Concept books are very hard to write in an interesting manner. First, you have the problem of presenting the idea of the story. Second, the concept must be described in a manner that is understandable for the audience. Finally, the book must be interesting. Because of this, many writers steer clear of concept books.
Fortunately for us, Joyce Sidman has written a poetic concept book that avoids these problems. She uses the natural world to teach children the seasons of the year, and the colors in the spectrum. The title of this lovely book is "Red Sings from Treetops: a Year in Colors."
The story begins with a lady walking outdoors with a little dog. Both the woman and the dog are wearing crowns. The top of the house is lifting off and cardinals are flying across the sky. It is Spring! The maple trees develop a red hue; rhubarb begins taking a red shade and all the sounds of the world echo like cherries falling to the ground.
The entire world then becomes green, and the lady and her little dog explore this lovely world. Balanced on a wheel, the woman holds an umbrella made of green stalks. Soon this bursting world is joined by the color yellow. Goldfinches join the cardinals and fly upwards toward a comforting yellow sun. Some of the tips of the yellow flowers gracefully turn purple.
But since spring is a time of thunder and lightning, the lady picks up her little dog and runs away from the white bolts of lightning and cold white hail. Fortunately, the storm blows over and white leaves behind delicate pale flowers.
Now the woman and her dog run outdoors to play in the gorgeous sunshine and encounter the majestic color blue. The blue sky frames the world and gives it a spectacular beauty. In a nearby tree, four young pink birds open mouths for their mother to feed them and sing to the heavens. It is almost Summer!
More colors come pouring into the story. The lady discovers the beauty of black on a nighttime walk. The black night is mysterious, and in a tree the woman sees a raccoon staring at her. But the color also is comforting.
But Fall and Winter have not yet arrived. What colors and shapes will represent these wonderful seasons?
What color do you prefer? Do you have a favorite season? Sometimes it is hard to tell because each color is beautiful and every season has its charms.
Why do the lady and her dog always have a crown on their heads? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out "Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors," by Joyce Sidman.
"Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors" won the Caldecott Honor Award in 2010 for its distinguished art. All of the illustrations have a whimsical, poetic feel. Since Sidman is teaching color concepts and the four seasons of the year, readers will be gracefully introduced to the various colors of the changing calendar.
This book is particularly valuable for readers with a sense of beauty. The poetry is engaging. It is written in a warm and comforting manner and is illustrated in a lovely, whimsical style.
I hope you get the chance to go to the library and check out this enchanting title. I liked the book, and think you will as well. Enjoy!
