This summer I have had more time off than I originally anticipated. I really like my job at Gymboree (not so much the people I work with but that's a whole different story in and of itself) but let's face it, working at a retail clothing store isn't exaclty mind stimulating work. In fact, it's pretty mindLESS.
At the beginning of the summer I decided to make a goal for myself to read all of the Caldecott Award winning children's books; a sort of "independent study" if you will. I have always loved children's picture books and figured that since I would be teaching soon it would be wise to be better aquainted with some of the children's book classics. I found a list of all these books online and as I looked over them I was surprised with how few I was actually familiar with. Sad commentary.
The Randolph Caldecott Medal is awarded to artists of the "most distinguished American picture book for children published in the United States during the preceding year." Randolph Caldecott was a famous illustrator of children's books and the award is named after him because his art represented the "joyousness and beauty of picture books." The award first began in 1938, and was given every year since then. That means there are a current total of 72 Caldecott award winners.
I've made several trips to the local library this summer gathering about 10-15 books at a time to read and study. How can you "study" a children's book you might ask? Not "studying" like you would a textbook, but rather just reading them over a couple times, paying attention to the words, illustrations, and other details that most of the time we overlook. It's definitely been fascinating to see what makes an award winning book. It's also helped me gain a better appreciation for children's book authors and illustrators. Most of the books I have really liked, others not so much. But regardless, it has become very clear to me that to be a Caldecott winner you have to have some degree of skill and talent that is a cut above the rest.
I'm not finished yet, but it's been really fun so far. If anything, it's cemented my love of children's literature and has even got me thinking about pursuing a master's degree in children's literature or editing.
One of my favorite things in life is watching a child open a book. I love to watch them leaf through the pages...their facial expressions, their little fingers pointing to different pictures. It is the purest, most simple, and wholesome entertainment we can give to them. Take away the TV, ipods, Wii, and all other entertainment and what is left? Books.
Here's the latest batch of books I'm reading...
I actually found Jumanji at Ollie's for $3.99 and bought it, along with four other children's books that were adorable. In all I think I spent$16 on five books. Jumanji was originally listed as $18.95...it was too good a deal to pass up. Gotta love Ollie's...dig through all the other junk and you can find some real "gems." When I have my own classroom one day I will be responsible for stocking it with books...that can be expensive! I figured I should probably start accumulating books now...hopefully it will illiminate stress and hassle in the future. If for anything else, one day my kids will enjoy them.:)
I actually found Jumanji at Ollie's for $3.99 and bought it, along with four other children's books that were adorable. In all I think I spent$16 on five books. Jumanji was originally listed as $18.95...it was too good a deal to pass up. Gotta love Ollie's...dig through all the other junk and you can find some real "gems." When I have my own classroom one day I will be responsible for stocking it with books...that can be expensive! I figured I should probably start accumulating books now...hopefully it will illiminate stress and hassle in the future. If for anything else, one day my kids will enjoy them.:)
