Houghton Mifflin Harcourt | 978-0358064763

Lovers of poetry and especially poetry for children are well familiar with Joyce Sidman‘s work. Her books have won many awards, including but not limited to a Newbery Honor for DARK EMPEROR AND OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT, Caldecott Honors for both SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN & OTHER POND POEMS and RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS: A Year in Colors, and a Sibert Medal for THE GIRL WHO DREW BUTTERFLIES:How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science

Sidman’s newest, DEAR TREEFROG, illustrated by Diana Sudyka is another gem. Bright vibrant illustrations rendered in gouache watercolor on paper invite readers into the story (told in poems) of a young girl, who, upon moving to a new home, “discovers a treefrog perched in a secret spot.” Over time, the child slows down and begins to explore this new friendship:

… I look
and breathe
and
settle

growing
calmer
steadier

a little less lonely

As the months pass and the seasons change, each poem reveals more of the growing connection between the child and her wild companion. With fall comes a new challenge – the first day of school. Before long, the girl has found a friend and kindred spirit – a classmate as captivated by the treefrog and the changing seasons as she is.

CLICK TO ENLARGE © illustration by Diana Sudyka

When spring finally arrives, the two friends emerge from winter to the wide green world:

“Anything is possible…
when you are
a treefrog

or when
you are looking
for one.”

Each spread is accompanied by a short paragraph that complements the given poem and cleverly weaves in interesting facts about treefrogs, their habits, and habitats.

**For those who would like to learn more, Joyce and Diana will be talking about the origins and creation of this book on Thursday, June 10, 2021, courtesy of the Wild Rumpus Bookstore. The event is free and you can register HERE.**