books
A Trapezoid is NOT a Dinosaur!
Suzanne's author-illustrator debut picture book
All the shapes want a part in Triangle's play, Shapes in Space. Square has all the right angles, Circle is on a roll, and Star shines the brightest. Trapezoid just doesn't fit in. Isn't that some kind of dinosaur? Determined to get a part, Trapezoid acts like all the other shapes, but must discover a way to use his own unique strengths to help make the show a blast.
Selected as a favorite
“If you’ve a kid that was a fan of Kelly Bingham’s Z Is for Moose, this is sort of its shapey equivalent. . .”
—Betsy Bird
Praise for Trapezoid
“On its surface, this is a simple story about accepting others for their differences. But it’s greatest potential is for a STEAM-powered storytime, as each shape describes how they are different. . . VERDICT This title is ideal for curricular support. A solid addition for most collections.”
—School Library Journal
“An effective bridge from simple shape identification to more specific geometric facts.”
—Kirkus Reviews
Read how Suzanne came up with the idea for this book in her interview with Dylan Teut, popular children’s literature blogger and executive director of the Plum Creek Children’s Literacy Festival.
• Entertains readers while teaching basic geometry
• Builds early literacy skills through words and images using paneled illustrations and dialogue with speech bubbles
• Sparks discussions regarding diversity and inclusion
• Stimulates empathy, debate and critical-thinking skills
• Includes questions in the back-matter to encourage further exploration of shapes in the world around us
• Helps readers to gain an understanding of the similarities and differences in shapes
• Encourages kids to use their imaginations and work together to solve problems
For a conversation about making art, writing stories, publishing books, and sharing them with readers, please watch Author Chats with Janette: Suzanne Morris, brought to you by the Wayne Public Library.