Apr 29, 2009

Recommended Reading


National Poetry Month is coming to a close. Have you written a poem? Have you read some poetry? Have you introduced your child to the beauty of poetry? I think poetry is perfect for children. Sometimes when my kiddies are getting to bed late and we don't have time to read a whole book, a poem or two is the perfect way to end the day. Children love rhyming- look how long Mother Goose has been around. Poetry instills a love of language. That's why I'm recommending Red Sings from Treetops: A Year In Colors by Joyce Sidman. Ms. Sidman takes your children on a journey through the seasons of the year through the beauty of color. With the help of a little, red bird singing it's cheer, the seasons unfold. The book begins with spring, and Sidman writes, "In spring, even the rain tastes Green." (It's true, I was out walking in it this morning- it does taste green!) Each season is explored with white, yellow, green, purple, etc., with the book beginning and ending with the color red. What a great way for your toddler to learn their colors! I love this book so much I could transcribe the whole thing here for you, but that might lead to legal trouble for me, and besides I want you to enjoy the poetry while you look at and hold the book (especially since the illustrator, Pamela Zagarenski, is so amazing).
Good-bye National Poetry Month. Thank- you Joyce Sidman for Red Sings from Treetops!

2 comments:

Christine said...

I requested the book- can't wait to read it to the girls!

Team Martin said...

Wow, I just finished a poetry unit with my students and it was really worthwhile. Also, the new Jim Harrison poetry book would be one I would recommend for us older folks.