Square is a brilliant drama about artistic process. Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen display combined genius in this compelling story. Square is an earnest character who exerts a whole lot of effort at his simple, repetitive job. In contrast, Circle floats on air (notice the shadow beneath her shape). Circle looks at Square’s work and sees art. She asks him to sculpt a block in her image. Square is not at all sure he’s up to the challenge.
As we might expect, Square has a
preconceived process and outcome in mind. He works with the fervor, diligence,
and vulnerability of an artist. Alas, he despairs at the outcome. Square does
not think outside the box, but his work ethic invites imagination to manifest.
And we get to witness the dynamic nature of creativity! Square’s finished
product is dazzling! Circle confirms his genius, but Barnett and Klassen are
not finished. Before we close the book, they offer a fruitful topic for
conversation.
This story is
read aloud online by Shon’s
Stories.
My Picture Book Talk for this story is here.
This lesson is
read aloud on my YouTube
channel.
