A bold and playful celebration of movement, energy, pattern, color and shape!

In a world oversaturated with beautiful photos (hello Instagram!) and imagery (hello 'Golden Age of Illustration'!) we sometimes forget the power that photos can have for our children. Seeing photographs of other kids in action promotes empathy, acknowledges the diversity of our community and encourages PLAY!

A bold and playful celebration of movement, energy, pattern, color and shape!

Kirkus Reviews

This Australian concept book involves the whole body. Twelve children bend, twist, and join limbs to form various shapes, all photographed against large, patterned pops of color. Readers are introduced to each child by name on the title-page spread. The kids start simply, with circles and triangles. Some shapes are accomplished alone (a circle with one's arms overhead or a "little" triangle with one's fingers). But most shapes are a collaborative effort. (Whenever one child's toes nearly touch another's face, the apprehensive looks are priceless.) Walker expertly photographs from various angles, though the overhead shots are by far the most clever and amusing. The shapes start to get more complicated (a star, a diamond) until interpretations become a bit looser and more creative. Children standing side by side holding hands are a wavy line, and two others hiding behind Ari with arms straight out becomes a six-armed "Ari-tangle." Orpin's backgrounds and frames often echo the shapes in case extra reinforcement is needed. The child ren are racially diverse with names hinting at ethnic diversity as well, and playful touches (tongues out, gleeful smiles) expertly capture childlike exuberance. A treat for all learners, kinesthetic or otherwise. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus 2019 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal Reviews

PreS-Gr 2—In this inviting concept book, children use their bodies to make different shapes. Brilliantly clear, eye-catching photographs showcase gross motor skills in action: "Luisa can make a circle with her arms." The performance portraits pop against bold colors like orange, green, and yellow, and the featured shape is highlighted in painted background patterns. Some shapes can be made individually ("Jasmine can make a little triangle with her fingers"), and others take teamwork (a rectangle is made with four friends lying down, positioned head to toe). Different camera angles and perspectives are artfully used to great effect, like the aerial shot of five kids sitting with straight legs out to make a star shape. The cheery, conversational text encourages children not only to recognize shapes in their world but also to make connections between themselves and others, and playfully prompts more abstract thinking ("I know, let's make up some new shapes of our own"). The personalities of the 12 diverse participants shine through, and their portraits and names are introduced in the front matter. VERDICT A kinetic celebration of body and mind.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont.