A Trapezoid Is Not a Dinosaur!

by Suzanne Morris

In this wildly amusing, unconventional shape concept book, Trapezoid is here to declare that he's a shape, too. He's NOT a type of dinosaur!Shape up, shapes! Triangle is hosting auditions for all the best shapes to be in his play. Circle, Square, and Star each get a part. But Trapezoid just doesn't "fit in." Is he even a shape? The others think he sounds like a type of dinosaur. Determined to show off his usefulness, Trapezoid tries to act like the other shapes, to no avail. Eventually, though, Trapezoid celebrates his own distinct shape properties in order to become part of the performance.

Genres: Picture Books, Mathematics, Childrens, Space, Dinosaurs, Storytime, Kids

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2019

About the author

Suzanne Morris is an author, illustrator, and designer. She holds a BFA from Parsons School of Design. A TRAPEZOID IS NOT A DINOSAUR! (Charlesbridge, 2019) is her debut picture book. Her marks are made by hand, using pencils, ink, and watercolor, with a digital finish. Suzanne offers engaging programs for schools and libraries to inspire readers to follow their own creative dreams. Please visit her online at www.suzannemorrisart.com.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do people think of trapezoids as ... DINOSAURS? Math may not be my strongest area, but I never got that confused. The illustrations here are adorable, and if you like puns then this will be your sort of humor. There is a subtext of social understanding and improving going on in the background of the casting for the play that I am not sure kids will pick up on, for good or for bad. This was okay. What can I say about a shapes book like this?

[Wendy Rhoads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever and witty dialogue telling a charming story! I loved it!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

You may disagree, but I think this book would make a marvelous mentor text to share with older writer/researchers to learn another idea for presenting research! One can pretend and write a short play while lying underneath the dialogue are the facts! Suzanne Morris has done just that, having Triangle direct a new play, "Shapes in Space"! She adds just the right words and lots of fun movement and expressions in the illustrations. She makes it look easy to show happiness and sadness on a triangle! Gags galore appear as the five shapes vie for parts, and there's learning about shapes along the way. Among them are a square has four sides, can make a box. Trapezoid in its zany comeback replies, "I also have four sides. But I think outside the box." After actually being cast with a 'dino' costume, Trapezoid goes bonkers because "A Trapezoid is NOT a Dinosaur." Star laments, "He's really out of shape." Ha, ha!
Aside from this shape-shifting, Suzanne Morris' words and illustrations also create a way to discuss when someone doesn't seem to fit in. The reply: "But I have some good points, too." With some creative thinking, it does end with everyone included, and that Trapezoid is NOT a Dinosaur!

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The publisher’s blurb for this Math-centered picture picture books calls it “wildly amusing.” I do not believe that the target audience of 1st-3rd graders or their teachers will find any laugh out loud moments, but the brightly colored illustrations will attract them. The factual information about shapes is paired with a story of a casting call for a play which provides plenty of context to support students’ learning of basic geometry. Librarians and care-givers of younger elementary students who are looking to combine math and reading should consider this one.

[Elaina Albarado · Rating 3 out of 5]

This math related children's books teaches students about some of the early facts of shapes in geometry. The story fit in as a natural connection to math because it started off with triangle holding auditions for the space show. All the other shapes have a certain amount if sides and are even in a way but trapezoid just doesn't fit in. The other shapes think that trapezoid is a dinosaur because he is different but trapezoid tries to explain that it is a shape with one parallel side. The book describes each shape with fun learning facts throughout the book. At the end the other shapes realize that trapezoid does fit in as a supportive shape and he can be used to form the rocket in the show. I think that this would be a good book that would engage kids in learning about shapes with the fun facts and humorous comments. The illustrations are also engaging as well and gives readers a great depiction and visualization of the facts that each shape is mentioning.

[Hannah Sale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is super cute and fun to read! I might not have understood the main theme of the trapezoid being a dinosaur, but I still think the overall teaching concept is there. I love that students gain an understanding of shapes and what the name of each shape is. With this book, I can also teach students the number of sides that each shape has which can also help students classify a shape. I would read this to my Kindergarten students before we learn about shapes, their names, and how many sides they have. One activity that students could do is a "claw game" with a partner. Students could randomly pull a shape out of a bag of manipulatives, name the shape, and count each side to classify it. I would love to do this activity and use this book to teach students about shapes in my future classroom one day.

[Kevin P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read engaged me in the very well designed story where design includes storytelling with ample room for extended activities/explorations. Readers or listeners are prompted to see how the speech of the shapes fit the drawings, to guess what might happen next and to pay attention to details that are not specifically referenced in this story. These extended activities are subtle and secret, but on every page making this appropriate learning/ discussion for older youngsters. The artistic sensibility of brilliant colors for each of 5 shapes is visually pleasing. These shapes work at integrating to make a coordinated show of the distinctive qualities of each, while illustrations display how they might get together for a common purpose.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of a misunderstood shape trying to assert itself. Triangle is directing a play and Trapezoid is determined to be a part of it. Unfortunately, everyone seems to think that a trapezoid is a kind of dinosaur (hence the title). Trapezoid, however, is able to prove to all that it's a good shape to have around.

With gorgeously rendered backgrounds, the story humorously introduces shapes to readers with particular emphasis (of course) on the trapezoid. But there is also a social aspect to this tale. Trapezoid is made to feel bad for not being a "normal" shape. Despite this Trapezoid comes through, in the end, to play an integral part in the show. The end of the book features some information on the shapes featured in the book and how to look for them in everyday life.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Triangle is directing a play about space, and Trapezoid really wants to be in it, but because he's not a "traditional shape" the others don't know where he fits in. In fact, Triangle calls him a Dinosaur, so he has to take a more non-traditional approach to getting cast in the play.

