Salas, Laura Purdie. Line Leads the Way. Illustrated by Alice Caldarella. Capstone, 2024. 978-1-684-46928-4. $18.99. 32 p. Grades K-3.

Line Leads the Way introduces numerous topics to young readers including, shapes and their features, perseverance, bullying, and determination. In this colorful, shape-filled book each shape is on a mission to become the new treasure keeper; each shape journeys to the audition at the library exhibiting their unique features along the way. Line is not flashy like the other shapes and his journey is filled with obstacles including other shapes putting him down. As each shape boasts about why they would be the perfect treasure keeper, Line admits that he is in fact not perfect. His humility and honesty impress the librarian who recognizes that the perfect shape for this role is someone kind, open, and a little broken, as we all are.

THOUGHTS: This book provides many opportunities for learning, whether focusing on shapes and what features make each shape unique or discussing bullying and the fact that no one is perfect. I appreciated the simple text and colorful illustrations that will appeal to kids ages 4-8. I think this would make a great addition in any classroom or home library.

Picture Book