Laden with Thoughts

My mother bought this book, Tuesday by David Wiesner, as a birthday gift for Liam.  The unique thing about this childrens book is that there is no dialogue or narration, only vibrant pictures allowing the reader to imagine what is going on for himself without direction from the author’s words.  Liam’s interest was piqued instantly.

Many people might not understand how a four year old child would benefit from a picture book as opposed to a book with words that might assist in the development of the child’s reading and spelling skills.  My mother, being an ASL interpreter, knows all too well the importance of encouraging abstract thinking by using pictures, or gestures in conversation.  Without using gestures while speaking or suggesting feelings or thoughts through pictures and artwork, our brains would lose necessary and vital stimulation which over time could hurt our ability to express ourselves properly, or to think “outside the box”.

I enjoyed flipping through the book’s colorful pages, giggling here and there while the story of frogs on flying lilypads unfolded.  Liam giggled as well, and as we looked at all the pictures he explained to me what was going on in the story.  It was a moment of clarity and excitement for him; he was proud to be reading a book to ME instead of the other way around.  We have a few other books by David Wiesner that I am looking forward to “reading” with both Liam and Maeve!

Tuesday by David Wiesner was published in 1991 and was a recipient of the Caldecott Medal in 1992.