Shapes are one of those hallmark skills of early childhood education and books, of course, are one of my favorite ways to teach them.
Below is a list of books for a week of learning about shapes.
This was originally shared as part of our A Read A Day challenge. You can read more about it in this intro post.
Book Suggestions for Week Four:
Let’s Learn Shapes
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Monday: Read a Book about Shapes
Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stoll Walsh
From the creator of Mouse Paint and Mouse Count comes this fun book about shapes. I love the way Ellen Stoll Walsh plays around with concepts. What can you make with shapes? After you read this you’ll be dying to find out.
Tuesday: Read a Book about Squares
Perfect Square by Michael Hall
I’m a huge Michael Hall fan. His books are creative and entertaining. This is another book that will have you reaching for the scissors to play around with squares when you’re done reading. His illustrations are the best part so make sure to soak them in.
Wednesday: Read a Book about Triangles
Triangles by Yusuke Yonezu
What can a triangle be? That’s the question this cute board book asks and answers. With peep holes and basic shapes, this book explores the different places you find triangles in the world. This is a simple and fun book to read with toddlers.
Thursday: Read a Book about Circles
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
This is one of my favorite books. This is a celebration of the unique artist in everyone. It begins with a disheartened child who believes she can’t draw. Her teacher prompts her to “make a mark and see where it takes you.” When she stubbornly makes a jab at the paper creating one dot, her teacher again encourages her pondering the dot, asking her to sign it, and framing it in a place of honor. Soon the young artist has created a wall of art inspired by that one dot. I love the simple pen, tea and watercolor illustrations and the universality of the story. A beautiful message about art, creativity, and how a moment of quiet encouragement from one person can change a life.
Friday: Read a Book about Hearts
My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall
This was my first introduction to Michael Hall’s genius and it obviously made an impression. I apologize to all the many other awesome authors and illustrators of shape books because Hall is taking over this list – but I couldn’t decide between the two I included. In this book Hall uses hearts in the most fascinating and unexpected ways to create a whole zoo of animals.
Saturday: Read a Book about Shapes in the Environment
Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Thong
This follows a little girl in her city neighborhood as she finds shapes all around her. Rice bowls, dim sum, pizzas and so much in between. The illustrations are full of brilliant color and the text is lyrical in a way that lends itself to reading aloud.
Sunday Author Spotlight: Leslie Patricelli
Be Quiet, Mike by Leslie Patricelli
If you have a toddler, look for Leslie Patricelli wherever you find books. She has so very many fun board books full of bold colors, basic concepts, and endless fun. We love every one of her books we have read and own several, but this is definitely a favorite. Mike is loud – like most toddlers – and comes up with the most inventive ways to make noise.
