Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors

Written by Joyce Sidman

Illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

Most enjoyed by poetry lovers of all ages

A poetry book about seasonal colors is perfect for this time of year. We've had our share of snow and bitter cold this winter. As beautiful as the landscape is blanketed by snow, a splash of color is what our eyes search for when it's sunny. Sometimes, it's hard to find. But after reading 'Red Sings from Treetops', I think it will be a little bit easier to spot those colors that are hiding right in front of us.

Beginning with the season of spring, Ms. Sidman describes colors and how they change with each season. White sounds like storms in spring but dazzles in the winter. Green is tired and dusty in fall but is the queen of summer. The imagery created by each color makes readers say 'Yes, that is the way pink is in winter' or 'Yellow really does grow wheels in fall as it goes off to school'. Ms. Sidman creates so many perfect word pictures with her poetry that I think even the youngest of readers or listeners will be able to relate to the text. And they'll delight in the illustrations by Pamela Zagarenski. What joy they contain! Part collage and part painting on wood, they have a sort of spontaneity to them that perfectly reflects the poetry.

I've read 'Red Sings from Treetops' a number of times now and can't get enough of it. I'm glad it starts with the season of spring because it reminds me that despite the cold and snow, it will be here eventually. In the meantime, I can start watching for the colors that will tell me it's just around the corner.