Shapesville

by Andy Mills, Becky Osborn, Erica Neitz (Illustrator)

Shapesville is a picture book about five friends who live in a small town. They are all different shapes, sizes, and colors, and each has an unique talent. They encourage children to celebrate their own differences and learn that, "It’s not the size of your shape, or the shape of your size, but the size of your heart, and that deserves first prize. So be proud of your body, any size or shape will do. Be proude of your body because YOU are a STAR too!" Discussion questions and brief information for educators and parents are in the back of the book.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Mathematics, Self Esteem

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute overview of the most common shapes as playful animated characters. We didn't dislike the book, but have a few others we like for teaching shapes better. Our family favorites are Have You Seen My Monster? and Tangled: A Story About Shapes.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 2 out of 5]

"In Shapesville it doesn't matter what size or shape you are now... just ask our friends - they will tell you how happy and healthy YOUR shape can be. Just try all the food groups and you too will see! Take care of your body, love it, have fun, for we all are unique, whether we bike, swim, or run. Just do what you like and like what you do, go find an exercise that's just right for you"

[Nakya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for a young age group focusing on the concept of shapes. This book not only discusses shapes but also focuses on the fact that everyone is unique. The book promotes positivity of all shapes and sizes. This would be a book that invites readers to admire and benefit from the vivid illustrations that do a great job portraying the story. The illustrations are strong enough that if this was a wordless picture book the illustrations would be able to tell the story. This book is also fitting for children to make personal connections to their world because the world outside of the book is full of people of different shapes and sizes just like the book. The book is meant to teach young children that everyone is unique and accepted. The literary elements of this book include a theme that all children should learn about, that everyone is special and unique and we should be accepting of those around us.

[Chenoa Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

-Grades Pre-K and Kindergarten
This book is about all the different shapes in the town. It shows how all of them are stars in their own special way. Great book for students to pick out the shapes and name something special about them.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book as a possible lead into shapes for kindergarten. I recommend this book for prek as well. It includes explanations for shapes. Students could use as reference for defining shapes or remembering how to create them.

[Sam Wojtaszek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course you love this book, with goofy monster-like shapes that live in Shapesville and celebrate their uniqueness. And then there is Sam the Square: "He's perfectly tall and equally wide, and best of all Sam's happy inside." Was this book written for you or what?

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is never too early to work on positive body image.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world of increasing pressure to be thin, this children's book does a lovely job of describing how each of us is unique with our own set of strengths and weaknesses. Suitable for any audience.

[Sharonneika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows to show children that everyone is different. It encourages kids to accept their differences through shapes of different sizes and colors. It also has great illustrations.

[Kimberly Wright Oelkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Self esteem lesson using shapes. Genius idea for Kindergarten.

[Njtee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Body image, love of self

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A child's introduction to body positivity and the many differences that make us all unique.

[Terry]

We've got a review at the Reading Tub.