Tuesday by David Wiesner (1992 Caldecott Medal Winner)

Author / Illustrator :  David Wiesner
Publisher  :  Clarion Books
ISBN  :  0395870828
              (Buy / Borrow)

     As previously mentioned, I am an avid proponent of reading and exposure to literature in all shapes and sizes.  As of late, however, I must admit that my own exposure to picture books and illustrated material in general (other than advertisements), has been somewhat lacking.  I'm glad, now that I'm involved in a class covering children's literature, that I am reconnecting with the types of books I very much adored during my early childhood.
     During my visit to the Port Richmond branch of the New York Public Library yesterday, I searched for as many Newbery and Caldecott award winning books as I could find on the shelves.  I was fortunate to find that not only were many of them currently on the premises, but also that there were several copies.  After making a few selections I decided to write my post about David Wiesner's book Tuesday, because, after all, I was checking it out on a Tuesday, and couldn't wait to see what was in store for the rest of my day!
     I settled in at home at about 6:15 PM, opened to the first page and read "Tuesday Evening. Around Eight".  Those were the only words on that page.  In fact, that page had the only real words used in the entire book.  The only other text denoted the progress of time as the story unfolded.  At first, I was a little put off by this fact.  How, after all, would I be able to comment on a book that had essentially no words?
     I read through it a few more times, each time reminding myself that the Caldecott Medal is for distinguished illustration and I was surprised at how much detail I had overlooked during my previous examinations of the artwork.  As the old adage goes "A picture is worth a thousand words", and in the case of Tuesday, probably a whole lot more.
     There is a wonderfully detailed story contained within this sequence of images and I think that this book would be great to "read" in a group or classroom setting containing children of all different reading levels.  True, they wouldn't actually be reading words on a page, but everyone would be able to infer many of the same elements of the story and share in the experience.
     I feel that this shared experience (hopefully an enthusiastic one), would provide a common ground on which all students could meet and possibly discuss their thoughts.  The effect of this collaborative experience can and more than likely will stimulate and reinforce the efforts of the children to further develop their reading skills.  I think it's important that children have as many positive experiences with reading as they can early on.  That way, they won't feel that reading is a chore or something that they have to do for school, but rather something that they would like to do for fun.  If they are enjoying themselves, they'll be more likely to continue reading, and if they continue reading, there will be virtually no limit to what they will be able to learn.
     I strongly recommend that anyone looking for a superbly illustrated picture book from which a vivid and imaginative storyline can be derived, should find a copy of Tuesday at their local bookstore.  It will undoubtedly be a great addition to any collection.

Once Upon A Time. . . . .

     Hello, and welcome to the very first post on my blog about children's literature.  Before I dive right into posting and exploring the myriad of material published for young people, I wanted to write a few words about the blog itself and its purpose.
     While it is true that this blog is a part of the curriculum for a class examining children's literature, I aspire to make it more than just an assignment.  I feel that I owe much of my development, both as a student and a human being, to reading and being read to over the course my own childhood.  The title chosen for this tiny corner of the digital realm that is the internet was done so quite carefully.  Finish The Book, for the purpose of the posts made here, will have more than one meaning.
     The literal meaning, of course, is an open encouragement to all readers, both young and young at heart, to read.  Whatever your preference, be it biographies, poetry, magazines, newspapers, or even humble little blogs, the value of reading can never be underestimated.
     The deeper meaning of the title is borrowed from a statement by renowned author and literature critic Samuel Johnson.  “A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it."  Nowhere have I seen an idea more true or profound.  After reading that quote for the first time and digesting its meaning, I realized that the ways in which we process literature in our own minds are what truly make reading a unique and personal experience.  Not solely about the joy of imagination, reading can also serve to help us expand our own ideas or even absorb and grow in the understanding of new ones.  There are very few experiences that can claim to be as remarkable, reliable, or sustainable.
     As you might have noticed, reading and its inherent benefits are a passionate subject for me, and I hope the enthusiasm contained within the posts on this blog serve to boost your enthusiasm as well.  Thanks for reading!  I'll see you soon :)