Red Sings from the Treetops: A Year in Colors (Poetry)

Summary
This uniquely illustrated picture book is a collection of poems tied together by colors and the seasons. Joyce Sidman takes the reader on a journey through spring and summer to fall and winter by describing the world around her in colors. As the seasons change, so do the meanings of the colors. She writes, "In spring, red sings from the treetops: cheer-cheer-cheer, each note dropping like a cherry into my ear, " but in fall, "Red splashes fall tree, seeps into every vein of every five-fingered leaf." You start to see the world around you in a new way by her rhythmic tone, language, and word choice. Readers of all ages could love these colorful poems.

Discussion Questions
1. Which season's colors do you find most beautiful? Why?
2. If you were to add another color to spring, summer, winter, or fall, what would you add? Why? Where would this color be found?
3. Why do you think the author wrote this poem?

Other Books to Check Out
Salas, L. (2008). Flashy, clashy, and oh-so splashy: poems about color. North Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Sidman, J. (2006) Butterfly eyes and other secrets of the meadow. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.
Sidman, J. (2007). This is just to say: Poems of apology and forgiveness. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.
Sidman, J. (2010). Ubiquitous: Celebrating nature's survivors. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.
Yolen, J. (2003). Color me a rhyme: Nature poems for young people. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press.

Author's Website


APA Citation
Sidman, J. (2009). Red sings from the treetops: A year in colors. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.