LINUS

A square peg rebels.

Linus, a black-toned, big-eyed rectangle in a red bow tie, lives in Linneopolis, a black, gray, and white world full of blocky citizens who are “uptight,” “straitlaced,” “punctual,” and “orderly.” Puns about being “out of line” and “bent out of shape” abound, and everyone is urged to conform, “toe the line,” and shape up. Linus prefers unruly balloons, riotous colors, wavy shapes, and anything to disrupt the status quo. After failed attempts to get him to conform (including a stint at a cheerfully depicted hard labor camp), Linus goes adventuring into the outside world. In far-off towns and cities, he discovers the excitement and stimulation he desires in the form of rainbows, disco balls, and chaotic architecture. He brings a palatable amount of it back to Linneopolis, and the citizens there learn that “differences [are] truly worth celebrating.” The predictable metaphor, structure, and resolution are uninspiring, but the striking art helps to carry the simple story and will encourage young readers to be themselves, accept differences, and see themselves in the shoes (or tiny stick legs) of the rectangular hero. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A standard but enjoyable text about embracing diversity.