Red Sings from Treetops a year in colors By: Joyce Sidman Illustrated by: Pamela Zagarenski

A 2010 Caldecott Honor Book

Imagine trying to explain the wonders of the seasons to young and inspired eyes.  How can you do it justice?  How can you explain something so magical and beautiful?  I know a way.  A beautiful and awe inspiring way.  A book that takes you on a poetic journey to experience the different seasons with color and through brilliant imagery.  Red Sings from Treetops a year in colors provides parents with a colorful tool to discuss seasons and bring our children on the journey with us.  I love the illustrations in this book.  The woman and dog with their crowns followed by the cardinal on each page are fun and whimsical.

My children love color. They will often recite their favorite colors to anyone who is listening "I like pink and purple best.  Oh, and silver and gold.  Well I guess my favorite color would be rainbow".  Like all children color is so important to them.  Not only artistically but they see the world so brightly and lit up!  Living in a part of the US where we are lucky to have a taste of each season my girls have grown to love each one of them.  And as of recently winter is their favorite.  As an adult long removed from childhood it reminded me of a time where snow was such a delight and wonder.  Children have a wonderful way of reminding us of what is fun and how magical our world really is!


SPRING: "In spring, Yellow and Purple hold hands.  They beam at each other with bright velvet faces. First flowers, first friends."  Describing Pansies.









SUMMER: "In SUMMER, White clinks drinks. Yellow melts everything it touches...smells like butter, tastes like salt."  Imagine lemonade, and corn on the cob.






FALL: "Brown gleams in my hand:  a tiny round house, dolloped with roof."  The author describing an acorn.









WINTER: "Pink prickles: warms fingers against cold cheeks." Imagine going out without your mittens.

Do something to spark your children's love of learning.  Read them this amazing book and provide them with a wonderful learning experience in a beautiful way!