The idea and lesson behind the story is great. I just don't feel like it was executed very well. I read this to my 4 year old and lost her attention about half way through. It seemed a little too wordy. I think the story has great potential it just needs to be more direct to interest little ones.

Line leads the way is reminiscent of the Mr. Men series; quirky, sweet, and informative. I enjoyed seeing the different personalities associated with the shapes. The story was a wonderful way to express feelings of imposter syndrome when everyone else seems so confident and expressive and commanding of their lives and others. The illustration was colorful and engaging. There was so much to see and enjoy throughout the page. It was comforting not to see much white space but when you did see white spaces, it was to bring attention to the importance of Line's new role within the library. I believe readers will enjoy the message, returning to the story over and over to enjoy Line's world.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this lovely picture book in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a cute story and would be a great tool to use to start introducing shape attributes or to review shapes in lower elementary grades. As a former elementary math teacher, I think this is a great way to incorporate reading into the math block. Thank you for the advanced copy of Line Leads the Way. I will definitely be recommending it to my math teacher friends!

Line Leads the Way is a beautifully illustrated book. The themes of determination, self-love, kindness, etc made this a great bed-time read with my 3-year-old.

This is such a cute book!! The way line goes through all the things that makes him imperfect leading up to the interview is so special when he realizes he doesn’t need to be perfect like all the other shapes because that is the whole point. Can’t wait to get a physical copy of this book to read to my kids!

A book that covers many shapes and characteristics of them. It was a little too wordy for me. Illustrations were fantastic!

This was so cute and beautifully illustrated. I loved the overall message of inclusion and finding perfection in the imperfect. This would be a great read for a kindergarten aged child.

We road tripped to Florida for spring break and I was so happy I had been approved for sixteen new children’s books coming out this year. It helped so much to break up some time with stories! The kids loved them and had so much fun picking out a book from my netgalley app to read. We didn’t read a single book we didn’t like! Tuckers favorite was Elmo’s new book, Kinley loved the fairy godmother book, Dawsyn loved the basketball one, and Briggs adored the animal book. I highly suggest adding all of these to your summer library reading lists for kids. I love children’s books, and these were full of beautiful illustrations, stories, and allowed us to have some great conversations after them. Thank you @netgalley for these advanced copies! @lisakatzenberger @alicewalstead @eringuendelsberger @aimeereid @christiematheson @jackjokinen @sandranickel @janechapman @hudaharajli @fraanushkin @saralauxakin @laurapurdiesalas @katyhudson emilymurrow @zackwilliams 📚📖🚗☀️🏝️🌊👙

A Love Letter to My Library by Lisa Katzenberger

I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared by Lisa Katzenberger

How to Catch a Fairy Godmother by Alice Walstead

Elmo Gives Thanks by Erin Guendelsberger

Baby Animals Trying by Aimee Reid

A Mischief of Mice by Christie Matheson

A Stray Dog for Christmas by Jack Jokinen

Bears Big Idea by Sandra Nickel

Each of Us Is a Miracle by Jane Chapman

All About Nature by Huda Harajli

Katie Woo and JoJo on the Go by Fran Manushkin

The Pass by Sara Laux Akin

Line Leads the Way by Laura Purdue Salas

A Bold Pumpkin Plan by Katy Hudson

Little Helpler, Big Imagination by Emily Morrow

A Little More like Jesus by Zack Williams

A poster featuring a wanted sign for a treasure keeper captures the attention of various shapes from near and far. Each shape embarks on a journey to the Valley View Library, their distinct characteristics meticulously described by the author. However, despite its plain appearance, the Line undertakes a challenging journey to reach the library. During the audition, the librarian poses a thought-provoking question: "Why would you be an excellent treasure keeper?" Each shape firmly believes they are the ideal candidate. One boasts its ability to fight off anyone who approaches, another its talent for hiding the treasure, and a third its capacity to outshine the treasure itself.

However, the Line's response leaves a lasting impression on the librarian and she says "The treasure keeper's role is not to hide or hoard the treasure but to share it with others." What did the Line say that impressed the librarian? Will the Line secure the position, or will the strongest shape claim the job? Discover the answers within this captivating book.

The illustrations in this book are fun, bright, and eye-catching. The characters' speech is presented in a dialogue format, which adds a comical touch to the story. However, despite the vibrant illustrations, the ending feels somewhat rushed. The author could have talked more about self-acceptance and how the shapes' mean words don't matter. This would have made the ending stronger.

What impressed me about this book is that it provides an opportunity for many discussions about different shapes and their characteristics, how to disregard negative comments, be true to yourself, and do things with our whole heart. The word usage in this book is so interesting that even children aged 6 and above will find it engaging and enriching. It encourages them to encounter new words and enhances their vocabulary.

Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for sending me a digital copy of this book. It will be published in August 2024.

In the style of Laurie Keller, the illustrations have extra dialogue. The shapes enter a contest. Each shares their special traits. Line appears not to have anything special to offer. The wise librarian explains Lines unique traits. Interesting way to share self acceptance and esteem. This would appeal to young children. An activity would be to pick a shape to represent you. At my school, staff did this for brain research. Square, rectangle, circle or squiggle. We picked a shape and learned what it meant. I was one of the only squiggles.

Thank you NetGalley, Capstone, and Laura Purdie Salas for the early access copy of Line Leads the Way.

Line Leads the Way is a story about a variety of shapes trying out for a special job at the library. Each shape has something that makes them special, but line is trying to figure out what is theirs.

Line Leads the Way can be used as a read aloud for self-worth, sense-of-belonging, kindness, self-awareness, understanding, and on the concept of shapes:.

Great for a storytime about shapes…or about the library, really! All of the shapes are auditioning at the library to be a Treasure Keeper, and Line wants in on the fun. But he’s not perfectly square, or pointy, or shiny. So how could he possibly keep the treasure safe? A cute lesson about being yourself, and that treasures are more valuable when you can share them, instead of hoard them. Could also be fun for someone who enjoys doing different voices for all of the shapes (not my forte, but my staff are good at it!).

This is such a cute little story!
The illustrations are wonderful and the story is very unique.
I did think this story is a little not well thought out and it could be better done, but it’s a child’s book and the message will get to them.

Such a cute book! This book illustrates different shapes and what they can be used for. It teaches kids that we are all different and special in our own ways!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

This book was very cute. I love how the author combines academic and social-emotional learning. This will be a book that I will purchase and recommend to teachers to use with their students at the beginning of the school year. It is a great review of shapes while also teaching empathy. I would recommend this book to PreK through 2nd grade teachers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

I thought that it was charming that this book personified shapes. I never really considered shapes to be something entertaining but the author of this book turned these shapes into some pretty fun characters. I can see this book being a hit with children. It was a very clever and fun read!
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Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the eARC! A book for shape lovers! A great message in this book- no one is perfect and we are all unique in our own ways! This book has fun, colorful illustrations!

This was a cute story and had my kids engaged from the start. My son loves math and is currently learning about shapes and objects in class so this was a perfect book for him! The message behind the shapes is beautiful and a great reminder that we are all special and important in our own unique way.

"Line Leads the Way" by Laura Purdie Salas - A Review

"Line Leads the Way" by Laura Purdie Salas is a beautifully illustrated and theme-rich narrative promoting acceptance, perseverance, and the power of a growth mindset. Salas' use of figurative language, such as alliteration and play on words, enhances the storytelling of the text, making it both engaging and educational for young readers. The story centers around a group of shapes applying for a job at the local library - to be the new "Treasure Keeper." Each shape thinks they are PERFECT for the job... except Line. As the shapes all describe the reasons they would make the best Treasure Keeper, the Librarian reminds characters and readers alike that no one is perfect.

The illustrator Alice Caldarella brings "Line Leads the Way" to life with her colorful and imaginative illustrations. Each page bursts with vibrant colors and geometric designs, bringing the concept of shapes to life in a visually captivating way. The text and illustrations work together beautifully to be playful and engaging, even for the youngest readers.

The over-arching themes of acceptance, perseverance, and growth mindset are seamlessly woven throughout the narrative, making "Line Leads the Way" not only entertaining to read but also a valuable teaching tool. Teachers and librarians will find myriad exemplar sentences and ideas from the text to teach comprehension strategies and themes about embracing differences, overcoming obstacles, and believing in oneself.

I loved its cross-curricular nature, using math language and concepts to support language arts. By exploring the nature of shapes with clever references to the physical properties taught in early geometry and personifying the shapes by using those properties, "Line Leads the Way" encourages interdisciplinary learning and fosters a deeper understanding of classroom and grade level standards.

"Line Leads the Way" is a lovely and approachable story that is sure to delight elementary readers in Kindergarten through second grade. With its visually intriguing illustrations, important motifs, and cross-curricular terminology, I would absolutely recommend this book for any library or classroom. Whether read aloud or explored individually, this book is sure to engage young readers and teach important values and lessons.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

A sweet little picture book that isn't doing anything new for me.

Lots of shapes have lots of special things about them, but what is special about line? And will line get chosen for a special task at the library?

A book all about seeing the special differences in individuals, self acceptance, and diversity. A little abstract for my taste but overall a nice picture book that will definitely appeal to some audiences.