Summary

Triangle by Mac Barnett, 48 pages. @ SPL: JP Barne It’s evident that Triangle is up to no good! His shifty eyes give him away as he delights in planning a sneaky trick for his friend, Square. Making the long trek to Square’s house, Triangle hides himself at the side of the doorway. At precisely the right moment, he plays his trick. Alas, Square appreciates neither the perfection nor the originality of the prank! He chases his three-sided friend all the way back to his triangle-shaped house and rewards him with a trick of his own. One wonders who actually has the last laugh in this hilarious, seemingly-simple, clever story. Perhaps it’s the author, because the question that ends this tale isn’t what readers are likely expecting. The minimalist watercolour-and-graphite illustrations, the simple sentences and the repetition all contribute to an unusual picture book that will engage and entertain young listeners and readers. Triangle is the first in a planned trilogy by author Mac Barnett and artist Jon Klassen, who have previously collaborated on two Caldecott Honor Books, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole (2014) and Extra Yarn (2012). ** Recommended for ages 4 to 7 years. ** Reviewed by Sally Hengeveld, librarian, Stratford Public Library (Ontario).