Triangle

Triangle

book

2017, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

WISE
81%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A geometric friendship tale with a sneaky twist—dry humor, minimalist art, and a story that trusts kids to think.

Amazon4.7
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

Triangle is a breath of fresh air in the picture book world—no saccharine lessons, no over-explaining, just shapes being sneaky and a story that trusts kids to figure things out. Barnett and Klassen's collaboration is sharp and visually striking, with a dry wit that appeals to parents reading aloud.

It's not for every kid. Some will want more warmth, more plot, more resolution. But for families who appreciate clever, minimalist storytelling, this is a gem. The fact that it spawned an Apple TV+ series (Shape Island) speaks to its appeal, though the book itself is a quick, quiet experience.

Solid pick for bedtime or classroom read-alouds, especially if you want to spark a conversation about friendship, trust, and what happens when your sneaky plan backfires.

Age Fit

Best for ages 4-8, especially kids who appreciate clever, understated humor. The reading age starts at 2, but toddlers may not grasp the nuance—this is really for preschool through early elementary.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
78

Triangle plays a 'sneaky trick' on his friend Square, which sets up a simple conflict that ultimately explores friendship dynamics. The relationship isn't saccharine—it's got edge and mischief—but it's fundamentally about two friends navigating playful deception. The tone is dry and wry rather than warm and fuzzy, which is refreshing but may not model overt kindness. Still, it's age-appropriate and emotionally balanced for the K-4 crowd.

Imaginative
82

Barnett and Klassen create a minimalist, geometric world where shapes have personality and agency—a clever, stripped-down approach that invites kids to fill in the gaps. The visual style is striking and modern, and the narrative structure (a trick that may or may not work) leaves room for interpretation and discussion. It's not a sprawling fantasy, but it's conceptually original and sparks curiosity about perspective and trust.

Safe
95

This is a picture book with geometric shapes as characters. No violence, no scary content, no inappropriate themes. Common Sense Media confirms 'Violence & Scariness: Not present.' The 'sneaky trick' is mild—Triangle wants to scare Square—and the tone is playful, not menacing. Completely safe for the target age range of 2-6 (or K-4 per various sources).

Enriching
75

The book subtly explores themes of trust, intention, and consequence—Triangle's plan doesn't go as expected, which opens up conversations about actions and outcomes. The minimalist storytelling requires kids to infer and interpret, which builds critical thinking. It's not didactic or lesson-heavy, but it offers meaningful takeaways about friendship and perspective. Entertainment value is solid thanks to the dry humor and visual appeal, though it's a quick read without deep skill-building.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Barnett and Klassen's signature style: spare, witty, visually stunning
  • Explores friendship through mischief and consequence without being preachy
  • Minimalist narrative invites kids to interpret and discuss what really happened
  • Part of the Shapes Trilogy, which inspired the Apple TV+ show Shape Island
  • Modern aesthetic that feels fresh compared to typical picture book fare

What to Watch For

  • The humor is subtle and dry—some kids (and parents) may find it too understated
  • Not a warm-and-fuzzy friendship story; Triangle is kind of a jerk, which is the point
  • Quick read that may leave some kids wanting more plot or resolution

Conversation Starters

  • "Do you think Triangle's trick was funny or mean? Would you want a friend like Triangle?"
  • "What do you think happened at the end? Did Square get Triangle back?"
  • "Have you ever played a trick on a friend? How did it turn out?"

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