The Circular Square

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. 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 story is brimming with a positivity which acknowledges that life is not perfect, but is definitely what you make it!

The Circular Square

Simon Philip, illustrated by Neil Clark

Templar ISBN: 978-1800785052