The Museum of Shapes

Völker invites readers to reflect upon shapes in this interactive picture book that’s, per a closing note, inspired by a real museum. Introducing a shape-based institution and its curator, pink-skinned, blue-haired Alma (Alma’s dog also follows along), an unseen speaker proceeds to offer easy-to-understand definitions of geometric terms (a line, triangle, and circle), 3D shapes, and more, as Alma works to curate an exhibition. Interludes prompt reader engagement: “Alma has to find all the triangles in her collection so that she can put them in the museum. Can you help her find the triangles?” Spare text has a pleasing clarity as well as a playfulness (“The shapes that wiggly lines make are not neat and tidy”). Blocky, clean-edged artwork with occasional spatter textures energizes narration through unexpected design composition. After the exhibition’s opening night, a city skyscape of buildings with illuminated windows hints that shapes are everywhere. Ages 5–9. (Oct.)