Suzanne Morris' illustrations are hilarious. The story is so cute you forget you are learning about shapes. I loved when they made the Trapeziod put on a dinosaur costume. So fun, the children will read it again and again.

For this and more of my reviews, visit https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Amanda Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Age: K-3rd
This book was unique because it brings the shapes to life and they are "acting" in a play. This book would be great to introduce shapes to students or even use it to expand their prior knowledge. This book focuses on teamwork and embracing being different. Teamwork is good for children to learn because they learn to work together. Likewise, it teaches them that working with others makes something even better than when trying to do it on their own. The trapezoid in the story has a hard time fitting in because the other shapes make fun of his sides. Children struggle with self-confidence, so I think this would be a good book for students to read. They can learn to embrace their differences because everyone has something to contribute.

[Kimberly Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this clever shape book, we are introduced to several characters who are auditioning to get in a shape show, including the main character, Trapezoid. The problem is Trapezoid is the only one who thinks he belongs with the other shapes. Not only does this book provide fundamental information about each geometric shape, it delivers shape comparisons in an engaging, narrative way. Entertaining for all ages. This book's witty dialogue and endearing characters are sure to capture the attention of its readers for multiple rereads. A must read.

[Susie Jin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really fun shapes story with bright, dynamic illustrations by Suzanne Morris. Trapezoid is excited to join the show and tries so hard to find a part to play, despite being told repeatedly that he is different and doesn't fit in. In the end, Trapezoid "thinks outside the box" and his persistence pays off with a part that lets him "reach for the stars!" Morris is simultaneously punny and educational. Kids will have plenty of chances to smile as they learn more about shapes and the power of a can-do attitude.

[Dr. T Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What it's about: Triangle is putting on a play, and Trapezoid wants a part. But the other shapes don't understand Trapezoid - they think he is a dinosaur! As the other shapes explain themselves, Trapezoid's self-explanation falls on deaf ears. But he's determined to get involved in the play, one way or another!

What I thought: This was a cute, fun book. The title pulled me in, and the fun exploration of shapes throughout the plot kept me around!

Why I rated it like I did: This could be a great book for math classes in lower (or upper!) grades.

[Ashley S · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Triangle puts on a performance, all the shapes find a fitting part, except for Trapezoid because everyone thinks he's a dinosaur. Trapezoid tries to prove he belongs without success until he finds the perfect part and saves the show. Information on shapes and perfectly placed puns make this a humorous and entertaining story. My 4yo always wants to read this book for a couple years now when he sees the cover.

[E Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic story of a shape just trying to fit in.
A journey filled with lots of heart and fun.
It's a treat to read it out loud for children and adults,
and all will enjoy the gorgeous
illustrations along the way. The end of the tale provides
a wonderful take away and surprise. Love this book!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trapezoid has to explain that it is not a dinosaur. I can see how ppl would think so, but Trapezoid is not a dino. All Trapezoid wants to do is fit in the play but no one can take them seriously. There's a bit of pigeonholing and a bit of bullying and a bit of interrupting chicken, but I liked this story that helped put square pegs...err trapezoids in space!

[Hannah Bushaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiction / humor

Kindergarten- 3rd grade reading levels

I absolutely loved this book as it teaches you the differs shapes, along with the importance of each shape. By knowing the names of each shape, you could identify the number of sides that each shape represented. I would recommend this book to your class as it would be a simple way to introduce and teach shapes to them.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The circle, star, triangle, and square tell the trapezoid that it doesn't fit into their play, but eventually they need it to make a good rocket.

There are bits about a trapezoid having four sides but not four equal sides or (four) right angles (a trapezoid can have two right angles, but of course the one shown is isosceles) and about a triangle on top of a trapezoid making a larger triangle.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

About identification of shapes.

There's a story line about casting a play about going to space. They want the trapezoid to be a dinosaur. When the trapezoid refuses, they're left out of the play. But then, the trapezoid saves the day by turning into the rocket boosters.

Only shows an equilateral triangle (there are more kinds!).
Also, feels like the exclusive definition of trapezoid.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is a trapezoid, and does it deserve to be in the great shapes performance? Nope, a trapezoid is not a dinosaur, but maybe one can go to space.

This is a silly book based on a silly premise, but it does a great job introducing key geometry concepts, like angles and lines and parallels and corners. And I'll never confuse a trapezoid with a reptile again.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trapezoid must convince the other shapes at the play audition that he is indeed not a dinosaur. Despite all his uses, he is too strange a shape to join-- until he proves himself as an adequate rocket launcher. Full of fun, sharp edged puns!

[Mama Bearian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Triangle is directing a space show, and all of the shapes are trying out for it. But when Trapezoid shows up, they think that a trapezoid is a dinosaur and won't let him try out. Eventually, though, they see that Trapezoid may save the show!

[Erin Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute way to show kids that even if others may not think you fit it, you can prove that you do with a little determination and imagination. It's important for kids to learn that they may not be able to change the way they are, it's still possible to stand out and be useful at the same time.

[Naomi Gruer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My preschool class enjoyed this story! Trapezoid wants to be in Triangle's space show, but he doesn't seem to fit in anywhere---until he does. Trapezoid's determination and the combination of other shapes along with humor and puns makes this story a delight (and educational) for young children.

[Allison Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very punny. The shapes are putting on a play and each shape is trying out for a part in the play. But the other shapes think the Trapezoid isn't a shape.

The illustrations are cute. My children liked the story and thought it was funny. The puns are super cheesy.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bright, colorful, fun introduction to shapes.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is pretty punny ;-)

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

best part is the circle liking snacks.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was fine. I don't think it'd make a great read aloud but it could work for a pre-craft story.