The Shape of You

PreS-K–Shapes are everywhere, from the huge expanse of the round earth to the small cube of ice in a glass of water. But while some shapes are predictable and obvious, others are more subjective, like the shape of the wind or the shape of love. But no matter what kind of shape something takes, or whether it changes or stays the same over time, it is an important component of the boundless universe. Throughout this picture book, shapes are presented to readers in a lyrical, poetic way, and rather than explaining every shape directly, the narrative often leaves space for interpretation and discussion. Paper collage-style illustrations layering fabric and other textures depict a child and a caregiver interacting together in several contexts in a safe environment that is just the right size for them. Children and their caregivers reading this book will delight in the possibility and wonder that emerge from the page in each moment, especially as they search for secrets and fill in the voids intentionally designed to inspire deeper reflection. The text itself is beautiful to both read aloud and to hear, but it is secondary to the illustrations due to its overall brevity and the small size of the font. Together, however, the images and the words flow beautifully, creating a memorable story to share with a loved one.