Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #433741 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Board book
• 24 pages

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-This very simple title teaches shapes and counting. However, since the illustrations are clear and realistic and the colors are true, it could be used for color and object identification as well. Starting with a double-page spread of a building with three square windows and a door, the text asks readers to find the bear in the square. A strip on the side gives a clue as to which window is the correct one. The text on the next page asks children to find the two hearts in the queen's hair, and the right-hand strip shows the shape to search for. The book continues through 10 stars in the dark. The shapes include simple ovals and stars but also zigzags, triangles, and crescents. Specific numbers are not mentioned, but youngsters will realize that the quantities of objects are increasing. Some of the illustrations are whimsical such as moons in a cave but others are realistic with balls in a swimming pool and rectangles in a classroom. Therefore, the presentation also offers opportunities to talk about realism versus fantasy. An engaging, brightly colored matching game for storytimes or for teaching concepts.
Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 3^-5. Bold graphics with bright colors and eye-zapping patterns will draw children to this picture book of shapes. Each spread invites children to search the double-page spread for a particular shape, which is also shown in a banner down the edge of the right-hand page. Those enamored of using one book for many purposes will want to note that the first shape appears in the banner once, the second shape twice, and so on, giving the book an alternative use as a counting book. The rhyming text challenges kids to "Find the circles in the pool / Find the rectangles in the school." Most of the shapes are clear, though "Find the moon . . ." is a bit confusing, since the moon is sometimes a circle; here moon appears to mean a crescent. Although better books on shapes are available, this concept book will find an audience. Recommended for larger collections. Carolyn Phelan

Ingram
Share the adventures of a big, friendly bear as he roams through all sorts of crazy settings, discovering different shapes along his way. With its vibrant art and lively, rhyming text, "Bear in a Square" offers a fun-filled and exciting way of helping small children learn their shapes. It also gives plenty of counting practice. Full-color illustrations.

Customer Reviews

Works on several levels
This is a great book for a pre-reader, up to age 4 or so. It teaches rhymes, shapes, colors and numbers, all in a sturdy board book illustrated with funny colorful pictures. Very cute!

Great baby book
I have this book as a board book, which is good because it's appropriate as a "baby's first" type of book. I just love it and my one year old just loves the bright pictures. When I put it down to get another one, he points to it again. The rhyming text is wonderful and the pictures are really cool and artsy and bright. My 3-year old also likes it because she understands how to find and count the shapes. I really recommend this one - perfect for a baby gift or first birthday!

A Cheerful Look into the World of Shapes
This bright, colorful book with whimsical illustrations is fun to look at. The big, bold words are easy for children to read, and the rhyming text is simple. It encourages children to look for the shapes hidden within each picture. While it has no real story line, it is valuable as a tool for learning shapes and colors. It may be a bit too simplistic for some, if they are of reading age. It might be more appropriate as a board book, rather than a hardcover.