Book picks similar to
Shapes and Colors by John Canty


picture-books
colors
picture-book
shapes

Night Light


Nicholas Blechman - 2013
    Part guessing game, part counting book, NIGHT LIGHT is a boldly imagined book for the preschool child who loves cars, trucks, and anything that goes. With die-cuts on every other page, this rhyming story features vehicles and counting, combining a high interest preschool subject with important preschool concepts.

Walking Through the Jungle Big Book


Julie Lacome - 1993
    And what does he see? Wild animals! A snake, a tiger, and an elephant—to name a few— each hissing, growling, or trumpeting. Could they be following him? Hope they’re not hungry! Full of thrilling exotic noises and bright tropical colors, Julie Lacome’s jungle makes an inviting setting for playing an imaginary game of tag.

Foodie Faces


Bill Wurtzel - 2020
    You'll be amazed by how real these foodie faces look . . . and might be inspired to try a new food or two!

Spots in a Box


Helen Ward - 2015
    When the box arrives, the spots aren’t quite what he was expecting. After trying on big spots, small spots, striped spots, and even glow-in-the-dark spots, he finds a pattern that suits him perfectly in this touching, quirky celebration of individuality.

What Color Is Your Underwear?


Sam Lloyd - 2004
    We save the best for last, though--on the final spread, an elephant is hiding behind a large leaf...for good reason. He forgot to put on any underwear! This is a fun way to teach colors...and the importance of wearing your drawers!

I Went Walking


Sue Williams - 1989
    The boy sees a black cat, then a brown horse, then a red cow, and so on, and before he knows it, he’s being trailed by the entire menagerie! The Australian illustrator Julie Vivas brings the parade to life in lovely, lively watercolors—when the pink pig looks at the boy, for example, the boy sprays off his muddy body with a hose. Big type, repetition, friendly art, clean design—and the visual guessing game created by introducing each animal only partially at first—make this beloved tale a winner at story time.

Spicy Hot Colors: Colores Picantes


Sherry Shahan - 2004
    In a rhythmic style reminiscent of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Shahan introduces nine colors by interweaving images and dance moves. Full color.

I Took My Frog to the Library


Eric A. Kimmel - 1990
    But it's the well-behaved elephant who causes the biggest problems of all! Full-color throughout.

City Shapes


Diana Murray - 2016
    And Bryan Collier's beautiful illustrations add even more layers to the cityscapes, letting readers get immersed in the hustle and bustle, culminating in a thrilling twist when the girl looks through her kaleidoscope and sees the skyline in a completely new way. A celebration of finding magic in scenes both new and familiar, City Shapes has the potential to become a classic.

Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do


Kathryn Heling - 2012
    Turn the page, and the worker wearing and using the featured items is revealed.

One Gorilla


Anthony Browne - 2012
    With his striking palette, exquisite attention to detail, and quirky flair for facial expressions, Anthony Browne slyly extends the basic number concept into a look at similarities and differences — portraying an extended family we can count ourselves part of.

Fall Is Not Easy


Marty Kelley - 1998
    Kids have to go back to school, teachers and football players have to go back to work, and parents have to look for new places to hide holiday presents. But perhaps fall is hardest of all on trees. After all, they have to change their entire appearance every year! This book is the rhyming story of a tree's humorous struggles to change its colours for fall. And it's a perfect introduction to the seasons for young children.The tree in Fall Is Not Easy has its share of trouble with its fall colors. No matter what it tries, nothing comes out quite right. What will our struggling tree friend end up looking like? A smiley face? A cow? An "Eat at Joe's" sign? We'll never tell.

Compost Stew


Mary McKenna Siddals - 2010
    Not only is composting becoming more common in households and residential gardens, but many school gardens feature compost piles, too. But how do you start a compost pile? What’s safe to include? Perfect for an Earth Day focus or year-round reference, this inviting book provides all the answers for kids and families looking for simple, child-friendly ways to help the planet.

A Rainbow of My Own


Don Freeman - 1966
    A small boy imagines what it would be like to have his own rainbow to play with.

Stretch


Doreen Cronin - 2009
    More than simple toe touching, this pup stretches to ride a breeze, grab a snack from a tree, catch a wave. His bubble gum even gets in on the stretching action. POP! And he reminds us not to forget that we also need to stretch our imaginations (recognize that statue, anyone?). This interactive, energetic rhyming text will also help parents stretch out reading time with their youngsters.