The Shapes Trilogy Triangle Square Circle 3 Books Collection Set by Mac Barnett - Ages 5-9 - Paperback

Titles in This Set
Triangle
Square
Circle

Details
Condition: Brand New
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Candlewick
Age Range: Ages 5-9 (Grades K-4)

Overview
The Shapes Trilogy brings Triangle, Square, and Circle together in one paperback set from Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, the bestselling duo behind the books that inspired Apple TV+'s Shape Island. Each slim, deadpan tale turns a basic shape into a character with real motives and mischief, showing young readers that friendship survives even the sneakiest pranks. Spare text and Klassen's wide-eyed illustrations reward close looking, making this trio ideal for storytime, early reading, and classroom shape units.

About the Books
Triangle opens the trilogy with a sly prank Triangle plays on his friend Square, testing how far a joke can go before trust wears thin. Square follows, spending his days moving blocks from below ground to above it, while friend Circle wonders whether he's secretly an artistic genius. Circle closes the set at a waterfall, where a simple hide-and-seek rule--never go behind the falling water--sets off a small crisis only friendship can resolve. Across all three books, Barnett's spare, wry text and Klassen's minimalist illustrations turn basic shapes into fully realized characters with distinct personalities and blind spots. The humor is understated but sharp, rewarding readers who study the shapes' simple dot eyes for hints of guilt or glee. Each book stands alone as a quick read of about 48 pages, yet together they form a loose meditation on trust and the stories friends tell each other. Teachers and parents have embraced the trilogy for its usefulness in talking about honesty and perspective without feeling like a lesson, and fans of dry humor will find plenty to love in these deceptively simple stories that reward rereading. The clean, geometric art style also makes the books a favorite for early readers building visual literacy skills, since uncluttered pages keep focus squarely on character and plot. Each installment stands strong on its own but gains richness read together.

Key Benefits

• Complete 3-book paperback set: Triangle, Square, and Circle in one collection
• By New York Times bestselling author Mac Barnett and illustrator Jon Klassen
• Short, 48-page stories perfect for early readers and read-alouds
• Dry, witty humor kids and adults enjoy sharing together
• Inspired the Apple TV+ series Shape Island
• Great for classroom shape units, gifting, and building visual literacy

Book-by-Book Guide
Triangle — Triangle sneaks off to prank his friend Square, setting off a chain of sly consequences.
Square — Square hauls blocks from below ground to above it, prompting Circle to wonder if he's secretly a sculptor.
Circle — Circle sets a hide-and-seek rule at a waterfall, and Triangle's choice to break it sparks the trilogy's gentle climax.

About the Author
Mac Barnett is a New York Times bestselling author known for witty, subversive picture books and his role as the 2025-2026 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Jon Klassen is a Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author celebrated for his deadpan humor and distinctive, wide-eyed character art. Together, Barnett and Klassen have created several acclaimed picture books, and The Shapes Trilogy stands among their most beloved collaborations for its sly wit and gently expressive artwork.

Why You'll Love This Collection
Three quick, clever stories in one paperback set make a perfect stocking stuffer, birthday gift, or classroom library addition. Kids get instant hooks--mischief, mystery, and friendship--while grown-ups appreciate the dry humor and clean art. Ideal for back-to-school shape lessons, summer reading, or gifting to any young reader.

Please Note: This is the UK edition with the ISBN as listed; the cover may vary slightly from the image shown.