Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors

Title: Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors
Author: Joyce Sidman
Illustrator: Pamela Zagarenski
Author's Website: www.joycesidman.com

ISBN: 978-0-547-01494-4

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Copyright Date: 2009

Genre:  Poems

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: Booklist, 2009. Horn Book, 2009. School Library Journal, 2009. Caldecott, 2010.

Plot Summary: This is a beautiful depiction of the seasons from Spring when “yellow and purple hold hands” to Fall when “red swells on branches bent low.” Sidman provides evocative descriptions that personify the colors, giving them each their own distinct personality. Readers watch as White rests in dark branches and Green waits in the hearts of trees. A perfect example of how descriptions of natures can be captivating and entertaining.

Critical Evaluation: The mixed media illustrations could not compliment the beautiful text any better than they do. Zagarenski uses a mixture of materials such as collage and paper cutouts of newspapers. The vibrant colors seem to pop off the page, almost inviting and drawing the reader into the season. I was personally amused by the main character that can be seen in every scene, wearing an unusual outfit and frolicking through the season.

Reader's Annotation: A series of poems describing the colors, sounds and smells of the different seasons.

Booktalking Ideas: Poetry, Nature

Why did you include this book: This book would benefit students who haven't yet found an appreciation or desire for poetry. The beautiful illustrations are just as enticing as the poetry. 
Quote: “Red swells on branches bent low.”