Begin Here

8/1/2018

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson ill Rafael López

There will be times...

Uncertainty. Anxiety. Fear.
We've all experienced a stomachache, teary eyes or wobbly legs symptom when venturing into the unknown. Jacqueline Woodson's latest picture book assures readers that these are natural and normal feelings. At some point we all are keenly aware that we don't "fit in." Appearing different, speaking an unfamiliar language, having a unique culture and capabilities can cause one to feel alienated from other members of the group.
Woodson doesn't stop with reciting a list of differences. She provides strategies for moving past negative thoughts and emotions. For example, she suggests that when someone feels excluded, the response may be to first relate a personal story. Then listen to the individual stories of others. Understanding commonalities and appreciating differences can help to build friendships.

Poetic language, reassuring and welcoming, reinforces a message of inclusion and acceptance. The title is expressed in present tense. This isn't something that happened in the past. It is real. It is now.

Rafael López illustrates with thoughtfully selected motifs.
Initially readers see several versions of a ruler: Angelina peeking around a ruler-measured door, a girl hugging her own lunch on a table marked in exact increments. A boy standing alone against a tree etched with calibrated lines. Each of these images suggest the fear and uncertainty caused by measuring oneself against others. Later the characters break free of the rigid, self-imposed requirements, causing ruled illustrations to disappear from the pages.

Books are a recurring theme throughout the narrative. Before the story begins, readers are treated to an image of Angelina inside her apartment, reading a book. After going into detail to describe the many ways in which others are different from her, Angelina closes her book and looks longingly outside her window. Then we encounter a boy, apart from all the others, hiding a book behind his back. When he stands alone at the water's edge, the reflection is of the same boy, but now the book is open and he is enjoying this world of stories. It is with books that Angelina and her little sister can explore new worlds. It is because of books that Angelina has stories to share with her new friends. Books are both a refuge and a way to connect with others.

I love the birds, flying throughout the pages. The unique stories of others produce remarkable results: "the world opens itself up a little wider". Readers can take flight and "go EVERYWHERE."

The Day You Begin exquisitely captures the experience of stepping into unfamiliar territory. This is an excellent choice for parents and caregivers to share with children as they start a new school year or begin attending a new group activity. Teachers and leaders of classes, extracurricular groups, and enrichment programs will find this book helpful in setting the stage for an inviting and inclusive experience.

...every new friend has something
a little bit like you - and something else so fabulously not quite like you
at all

Bonus

For an added insight, carefully examine the end papers. When initially opening the book and turning the cover to reveal the end papers, one sees a spring meadow with a single flower bud. An insect and bird watch over the plants, waiting for blossoms. After reading The Day You Begin, the closing end papers present a different view of the same garden. Now flowers are blooming. A multiplicity of insects and birds take flight. Rafael López has created a mini story, beautifully bookending Jacqueline Woodson's wondrous text.