Title: Love, Triangle
Author: Marcie Colleen
Illustrator: Bob Shea
Publisher: Balzer & Bray, Oct. 3rd, 2017
Ages: 4-8
Themes: friendships, geometry, puns, shapes, conflict, jealousy
Opening:
Ever since they were a dot and a speck,
Circle and Square’s friendship had a shape of its own.
Synopsis:
Circle and Square have been best buds since they were a ‘speck’ and a ‘dot’. But now their friendship is invaded by cool dude, Triangle, and Circle and Square’s BFF bond starts to unravel. What can repair the damage to their relationship? Will Triangle’s party invite to them both do the trick?
Why I like this book:
A hilarious geometric friendship story with catchy bold graphic illustrations of the three characters that inject adorable personality into the three shapes!
The punny geometric humor will especially tickle the the older elementary readers’ math funny bone. Every age will enjoy this suspenseful but heart-filled story of friendship in conflict when a third person is added to the equation. And the solution to this tangle is truly inspired. Marcie combines well-paced humor with a slick lyrical delivery, which makes this a wonderful read-aloud, (though you won’t make it through without laughing!)
Activities/resources:
This text can be used in so many ways in the classroom.
- geometry units
- Shea’s shapes should inspire some great art projects
- as a mentor text for puns
- as a discussion about friendship
Marcie is a pro at teacher’s guide, so she has of course written her own for LOVE TRIANGLE, which you can access here.
Marcie also shares on Tara Lazar’s blog how she came up with the idea for LOVE TRIANGLE.
Here are some shape songs for Pre-K.
Each week a group of bloggers reviews picture books we feel would make great educational reads. To help teachers, caregivers and parents, we have included resources and/or activities with each of our reviews. A complete list of the thousands of books we have reviewed can be found sorted alphabetically and by topics, here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Eager to check out this super clever shape story. Thanks for the peek during PPBF!
Really looking forward to reading this one!
A winning idea for a picture book. My grandson would love the humor in this story.
I just got my copy this week and love it! The geometry is a fun addition to the “love triangle” friendship story. Very well done!
I’ve been waiting for this book, since I heard Marcie talk about it. Thank you for featuring it. I put it on my library list.
Love the theme of this colourful story. Marcie has mastered fun for kids.
What fun! Even for us less math-inclined. Can’t wait to read it… puns and all.
Can’t wait to see this one!
I am really looking forward to reading this one!!