Books have a significant influence on children as they grow up. These books not only help to teach children about various things but also assist in shaping their perspectives. Among the numerous elements found in children’s literature, the concept of the 'weekend' presents intriguing psychological perspective. The portrayal of weekends in children's books can influence not only their perception of leisure time but also their concept of work and responsibility.

Weekends: A Symbol of Freedom and Adventure
The notion of 'weekend' in children’s literature often presents a time of freedom, family bonding, and adventure. For children, weekends signify time away from strict school schedules, the freedom to play, explore, and do activities they enjoy most. Many children’s books, such as 'The Famous Five' series by Enid Blyton, deliver stories of weekend adventures, fostering a sense of excitement and anticipation for these two days in young readers.

Weekends and Family Time
Illustrations of weekends in children's literature often highlight the importance of family time. Stories like 'The Berenstain Bears' emphasize fun weekend activities as a family, subtly reinforcing the significance of bonding and spending quality time with family members. This can shape a child’s perception of family values and the importance of togetherness.

Weekends as a Resting Time
Weekends are commonly represented as a time for relaxation and rejuvenation, aiding children in understanding the importance of rest and self-care, balancing work (school, in their case) and relaxation. Books such as 'The Weekend with Wendell' by Kevin Henkes conveys this idea by showcasing how weekends are meant for relaxation after a hectic week.

Teaching Responsibility
Simultaneously, 'weekend' also enforces teaching responsibility like doing house chores or weekend homework. It balances the scales by depicting weekends not just as periods of endless play but also a time to engage in some essential duties, hence aiding children to understand the importance of responsibilities.

In conclusion, the portrayal of weekends in children’s literature helps in shaping a child’s perception of leisure time, the importance of family, rest, and also responsibilities. It balances the contrast between work and rest, setting the stage for the development of a well-rounded individual. Observing on a deeper level, we can see how children's literature cleverly infuses basic life values through relatable concepts such as 'the weekend' to young readers.