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annetjeberg's review against another edition
4.0
Great story, a bit dark, but a good conversation starter.
Illustrations, as always by Jon Klassen, are just wonderful!
Illustrations, as always by Jon Klassen, are just wonderful!
barbarianlibarian's review against another edition
3.0
a little boring, the illustrations are a little dull, but the characters are a little evil, and I like that, lol
bgprincipessa's review against another edition
4.0
Awesome read-aloud except for the part where it taught my kids the phrase "sneaky trick" - well, I love that too, but they're seriously sneaky.
beths0103's review against another edition
4.0
Another mischievous and thought-provoking yarn from dream team Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.
sasha_in_a_box's review against another edition
5.0
I got a peek at the book on Mac Barnett's iPad when he came to the Library to do a program (best day of my professional and book reader life ever). It's just so good. Jon Klassen's art is somehow even better than before, with so much depth and texture in the deceptively simple scenery. The colors are neutral, but what could have been boring and dreary in another's hands is instead whimsical, intriguing, adorable.
And the facial expressions of the titular character and his friend/maybe frenemy Square. I was cackling. Real talent right there, making federal employees cackle in public.
As for the story.. what can I say, it's Mac Barnett. It's funny and clever and eyebrow-raising. There is mischief, revenge, friendship, deception, prideful posturing, and adventure. And shape-related mysteries.
I recommend you read it, friends. If you enjoy picture books and delight.
And the facial expressions of the titular character and his friend/maybe frenemy Square. I was cackling. Real talent right there, making federal employees cackle in public.
As for the story.. what can I say, it's Mac Barnett. It's funny and clever and eyebrow-raising. There is mischief, revenge, friendship, deception, prideful posturing, and adventure. And shape-related mysteries.
I recommend you read it, friends. If you enjoy picture books and delight.
librariandest's review against another edition
4.0
I was at the bookstore in the children's section and this just jumped out at me. In a sea of complicated covers, the bold simplicity of it was like WHAM! to my eyes. I feel like that alone is great.
The story is pretty good. More Klassen-ish than Barnett-ish to me, which is to say subtle and almost sort of creepy. I expect something livelier from Mac Barnett. But the illustrations dominate this and they are in Jon Klassen's signature muted color palette which I think detracts a bit from the playfulness of the story.
Their other picture book collaborations, [book:Sam and Dave Dig a Hole|20708761] and [book:Extra Yarn|12065943] have human characters that are more classic cute. These shape characters have the same eyes as the animals in Klassen's hat series. And while I like how expressive they are, they also kind of creep me out. So intense.
The story is pretty good. More Klassen-ish than Barnett-ish to me, which is to say subtle and almost sort of creepy. I expect something livelier from Mac Barnett. But the illustrations dominate this and they are in Jon Klassen's signature muted color palette which I think detracts a bit from the playfulness of the story.
Their other picture book collaborations, [book:Sam and Dave Dig a Hole|20708761] and [book:Extra Yarn|12065943] have human characters that are more classic cute. These shape characters have the same eyes as the animals in Klassen's hat series. And while I like how expressive they are, they also kind of creep me out. So intense.
maa032's review against another edition
5.0
These books are beautifully illustrated and tell a wonderful little story. It is amazing how the authors were able to capture such humor in such simple stories. I absolutely delighted in reading these; I think these would be enjoyable for kids and adults to read over and over.
allmadhere106's review against another edition
3.0
I find this book really odd. When I think back on reading it--I know I've read it before but I just didn't rate it apparently--I feel like I love the book. However, when I actually read it, I'm not sure that I do. I know I like it, and the illustrations are amazing because Klassen is fabulous, but it's just one of those books that doesn't have a definitive purpose/message and kind of makes me go "Huh." I am still excited to read the other books in the series, especially since a new one just came out, but I don't think this is my favorite.
For: readers wanting a book with shapes; readers wanting a kooky adventure story.
Possible red flags: lying/manipulation/characters not being truthful; characters playing sneaky tricks; characters in slight peril.
For: readers wanting a book with shapes; readers wanting a kooky adventure story.
Possible red flags: lying/manipulation/characters not being truthful; characters playing sneaky tricks; characters in slight peril.