My First Board Book: Shapes

Discover the building blocks of geometry and language in My First Board Book: Shapes-a stunning bilingual introduction to everyday shapes. With colourful, expressive artwork by Donovan Bixley ONZM, this board book invites young readers to explore forms such as the circle (porowhita), diamond (taimana), and stars (whetÅ«), blending visual learning with cultural appreciation. Ideal for Kiwi kids, this vibrant resource not only teaches shape recognition but also fosters early exposure to te reo Māori. Donovan's unmistakable style, which has delighted readers in 31 countries and across 18 languages, infuses each page with energy and charm. With a decorated career including the 2013 Children's Choice Award and the title of Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2021, Donovan brings over 100 published works' worth of storytelling expertise into this accessible and joyful board book. This title makes an ideal foundation for literacy, numeracy, and cultural connection in the early years.

Educational Benefits:

• Introduces key geometric concepts in both English and te reo Māori.
• Promotes bilingual vocabulary acquisition from an early age.
• Supports visual-spatial awareness and shape discrimination.
• Enhances cognitive recognition through colour and form.

Classroom Ideas:

• Pair the book with a shape-sorting activity using bilingual labels.
• Lead a classroom œshape hunt inspired by objects from the story.
• Create a wall display of shapes and their te reo Māori names.
• Integrate into a bilingual maths station exploring patterns and matching.

Information:

• Ages: 0-3 years
• Format: Board Book
• Language: English and te reo Māori
• Author/Illustrator: Donovan Bixley ONZM