THE SHAPE OF THE WORLD

A whimsical look at the life of one of the best-known American architects.

Surrounded by pictures of famous buildings in his nursery, a white baby’s mother encourages him to soak up images of the world around him. Playing with blocks gives young Frank a sense of how geometry works, and summers on his uncle’s farm allow him to experience nature and discover shapes in everything he sees. Art and text work together to convey an inevitability to Wright’s growth toward his famous Prairie style architecture. Stringer’s watercolor illustrations depict the contrasting yet complementary geometric shapes and curved lines that characterize Wright’s work. The book’s strong design begins with its nearly square shape and a cover that’s reminiscent of one of Wright’s leaded stained glass windows. The theme of windows looking out onto the world is evident throughout, incorporating elements unique to Wright’s style. Rich colors are balanced with a clear, direct storyline that will capture children’s natural interest in the stuff of imagination. Simple prose set in a light type that reflects Wright’s art serves as a jumping-off point for each of the expansive illustrations, giving young readers ample opportunity to discover hidden gems in the pages, such as the red squares that are scattered throughout Wright’s work.

A lovely introduction to the impact that a creative mind can have on the world.