Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Greenfield Thong, illustrated by John Parra

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Round is a Tortilla by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and illustrated by John Parra, like Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan and illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini, presents a rich and intriguing culture (or religion) through universal concepts like colors and shapes. While the premise of these books is something simple, what they really offer readers is something as big as the world - or a piece of it, anyway.


Books like Round is a Tortilla and Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors are only as successful as their illustrations, the text working as a framework and the illustrations creating the story. While neither of these books have a true narrative, they have characters who are seen on every page.

John Parras's illustrations are as colorful as the Hispanic/Latino culture he brings to life and I have have to confess to working up quite an appetite reading about the paletas, sandia and quesadillas that made up the various shapes on display. Another fantastic aspect of Round is a Tortilla (and Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors) is the glossary at the back of the book.

Everyone buys (or gives) a color or shape concept book once or twice in their lives, so why not get something out of the ordinary that does double-duty, teaching shapes and world cultures at the same time like Round is a Tortilla!

Source: Review Copy

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