Batho is the kind of child who can't walk through a city without asking questions. On his way home from school in Cape Town, past the slopes of Table Mountain and the historic walls of the Castle of Good Hope, through the bold lines of the Zeitz MOCAA and the sweeping curves of the Bosjes Chapel, he begins to notice something remarkable. Hidden in plain sight are shapes -- triangles, arches, circles, spirals -- quietly holding everything up.

What starts as simple curiosity becomes an eye-opening journey into how the world is built. Batho discovers that these shapes aren't just beautiful; they are powerful. They create strength, balance, and stability in the buildings and landmarks that define his city -- and in natural forms too. With every new discovery, he learns to see engineering and design not as distant concepts, but as part of everyday life.

Set against a distinctly South African backdrop with universal appeal, Shapes blends story and STEAM learning in a way that feels organic and adventurous. It invites young readers to look more closely at their own surroundings, sharpening observational skills and sparking critical thinking. Visually engaging and highly giftable, this is a story that works as beautifully in the classroom and library as it does at home -- inspiring confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of how our world fits together.