The Preschooler

Book Review: Where the Sidewalk Ends

The first poetry to which I remember being exposed isa wonderful collection of poems that have now been read to pieces.  Shel Silverstein’s book, Where the Sidewalk Ends, was a gift from my mother.  I don’t remember the specific occasion, but I can remember spending hours sitting in my closet or lying on my bed, giggling at the silly verses and wild illustrations contained within the book’s simple, yet alluring, cover.

I love that readers are invited to “come in” to the book.  The first poem, called “Invitation”, begins:

“If you are a dreamer, come in,

If you are a dreamer,

A wisher, a liar,

A hope-er, a pray-er, 

A magic bean buyer.”

Inside this book you will discover poems about situations that relate specifically to children.  An older brother may get a kick out of the poem, “Sister for Sale”, while a sister may point a finger after reading “With His Mouth Full of Food”.  Most of the poems, however, are silly enough for anyone, old or young, to enjoy.

After being entertained by this first book of poems, you will want to be sure to get your hands on copies of Silverstein’s other collections, A Light in the Attic and Falling Up, as well as some of his children’s storybooks, including The Giving Tree and The Missing Piece.

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Written by Laura on May 20, 2011