Red Sings from Treetops

Red Sings from Treetops by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski 2009

The richness of color is explored in this poetically whimsical book. The apparel of the lady on each page matches the colors of the seasonal display, and her hat-wearing dog many times rolls along beside her on wheels. The senses are made more magical during each season with the rustle of brown autumn leaves, the shout of yellow light, and the clink of white ice cubes. I am convinced that this book, with saturated scenes from Zagrenski and luscious text by Sidman, will satiate your reading needs.

"Fall smells purple: old leaves, crushed berries, squishy plums with worms in them. Purple: the smell of all things mixed together."

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Joyce Sidman on Amazon

Pamela Zagarenski on Amazon

In My Backyard

In My Backyard by Margriet Ruurs, illustrated by Ron Broda 2007

Backyard animals, and the seasons they nestle in, are deftly explored in this informative book. As one season merges into the next, the diurnal and nocturnal rituals of animals are shown. The paper-sculpture by Broda is delicate and captivating. This wonderful book will broaden your appreciation for the fascinating wildlife in your own yard.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Margriet Ruurs on Amazon

Ron Broda on Amazon

Listen, Listen!

Listen, Listen! By Phillis Gershator, illustrated by Alison Jay 2007

The music in the changing seasons is beautifully displayed in the rhyming text of this story. The transformation from Spring back to Spring again takes place in a small village. There is an urgency to turn each page, to see what beautiful images will be discovered next.

“Listen, listen….summer’s gone. Good-bye insects, autumn’s come. Pumpkins ripen, quick, quick. Apples, corn-pick, pick.”

The illustrations by Jay are reminiscent of antique folk-art, and have a feeling of mystery and melancholy. Four pages at the back of the book feature an image of each season, and a game to pick out items in the changing landscapes.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Phillis Gershator on Amazon

Alison Jay on Amazon

The House in the Meadow

The House in the Meadow by Shutta Crum, illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye 2003

This informational book about building a house from the ground up also includes great practice in counting. A newly married couple oversees the construction of their first home as the seasons change. The text echoes the classic counting rhyme “Over in the Meadow” by Wadsworth. The important job that each worker performs is included in the clever text. Billin-Frye uses colorful collage that has a three-dimensional feel.

“Over in the meadow, by the house, in the sun, waved the wife and the husband and their new little one. “Home!” Said the couple. “You’re home,” said everyone. Then they lived in the meadow, in their house that was done!"

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Shutta Crum on Amazon

Long Night Moon

Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Mark Siegel 2004

A poem introduces us to the name of the full moon during each month of the year. The seasonal change and the animals present in each beautiful picture are highlighted by the moons glow. From the Snow Moon glowing in February, to the Strawberry Moon shimmering in June, you will be drawn into the mystery of the night. Siegel’s poignant, and exquisite artwork captures the magic in each phase of the moon.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Cynthia Rylant on Amazon

Coco All Year Round

Coco All Year Round by Sloane Tanen, photography by Stefan Hagen 2006

Four-line rhyme for each month of the year is not particularly clever, but the photo's of Coco and friends more than make up for that. The small objects and details on each page are humorous, and kids will likely want to explore over and over.

Coco is a cute pompom chick, and the miniature sets are whimsical. Join her as she experiences each month of the year in style.

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Sloane Tanen on Amazon

Oddhopper Opera

Oddhopper Opera: A Bug's Garden of Verses by Kurt Cyrus 2001

"Under the thunderheads, over the trails,

Rumbling, rumbling-here come the snails!"

The snails are joined by a cast full of characters that lurk in the garden. Detailed artwork invites us to observe the precarious world of insects throughout the seasons. Beautiful rhyming language tumbles across the page, following the ever present trail of ants.

Cyrus gives a stark, yet witty representation of the life cycle of the amazing creatures outside our windows, whether searching for food, or becoming a meal.

This down-to-earth read will encourage everyone to bend down and take a closer look next time they step outside.

Appropriate for ages 4-8