Pros: I very much enjoyed this book where the shapes are the characters! It made for very clever illustrations while also teaching young readers about shapes. I thought the book also had a lovely message about how we are all perfectly imperfect.

Cons: None that I can think of!

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for the opportunity to read this book

"We're all a little broken."

This story is about accepting and embracing YOU just as you are. We are all perfectly imperfect in our own ways and it's important to know you're self-worth. You matter! This book is perfect for young readers (ages 5-9 years).

Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Purdie Salas, and Capstone for the opportunity to read and review this children's book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I found this cute, but not really original or imaginative enough. The illustrations were just OK, but would have been adequate if the story was more exciting or had more heart. Many thanks for ARC.

𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗬 was a quick and easy read. Cute and creative dialogue about shapes and what makes them special. The underlying message that everyone is important, came across well and imparts an important lesson.

A darling story (for readers 5-9) with bright, fun, and colorful illustrations that show you are perfect just the "shape" you are. Loved it!

Regretfully, I was unable to follow. Although my kids thought the illustrations were fantastic, they frequently had trouble understanding the tale and kept asking me to clarify what they thought was happening.
I appreciate the chance to read this ARC and provide an unbiased assessment.

This was such an interesting children’s book that follows a few shapes that think they’re perfect for a special job at the library… along comes line.

I loved how this story was much more than just learning about shapes, it had multiple themes throughout like self-worth and realizing not everyone is perfect. The illustrations were lovely and I would without a doubt recommend this for young readers.

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Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with access to read this book!

This is a great story of resilience and bravery. This book shows children that you don't have to be perfect to be good at things and to be successful. Sometimes being imperfect is exactly what is needed, no one is perfect and we need to learn to embrace that.

This story uses shapes as the characters and highlights the things they are best at. The other shapes are pretty mean to Line because they don't think he can do things like they can.

The illustrations are great, they are bright and colourful and really pop and catch your eye. This is great for Children's books because that can keep their attention on the story.

I loved the illustrations with the pastel colours and the expressive shapes. The messages were also lovely: Persevere when you have a goal and appreciate the differences and imperfections in yourself and others.

The story felt awkward to me though. There was no explanation as to what the treasure was, and there was no apparent reason for Line to leave home — both he and his family were very sad about his departure. Also I didn’t like how negative, mean-spirited, and boastful the other shapes were throughout the story.

This was just an okay read for me and if I was still teaching I wouldn't purchase it for my class.

(Retired Grade 1 teacher)

Heartwarming story about being yourself. Line is perfectly imperfect --not sharp, not straight, nothing too special. But Line is just what the library needs. Journey with all the shapes as they make their way to the library and compete for the coveted role of Treasure Keeper. Added layers of various shapes and wonderful artwork will keep children asking, "Can we read it again?"

Laura Purdie Salas is known for her books of poetry, often based on science, sometimes a story but in verse, and more! This time, it's all about shapes, allowing each one to apply for a new position, "Keeper of the Treasure" at the Valley View Library. As each shape moves along to get to the interview, Line included, they shout a few barbs, like "Why are you so plain?" but Line just keeps going. When presenting, the shapes each share how it suits the new job "perfectly". For example, Rectangle states: "I am PERFECTLY sturdy. I am buildings and books and boxes. I will hide the Treasure inside." Others show similar traits, but only Line "shows" it can "Lead the Way". You'll need to read this celebration of those who are thoughtful, resilient, and who appreciate uniqueness. It's enhanced by Alice Caldarella's lively and colorful illustrations full of emotions in shapes!
Thanks to Laura and NetGalley for my advance copy!

This was a cute story with a nice message at the end, but it just didn’t do it for me.

This story follows shapes as they try to prove why they’d be the best Treasure Keeper. Ultimately line wins, proving that perfection in a skill is not always the goal. However, I struggled to keep up with the story and message along the way. It felt like too much of a stretch to me. I find it could have explained more about what the “treasure” was. And it could have explained why Line kept losing parts of himself. I would have liked a story that demonstrated the message through the parts of the story rather than exclaim it at the end, which is what it felt like to me.

However, I did loved how each shapes personality was portrayed so perfectly for how I would imagine them.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc copy of this book for an honest review.

I shared this book with my grade 4 class. They liked the pictures and the story. They felt that the characters were relateable and that it was definitely a good book for enjoyment. For my class, they found it overall enjoyable.

This book was adorable! The illustrations were beautiful. I especially loved the soft color scheme - so many kids' books are full of bold colors but I thought the hues in this book fit the storyline perfectly. The overall theme of resiliency was woven through the story as the main character ignored the criticism of the other shapes and persevered in his quest to be the guardian of the library treasure. While all of the other shapes told the librarian about how "perfect" they were, Line said that he wasn't perfectly anything but that we would take care of the Treasure. It is nice to see the author conveying that perfection isn't the most important thing in life. The subtle humor throughout the book was also a delight. I will definitely be recommending this book to my librarian friends to add to their collection.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. All the shapes are headed to the library to win a contest. Each shape thinks they are the best, and way better than line. Little do they know, that line is special too.

I enjoy Laura Purdie Salas' picture books and poetry. When I saw her latest book on the Net Galley site, I gladly requested an ebook copy to review. I was not disappointed, This is a charming and smart story that will challenge perceptions of children and adults alike. The fun shape characters will get giggles from the small ones. The illustrations, done in fun doodle style have lots of color and movement. I can see this book being a good choice for story time or to begin a classroom discussion on the definition of treasure and whether it should be hoarded or shared. It is also perfect for National Library Week or Children's Book Week.

Creative and fun story about shapes! But also about friendship, differences, acceptance, and kindness!

The colours and drawing style were super cute and soothing!

I liked the message the book portrays, about love, care and sharing being more important than perfection. And also, everyone is different and has their strengths!

Laura Purdie Salas always delights. Her children's books consistently serve up a satisfying blend of kindness, education, and inclusiveness. Line Leads the Way is the latest in a long line of wonderful kids' books. Colorful illustrations by Alice Caldarella add to the charm.

I found it very hard to rate children's books so everything is a 5 star read for me!!
I really loved this book, the illustrations are so beautiful and captivating that I found myself smiling through every page I read.
The story itself is very beautiful and inspiring <3