Shapes Comes Full Circle: An Interview with Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen

Award-winning bestselling writer-illustrator team Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen have given dimension to familiar silhouettes Triangle and Square with the first two books in their funny and unique Shapes series. And now, it’s Circle’s turn to be the star in the third and final installment out March 5.
In it, Circle makes a rule that Triangle promptly breaks, so Circle has to come back around to help her pal out. And Jon and Mac certainly know something about supporting a friend, as these two pals have collaborated on some outstanding picture books. We chatted with the pair about their latest release, how they get inspired, and what’s up next for them and the shapes.
What was the inspiration behind the Shapes trilogy?
MB: Jon and I spent months talking about who these characters were—their personalities, their feelings about each other, their daily routines—before we started making the first story about them.
JK: Visually the idea was that we wanted the characters to be differentiated by very simple traits—shapes that everyone is familiar with, but nothing that really tells them what anybody is going to actually be like. So often characters are designed to show who they are in advance, whether they’re going to be good or bad, strong or weak, funny or serious. With these characters you really have to read the stories to find out what they’re like. There’s also a lot of good jokes when you work with shapes. I don’t know about you but I think Triangle having a picture of a triangle on his wall is hilarious.
Kids love to answer the questions posed at the end of the series’ first two books, Triangle and Square—does Circle leave us with another query?
MB: Yep! Each of the three books ends with a question. One of our favorite parts about going out and reading these stories to kids is the listening to their answers when we’re finished.
What can you tell us about Circle’s story?

MB: Triangle breaks a rule and gets lost, and it’s up to Circle to save him. Most of the story takes place in the dark, which meant that Jon didn’t have to draw anything but eyes, even though I still had to put words on all those pages.
Are you ever surprised at the answers young readers have to the questions at the end of the books?
MB: Absolutely. I was pretty sure I knew the answer to the question at the end of Square until I started talking to kids about it. Now I don’t know what to think.
JK: On the other hand they almost never believe Square is telling the truth at the end of the Triangle book and I don’t think anyone is surprised by that. He’s for sure lying.
What were some of your favorite picture books growing up?
MB: Jon and both loved the Frog & Toad books. That series is the reason we became friends.
JK: Yes, definitely Frog & Toad. I also really loved PD Eastman’s books and they are still way up there on my list. Sam and The Firefly and Go! Dog Go! especially.
From the Shapes trilogy, with whom do you most identify: Triangle, Square, or Circle?

MB: I’m probably supposed to say Triangle. So. Triangle.
JK: I don’t know what I’m supposed to say, but Square’s nervousness and need for structure is definitely pretty familiar.
Is this the last we’ll see of the Shapes crew?
MB:  I hope not!
What books would you recommend to readers who love the Shapes series?
MB: Well let’s see. The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse. Sam & Dave Dig a Hole. Extra Yarn. Jon, do you see what I’m up to?
JK: Yes, Mac, I see. Those are all very good books you should for sure purchase for your home.
What’s up next for the two of you?
MB:  I have to finish the fourth book in the Mac B., Kid Spy series. This interview was a great excuse not to do my work!
JK: I’m working on a bunch of new books but none of them are ready to talk about yet. They are as good as Mac’s book that he mentioned he was working on, though.