I don’t know why, as a child, reading--and laughing at--Shel Silverstein’s poetry felt like I was getting away with something, but it was a lot of fun. And it still is! His poetry is unrestrained, runs around the page, produces unexpected hilarity and even instructs. I learned that if I love a tree, it loves me back. If I want to eat a whale, it's best to do it one bite at a time. His poetry wasn’t just silly words like Dr. Seuss, it poked fun with a sly wink-and-a-nod.
Described as free-spirited, bohemian, yet hardworking and prolific, Chicago-born Silverstein was every bit the definition of an artist. His opinions and ideas were ahead of his time and his talents ranged from cartoons to music to screenplays. He had to be convinced that he could write for children, and yet they have remained his most adoring fans. Poetry for children was never the same after Shel Silverstein. After you've reread your copy of Where the Sidewalk Ends, try some of these poets:
Words With Wings and Magic Things: Author of nearly a dozen children's books, Matthew Burgess now deftly shares whimsical and thoughtful poems. Don't miss Alligator on the A Train.
I've Lost My Hippopotamus : A contemporary of Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky's poetry always elicits giggles and guffaws.
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