The Circular Square

by Simon Philip & Neil Clark
The Circular Square cover
Good Books rating 4.42
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  • ID: 334
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
World's Smallest Library · 2024-11-30
hopeful 4.25

The story is praised for showing how perseverance through difficulties leads to gradual change and growth, with a focus on optimism and personal development.

The reviewer appreciates how the narrative gently reveals the challenges faced by Square due to his original shape and how, through perseverance and a positive mindset, he evolves over time. The book is seen as a meaningful metaphor for resilience and self-acceptance, encouraging children to embrace life's ups and downs. The illustrations complement the text by visually portraying Square's transformation, making the message clear and engaging for young readers. This book is recommended for its thoughtful approach to teaching optimism and growth.

Quick quotes

    As we read Square's story, we see how his original shape caused him some difficulties – difficulties which through perseverance, he is gradually overcoming.

    The story encourages a positive outlook, showing that change and growth come with time and effort.

    A meaningful metaphor for resilience and self-acceptance.

ReadingZone · 2024-11-07
uplifting 4.50

An uplifting, perceptive rhyming story that uses a metaphor to show how life's challenges shape us into well-rounded individuals, emphasizing optimism despite difficulties.

The review highlights the book's clever use of a rhyming narrative and metaphor to explore how experiences, including hardships, contribute to personal growth and character development. The story encourages a positive outlook by focusing on the good in life, even when faced with challenges, which makes it accessible and heartening for children. The joyful rhymes by Simon Philip combined with Neil Clark's bold, bright illustrations create an engaging and hopeful reading experience. The review suggests it is well suited for fans of other uplifting children’s picture books like 'Look Up' and 'The Koala Who Could'.

Quick quotes

    An uplifting, perceptive rhyming story about life's ups and downs, and how those experiences help shape us into well-rounded people.

    This heartening story is a beautiful, accessible metaphor that shows how our experiences contribute to who we are.

    Brought to life through Simon Philip's joyful rhyming text and Neil Clark's bold and bright illustrations.

Bonnier Books · 2024-11-07
joyful 4.50

A joyful rhyming story combined with bright illustrations that effectively convey life’s ups and downs and the importance of seeing the positives in shaping ourselves.

This review emphasizes the book's joyful rhymes and bright, bold illustrations that together create an uplifting narrative about embracing life’s challenges. It underscores how the story uses Square’s journey as a metaphor for how experiences shape our character. The tone is optimistic, encouraging young readers to find the good even in tough times, making it a perfect fit for children’s personal growth literature. The review also notes that this book will appeal to readers who enjoy other positive and thoughtful children’s picture books.

Quick quotes

    An uplifting, perceptive rhyming story about life’s ups and downs, and how those experiences help shape us into well-rounded people.

    Square realised that dwelling on those thoughts was far from smart or wise. Instead he pledged to see the positives.

    Brought to life through Simon Philip’s joyful rhyming text and Neil Clark’s bold and bright illustrations.

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