the majority of picture books we usually stock. However, once myself and my fellow children’s booksellers opened it up we all fell in love instantly. It’s ridiculously CUTE!

Putting aside the engaging and wonderfully composed art work, Antony has written a short and powerful tale which is a real champion for peace. Yes the GREEN LIZARDS and the RED RECTANGLES are at war, but the message within this story is more than showing us peace is preferable to conflict. it’s about accepting difference and how through understanding we can live harmoniously, happily and together.

BB Rating: 4/5

MORE REVIEWS https://byfordsbooks.wordpress.com/

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute books about cooperation, and friendship.

The green lizards want to defeat the red rectangles and get rid of them. The red rectangles want to do the same to the green lizards.

When both sides realize they are not getting anywhere fighting with each other, they decide to compromise and work together. Then it makes fun for everyone.

This has such a great moral to the story. Such a fun way to teach kids how to work together, and get along with everyone.

I need to have grand kids soon....I need a reason to buy all the children's books I want. hehehe.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a lesson in this, but it's delivered with such cute pictures that it wasn't too didactic for me. Plus, it is a very timely lesson considering all that is going on in the world. That last page spread--so cute!!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will lead to several interesting conversations about conflict sand cause and effect. Great for a variety of age groups not just under fives

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful visuals, this might be a book adults like for the message more than kids. would be doable as a read-aloud.

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just don't love it as much as Mr Panda, although the whole red-green color blindness does change my perspective.

Library copy

[Sue Winson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute children book with a big hidden message: war and peace. 23 month old little-AJ finds it funny to see a huge group of green lizards trying to push and squeeze some red rectangles to the side of the book, and the red power trying to overcome and defeat the green. Colours wise, they are striking (and very Christmasy too). I like it, but this is not something that I feel like re-reading over and over again.

Steve Antony takes a very simplistic approach to a really major world issue. "What are we fighting for?" Asked one green lizard (and probably many more people around the world). The green lizard for squashed, and this led to a bigger war. "Enough is enough" said one red rectangle, so a truce occurred, and the green lizards and red rectangles live in peace together.

We all know things are not that simple, realistically speaking. But this book will be a good conversation starter for young kids about war and fight and truce and peace and other difficult themes, without the need to deal with gruesome images of war zone and deaths.

Blog review here: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...

[Claire Waldron-Gross · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, for a while after it first came out I really liked using this in class visits. The book itself is very spare, but it tells a story with lots of implications, making it perfect for discussion. I ask the kids why they think the lizards and rectangles are fighting, what are some other ways they could resolve those problems, etc., and I get lots of great responses. Then I had a lightbulb moment that, actually, this isn't about two groups coming together in peace. No, it's about one group colonizing and exploiting the other. The resolution of the conflict is the lizards and rectangles working together and sharing, but really, the rectangles become the houses for the lizards, so what are they getting out of this arrangement, other than not being knocked over all the time?

I have no idea if this implication is intentional or not, but it's pretty fascinating either way. I will go back to using this with classes at some point, but I need to figure out how to direct the conversation differently so that we think about this angle ("angle," ha).

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green lizards Vs Red Rectangles by Steve Anthony- Children’s coloured picture book- I have read this book in Hindi language. The story is about struggle, fight, war for existence between Green Lizards and Red Rectangles. Participants do not question the reason & cause for the fight. One lizard questions “why are we fighting?” He is immediately killed. Ultimately both lizards and red rectangles are tired and come on the table for settlement. By discussion they find out a solution of how both can exist with each other. The solution is that lizards live in the area between the rectangles. They conclude that on one loses in the battle. They must find a win- win situation for both to co-exist in peace. This is easy pictorial way to teach children the art of peace and survival by considering the facilities of other participants.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caution: Do not read this fable if you believe that war is good.

Otherwise, reading this book, be prepared to find a great deal of drama related to war. However, it may never feel threatening because it's only a war between Green Lizards and Red Rectangles.

Such a relief to those of us who are prone to nightmares! Especially if we dream in color.

Under the circumstances, rectangles fighting reptiles, how seriously can we take such a war? Not very.

Perhaps this contributes to the beauty of the story. So does the artwork, which at times would be frighteningly detailed if "The Biggest War Ever" were the least bit believable.

As it is, we can enjoy a beautifully written and illustrated picture book, with its message of extreme idealism.

FIVE STARS for how Steve Antony preaches to the choir.

[Kelsey Kozar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seems odd at first but as you keep reading it has a great message behind it. To an adult this book has a deeper meaning about war. To a child on the other hand it has a great message of sometimes when you fight you do not know the reasoning but regardless of fighting you can come up with a compromise at the end. This book is a great lesson for children especially when it comes to those who may not get along. This book has a plain background but the rectangles and lizards are very bright and pop out off the page which makes it very engaging.

[Lydia.290 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple story of war and lease. Suggests everything can work out and a conclusion can be made. Could be used if a child is unable to form peace within a friendship group.

The colours stand in direct contrast to each other. Each individual lizard is very expressive so children’s I’ll enjoy looking at the pictures, particularly the squashed lizard with a bandage on its head.
A good discussion starter for children about war.

[Deke Moulton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Minimal words and cute drawings try to convey the story of warring factions deciding to love together in peace. However, the story over simplifies peace efforts by simply saying “enough is enough.” I feel like this makes real harms caused through the trauma of war seem trivial or easily surpassed, especially as the book includes no apologies, no real seeking off midge ground. Literally “enough is enough” and they realize that they can live together peacefully.

[Lindsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

The drawing of the lizards were cute--the baby seemed to be drawn the to the red rectangles but I don't feel the need to re-read this book. It tries to talk about friendship and war but I just couldn't get past the fact that rectangles could talk and weren't just objects but rather characters. Really strange.

[Jvermeersch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lukte wel om het leuk te maken al voorlezend, maar moest er moeite voor doen met gebaren en geluiden.
Blijft heel simpel. Laat denk ik weinig indruk na.
Al was mijn dochter wel gecharmeerd door het huiselijke van de laatste pagina en voelde ze mee met die ene hagedis die niet in een hokje zat.

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this was off to a really good start. The two sides are fighting a war they don't remember starting. One even asks why. A great chance to write about tolerance or thinking for yourself, but it just kind of ends. Truces aren't that easy.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely cheeky book about a battle between a hoard of green lizards and sentient red rectangles, and why they decide to stop fighting. The contrasting colours, simple text, and silly premise is sure to delight storytime crowds, while unobtrusively teaching them about the absurdity of war.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the surface this is a simple story about fighting between lizards and rectangles. The illustrations are bold with loads of tiny details to catch your attention. It could be used with children of all ages to spark discussion about war and disagreements - a great starting point.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps adults should read this during this polarizing election season. Green Lizards and Red rectangles fighting. And no one really knows why. And Shockingly, they could get along if they really wanted!

[Jane Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creative and fun way to introduce conflict to children- what are we fighting for? Is a telling page as well as a well deserved truce in the end. The drawings of the warfare is amazingly creative and my kids just loved them!

[Lauren Stohler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncomplicated but satisfying! The graphic chaos was delightful. I enjoyed this book most as a visual experience. Going from disorder to order (not to mention that Escher-like squishy sprawl of lizards) was very...peaceful. :)