Delighted to kick off my stop on the If Shapes Could Eat tour!
Rella B.’s whimsical picture book serves up a feast of imagination, blending geometry and nutrition into a playful adventure. Join Riley Rhombus and her best pal Maxine Hexagon as they navigate a block party brimming with tantalising treats, learning valuable lessons about moderation, curiosity and the joy of diverse flavours along the way. With vibrant illustrations by Wenny S. and a storyline as lively as a child’s appetite for discovery, this book transforms picky-eating struggles into a celebration of food’s colourful possibilities.
Enjoy!
Publication Date: 1 March 2025
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Book Description:
Riley Rhombus is super excited!
She has thrown a block party for all her shapely neighbors.
She cannot wait to taste all the delicious dishes on the street with her best pal, Maxine Hexagon.
But she runs into trouble with her excitement and super snacking along the way.
“What kind of trouble?” you may wonder.
“… and what does she discover along the way?”
Join Riley as she learns about tastes and textures and when she takes a moment to think about what she is putting in her mouth!
This is a book all about the celebration of food and the discovery of how a diet with variety can make you feel amazing! Riley and Maxine are excited about trying new foods and enjoying new flavors… but, sometimes, a little too enthusiastic. This book encourages young readers to enjoy all colors of the foodie rainbow, from peas to pizza, from cherry to chocolate, and from carrot to cake!.
BOOK REVIEW
SUMMARY
If Shapes Could Eat is a charming children’s picture book that follows the adventures of Riley Rhombus, an enthusiastic geometric character bursting with excitement to attend a block party with her neighbours. Riley and her best friend, Maxine Hexagon, set off to sample the array of delicious dishes on offer, but Riley’s eagerness leads to a series of sweet-toothed mishaps. Through vibrant illustrations and playful rhymes, the story gently introduces young readers to shapes, diverse foods and the importance of balanced eating. Riley’s journey becomes a subtle lesson in moderation as she discovers why gobbling too many treats leads to unpleasant consequences—and why filling your plate with "5 a day" (fruits and veggies) matters.
The book’s clever integration of maths concepts (shapes) and nutrition education feels effortless, never veering into lecture territory. Parents will appreciate how the block party setting showcases a variety of cuisines, textures and colours, subtly encouraging curiosity about new foods. The resolution is both satisfying and instructive, leaving children with a lighthearted understanding of mindful eating.
MY THOUGHTS
This is an absolute gem of a book! Rella B. has crafted something truly special here—a story that’s as fun to read aloud as it is educational. The rhyming scheme is spot-on, avoiding the clunky cadence that plagues so many children’s books. What struck me most was how the author balances humour and learning. Riley’s overindulgence in sugary snacks leads to a tummy-ache moment that’s relatable without being heavy-handed. The consequence isn’t framed as a moral failing but as a natural outcome of too many sweets—a brilliant way to spark conversations about food choices. I can imagine little ones giggling at Riley’s antics while subconsciously absorbing the message about variety and moderation.
The characters are wonderfully imaginative. Using shapes as protagonists not only teaches geometry basics but also creates a visually engaging world. Maxine Hexagon, with her six-sided wisdom, serves as the perfect foil to Riley’s rhombus-shaped enthusiasm. As a teaching tool, this book is golden. Early years educators could use it to explore shapes, healthy eating or even social skills like sharing and self-control. The illustrations are a riot of colour and texture, with clever details! It’s the sort of book children will want to revisit, discovering new visual jokes each time.
A triumph that educates without ever feeling like a lesson. If Shapes Could Eat deserves a place on every nursery bookshelf and primary school reading list. Whether you’re a parent, teacher or just a fan of rollicking rhymes, this one’s a winner.
VERDICT
Rating: 5 Stars
Source: Author
Rella B Books is a passionate children's author with a mission to inspire young minds through captivating stories and interactive content.
As a former educator in the Washoe County School District, she cherishes the opportunity to positively impact future generations. Her goal is to reignite a love for reading and make it a cool and fun experience for all.
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