Ed Emberley

Originally published 40 years ago, this book uses vivid illustrations and simple rhyming text by a noted author/illustrator to introduce the concept of shapes and sizes to curious young readers as he suggests how they can view the world in a new and exciting way. Full-color illustrations.

A Book about Shapes

The Wing on a Flea

Sarah Sammis

I grew up reading Ed Emberley's books. I rediscovered him as a parent. I remember him mostly for his how to draw books but he also has a long list of picture books and books he has illustrated for other authors. The Wing on a Flea is an updated edition of his 1961 book which we borrowed from the library.

As Ed points out at the close of the book, fleas don't have wings. He took poetic license hoping to inspire creativity as he shows children how simple geometric shapes can be used to create complex drawings.

The Wing on a Flea goes through the basic shapes: circle, triangle and square to show how they can be found in day to day things. Each page has a bunch of typically colorful and geometric Emberley illustrations that highlight the shape in question as it works with the others.

Sean enjoyed the book for the artistic inspiration and Harriet liked it because she was studying triangles in preschool.

The Wing on a Flea A Book about Shapes

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