Since attending the Newbery Caldecott Banquet last month, I've been very interested in reading more of these award-winning books. Though I've been teaching a few years (okay more than a few ;-), and I did read throughout those years, I am especially attune now to children's literature and its quality. I can say that there are several titles I have picked up and looked at and said to myself: "I have read this before!" However, I cannot say I took enough time to enjoy them or truly appreciate them. So, I am going back and rereading some of these with a different set of eyes--eyes opened with time, more reading, and experience.
Now, whenever I see or hear about a Caldecott or Newbery book, I want to know more. If I could, I would memorize the winners (as well as the Honors). I'm curious about the author, the artwork, the process, and everything that makes the book unique. I started the Newbery and Caldecott challenges in 2012, too. (I've been making some progress on this, but I haven't gotten as far along as I should have because I keep stopping to read the new books.)
So I'm trying fit in more of these books. And in that, I feel as if I 'm giving myself the very best education. I am taking it up on myself to learn from experts about these books, and I'm finding that there is much to learn. But that doesn't dissuade me from the pursuit of the learning because I care very much about it. It IS my passion. (Isn't this what we seek for our students? Yes. And because I live this, I want to help every student who is in my charge to find their passion as well.)
In pursuit of learning, and because it is a complete joy to me, I read these titles this week:
A SINGLE SHARD by Linda Sue Park
Published: April 23, 2001
First published by: Clarion Books
What a rich and beautiful story this is! Tree-ear, an orphan, is the main character living in Korea in the 12th century. He wants nothing more than to learn the craft. But many things go against Tree-ear. The storytelling is stunning, and I highly recommend it. I learned more about the art of celadon glaze pottery in this book, and I want to learn more about that, too. Linda Sue Park won the Newbery Medal for this book in 2002.
JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT by Simms Taback
Published: Oct. 1, 1999
Published by: Viking
Simms Taback both wrote and illustrated this Caldecott Medal winner for the year 2000. (His book POSTCARDS FROM CAMP won the Texas Bluebonnet Award in 2013.) In JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT, Taback uses cutouts to create the art and tell the story, and each time you turn the page, the cutout is used in a new way. How many versions of this book have been published?
BLUEBERRIES FOR SAL by Robert McCloskey
Published: Sept. 17, 1948
Published by: Viking Juvenile
This delightful picture book was a Caldecott Honor book in 1949. I have been to Maine only once in my life, but I remember it well, and often think of it. (Once my life isn't so busy, I'd love to travel there and vacation for awhile.) So when I reread this book, I saw it through Caldecott eyes, and with good memories. But this book didn't need any of those things to make it wonderful. The story is sweet, and the illustrations make the reader go back to look each time. Little things are noticed. Little but truly amazing things. Robert McCloskey's work will bring a smile to your face, and will make you want to go to Maine and eat blueberries.
Hope your day is filled with wonderful books, and that you are learning about things that you love, too!