The Greedy Triangle

The Greedy Triangle is a geometric picture book about a triangle who becomes dissatisfied with his shape and role in the world. The story follows his journey as he visits a shapeshifter to transform himself multiple times. Through visits to the shapeshifter, the triangle gains new angles and sides, allowing him to experience life as different polygons. His transformations lead him to discover both benefits and drawbacks of each new form. The book combines mathematical concepts with a storyline about self-acceptance and contentment. This blend of geometry and personal growth creates an engaging way for young readers to explore shape properties while considering deeper themes about identity.

Readers describe this as an engaging way to teach young children about geometric shapes and transformations. Parents and teachers use it with students ages 4-8. What readers liked: - Clear illustrations help children visualize shape changes - Mathematical concepts presented through an accessible story - Works well for classroom lessons on geometry - Keeps children's attention while teaching - Includes both basic and more advanced shape vocabulary What readers disliked: - Some found it repetitive - A few noted the story drags in the middle - Several mentioned it's too long for very young children - Some wanted more complex math concepts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (490+ ratings) Sample review: "My first graders ask for this book repeatedly. They love predicting what shape comes next and counting the sides/angles together." - Elementary teacher on Amazon "Perfect for introducing polygons, though it could be shorter." - Parent reviewer on Goodreads

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🔷 Author Marilyn Burns has written over a dozen math-focused children's books and founded Math Solutions, an organization dedicated to improving K-8 math instruction. 🔷 The book cleverly introduces geometric concepts like sides, vertices, and angles through the story of a shape that keeps wanting to add more sides to itself. 🔷 The transformation sequence in the story follows a mathematical pattern, starting with a triangle and progressing through shapes with up to 10 sides (a decagon). 🔷 The book's illustrations by Gordon Silveria demonstrate how common geometric shapes are in everyday objects, from street signs to pizza slices to building windows. 🔷 The story has been adapted into plays and classroom activities by teachers worldwide, helping students learn geometry through creative movement and dramatic play.