Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen (The Children's Book Podcast #494)

TRIANGLE, SQUARE, and CIRCLE

Mac Barnett (@macbarnett) and Jon Klassen (@burstofbeaden) are the award-winning team of many beloved books including EXTRA YARN and SAM AND DAVE DIG A HOLE. Today we’re focusing our attention of three books that are part-trilogy and part perspective. TRIANGLE, SQUARE, and now CIRCLE are each stories following story structures informed by their titular shapes. But there is no room here for unearned epiphanies. Answers, after all, are cheap morals and my guests remind that the goal is the pit, the place devoid of handed-over answers where, instead, we must look for meaning. These are books I engaged with in altogether different ways and I’m grateful for the chance to go on that thought exploration in front of you all. Especially, after all, because I found one of these books to be quite polarizing and I tell as much to our guests.

ABOUT THE BOOKS:

This book is about Circle. This book is also about Circle’s friends, Triangle and Square. Also it is about a rule that Circle makes, and how she has to rescue Triangle when he breaks that rule. With their usual pitch-perfect pacing and subtle, sharp wit, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen come full circle in the third and final chapter of their clever shapes trilogy.

This book is about Square. Square spends every day taking blocks from a pile below the ground to a pile above the ground. This book is also about Square’s friend Circle. Circle thinks Square is an artistic genius. But is he really? With the second story in a trilogy of tales about Triangle, Square, and Circle, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen nudge readers toward a more well-rounded way of looking at things. Understated and striking in its simplicity, this funny, thoughtful offering from two of today’s most talented picture-book creators emphasizes the importance of keeping your eyes — and your mind — open to wonder where others see only rubble and rocks.

Meet Triangle. He is going to play a sneaky trick on his friend, Square. Or so Triangle thinks. . . . With this first tale in a new trilogy, partners in crime Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen will have readers wondering just who they can trust in a richly imagined world of shapes. Visually stunning and full of wry humor, here is a perfectly paced treat that could come only from the minds of two of today’s most irreverent — and talented — picture book creators.

SHOW NOTES:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR:

Learn more about author Mac Barnett at www.macbarnett.com

Learn more about illustrator Jon Klassen at jonklassen.tumblr.com

OTHER BOOKS MENTIONED:

*This post contains affiliate links. Any purchases made through these links will support the costs of maintaining the podcast, webcomic, and other materials associated with this site.

SHOUT OUT TO OUR PATRONS!

Thank you, JENNY SUE, AMY, SARA, KATE, LISA, DARSHANA, MARIANNE, JARRETT, ANITRA, MIKE, LYNN, LINK, CORRINA, CYNTHIA, ELAINE, DOUG, JUDI, AMANDA, RUTH, LARA, TERESA, and others who are coming with me on this journey. You’re welcome to join us. Just visit Patreon.com/matthewcwinner and pick the support tier that’s right for you. All the hugs and high fives for all of the many, many ways all of out there listening support this show.

#podcast