ONE SUNNY DAY

Shapes abound in one cool teddy bear's exploration of his yard on a hot, summer day.

The tot dons his star-shaped sunglasses and pulls his rectangular red wagon through the great outdoors. Each activity introduces another shape: The little bear blows circle-shaped bubbles, plays in his square sandbox and draws hearts on the sidewalk. His parents make the occasion a family affair; they all munch on oval watermelon and put up a triangle-shaped tent. A golden foil sun with pointed edges serves as a textured mirror and dominates the scene as it sets on the horizon. The very brief text describes the objects in toddler-friendly language: He has “a rectangle wagon / [and] a diamond kite.” The bear is bare (except for his totally rad sunglasses); his sizable head rests sturdily on his neck and sports a small, lopsided smile. The focus on shapes extends to the bear's cozy home; paw prints on dresser knobs and heart-shaped cut-outs on the chair continue the theme.

This light-hearted romp delivers its concepts painlessly.