Sidman, Joyce. 2009. Red Sings from Treetops. Ill. by Pamela Zagarenski. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 9780547014944.
2. Plot Summary
Red Sings from Treetops is a story about the seasons told through colors. We flow whimsically through the seasons and their colors following a crowned figure and a crowned white dog. Sidman begins with Spring describing the sounds, scents, smells and feelings of reds, greens, yellows and more colors. She continues on with Summer, Fall and Winter. Each season is described from a variety of points in the day including morning, afternoon and evening. This story is illustrated with animals and scenes that one may see in each of the seasons. With every sight, smell, sound and feeling that Sidman describes, Zagarenski compliments with beautiful mixed media artwork.
3. Critical Analysis
The words that are colors described in a season are emphasized by the font being written in that color. The best part about this poem is that color metaphors that may not typically be considered common in each season are emphasized. For example, Sidman describes Spring in “White / can be quiet, too: / delicate petals filled with light / smell / white”. Sidman did not stick to the basic colors one would mention in a season but used deep and thoughtful descriptions such as the color of pink cheeks and the smell of white petals. The beginning of each season is emphasized with a heading titled in capital letters of the name of the season. This starts each season definitely so that the reader follows where they are in the poem. The placement of each word is important and reflects the importance of the word itself - some words have right alignment, some have left alignment and some are justified. This word placement changes the rhythm of the poem and the way the reader interprets it.
The illustrations are beautiful and unique. In a setting that is very exciting and detailed, the colors of emphasis in each section of the poem stand out on every page. Eccentric artwork and illustrations are on every page. The crowned figure always wears an outfit with abstract and different designs. Sometimes, the figure and the dog are even traveling on wheels. There are hidden letters, numbers and words on each page. For example, the page for Spring describing green has the crowned figure standing on a large wheel that has the word “circle” written repeatedly around the rim. This book could be read and re-read to find details in the artwork that may be missed during the first read.
4. Review Excerpt(s) and Awards
Nominated for a Caldecott Medal
Won Minnesota Book Award
Won American Library Association Notable Books for Children Award
BOOKLIST - *Starred Review* “Throughout, the mixed-media illustrations, including collage and paintings on wood, provide much to look at. And as the title implies, the colors that surprise on every page do sing.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - “Some of Zagarenski's mixed-media paintings are full of light and others are darker and slightly haunting, but the rich colors come to life on the page. The words and pictures depend upon one another and blend well to conjure up quirky, magical imagery.”
5. Connections
- While reading Red Sings from Treetops aloud, invite the listeners to find examples of the colors of the seasons on each page.
- Read one of Joyce Sidman’s poetry books every week including Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow, Eureka!, and The World According to Dog.
- Go outside during each season and find the colors in sight, smell, touch and feeling in real life. Discuss your findings as a group.
