The Circular Square: An uplifting story about how our experiences shape us

By Author / Illustrator
Simon Philip, illus Neil Clark
Genre
Personal Growth
Age range(s)
5+
Publisher
Templar Books
ISBN
9781800785052
Format
Paperback / softback
Published
07-11-2024
Synopsis
An uplifting, perceptive rhyming story about life's ups and downs, and how those experiences help shape us into well-rounded people.
Square used to have FOUR straight sides and FOUR pointy corners, and this made life pretty tough. His corners always got knocked and travelling was an awkward, bumpy ride. Until one day, Square realised that dwelling on those thoughts was far from smart or wise.
Instead he pledged to see the positives - like the cooling breeze on summer days, a friend's smile and the taste of homemade lemonade. And while Square still got bashed and bruised, he didn't seem to mind so much. Then, unnoticed at first, Square slowly got rounder and rounder everyday. . .
This heartening story is a beautiful, accessible metaphor that shows how our experiences contribute to who we are, and how even though life can be difficult, there is always good to be found. Brought to life through Simon Philip's joyful rhyming text and Neil Clark's bold and bright illustrations, it's the perfect book for fans of Look Up, The Koala Who Could and Blown Away.
Reviews
Sue
Square finds his edges and corners hard to deal with. They are always getting bashed and Square is quite miserable. However, he quickly realises that dwelling on his problems is not helpful and by making the best of things, he can be far happier. From this point onwards, every knock and tumble helps to make him a far more rounded individual.
The Circular Square is a wonderfully up-lifting and positive story which encourages readers to look for the positives in life even when things get tough. The lively rhyming text is accompanied by an appealing cast of shape characters who vividly bring the story to life. Through focusing on the little things in life which make him happy in the moment, and accepting that life is full of ups and downs, Square becomes a far happier individual, shaped by his experiences and the rewards of perseverance.
The book is perfect for sharing in assemblies or as the basis for a PSHE lesson, and although targeted at a younger audience, carries a message which can be positively shared with older children, too. The phrases describing the 'little things that make him feel alive', like 'the sparkle of the sea', 'the gentle warmth of autumn sun' or 'the zing of homemade lemonade', could easily be used to inspire the writing of precious things poems or lists. Further ideas for this are given at the end of the book, where both the author and illustrator share a list of five things which make them happy - and offer a space for readers to do the same.
The Circular Square is brimming with a positivity which acknowledges that life is not perfect, but is definitely what you make it!
40 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher
Suggested Reading Age 3+