There are lots of books that fall under the heading “concept books” – books about shapes, colours, patterns, emotions, and vocabulary like opposites. New ones are always welcome, as far as I’m concerned, because I can only read the same one so many times – and now I have two new ones to share!
What’s Up, Bear?
by Frieda Wishinsky
OwlKids
ISBN: 978 1 926973 41 8
I have, I have to be honest here, a soft spot for books about or set in New York – it’s nostalgia, pure and simple, and I don’t even bother trying to fight it. So having this cute little book of opposites open with a girl and her bear visiting the city? I’m halfway sold already. His worry that she will leave him behind for a fancy new bear, and their sweet reunion also makes this a friendship story, which I also love. So. Although I don’t love the art, I do like the way the opposites the fitted into their trip, making for a little something for a parents or librarian to read while pointing out the pairs of opposites to kids, which is always more fun. Also? The bear is a pretty cute little guy. 
Tell Me about Colors, Shapes, and Opposites
by Delphine Badreddine & Aurelie Guillerey
OwlKids
ISBN: 978 1 92697 54 8
More copmprehensive, this book talks colours, shapes, opposites and more in six different sections that provide all sorts of concept vocabulary around prepositions, opposites, colours and patterns, time, size, and so on. It’s more straightforward, and lacks the story element, so it’s one to peruse together and talk about, rather than reading aloud.
A French import, the newly translated book has a stripped-down, retro style that puts the emphasis on bright bits of colour against a black-and-white world on its matte pages. For parents who like nice design in their books and like to sit and talk about what they are seeing together, it’s a great pick.