I'm a massive fan of Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett, and I absolutely love this latest offering (as does my daughter). I won't go into a synopsis of this book, but this truly is a lovely book-both funny and touching, it is a joy to read and to read aloud. The writing is simple and sparse, but for under-5's this is perfect, and the story is conveyed perfectly. The illustrations are dark, but full of emotion and character, and the entire book is beautiful. I received a free copy of this in exchange for a free review, and I'm so thankful I did. Highly recommended!

Square is the second story in an imaginative shape trilogy. Triangle (introduced in book 1),Square and Circle are individuals with their own distinct personalities. It a beautiful and thought provoking tale. For me it highlights seeing the best in people. (or shapes), and of the power of friends seeing your true worth when you can't see it yourself. This was something I was able to talk about with my nieces and nephews - ages 6 to 10. It's well worth a read.

A picture book exploring the meaning if life and work and art and being - all through a square and a circle. Beautiful, heart wrenching illustrations using just of a few shapes and even fewer colours. Published in an appropriate format too! My husband enjoyed it too ("that is one of the best books I have read in my whole life"). He is a sculptor.

I am a huge fan of this writing and drawing duo! Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen are fantastic together; the story really would not work in a book filled with over complicated illustrations. It's the simplicity of it all that makes it perfect. Particularly when you can tell emotions through the slight movement of the character's eyes - the only features they have! 'Square' is the second instalment of the Shape series, and we meet another new character; Circle. Square is hard working, but gets stuck in his work, overthinks things and feels like a failure - something most of us adults can understand. But, we are all shown that with a different viewpoint, that failure can often be a success! I love the story and the message it brings to kids, but I also wouldn't mind having to read this book as a bedtime story every night for the next month! And that is a huge thing to consider when buying a new book for young kids!

The second in Barnett and Klassen's shape trilogy. Triangle came out last year and had me hooked, so I was very excited about Square. If you're already a fan, like me, you won't be disappointed! Just as funny and To those new to the series, let me say this: it's not for everyone. It is not your typical picture book - it's not bright and busy, it's muted and subtle; Klassen's illustrations are incredibly expressive - for characters who all have the same eyes, little in the way of body language and no other facial features, it's remarkable how much feeling they convey. Neither is it rhyming, fast paced and filled with noises; Barnett's text is short, sparse and simple, but in a carefully chosen, highly effective way. The combined effect is a story that is incredibly visual, instantly familiar and very funny. With such minimal use of colour and text, the popularity of these books with children really is a testament to what a great team this duo make. Our nephews and friends' children all loved Triangle, with repeated requests for it to be read, and I'm sure when they read Square they'll love that just as much as I do too! Just a year to wait for Circle now...