Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
"Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein is a beloved collection of children's poetry that invites readers into a whimsical and imaginative world. Published in 1974, this anthology features 117 poems that explore the themes of childhood, imagination, and the transition into adolescence. Silverstein's work is characterized by its playful use of nonsense, humor, and rhythmic elements, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking for audiences of all ages. The poems are complemented by the author’s distinctive pen-and-ink illustrations, which enhance the storytelling and provide visual context to the verses.
The collection introduces a variety of memorable characters and situations, such as a girl with a giant best friend and a boy who transforms into a television, while also addressing deeper emotions like love and anticipation for the future. Its enduring popularity is evident as it continues to be enjoyed by children, parents, and educators, with some poems incorporated into educational settings. The timeless nature of Silverstein's poetry encourages readers to engage with themes of creativity and reflection, making "Where the Sidewalk Ends" a cherished addition to children's literature.
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Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
First published: 1974; illustrated
Subjects: Animals, emotions, family, friendship, and nature
Type of work: Poetry
Recommended Ages: 10-13
Form and Content
Shel Silverstein is a highly popular writer of children’s poetry, mainly because of his use of nonsense and humor, but he can also show a depth of feeling that encourages readers to examine their own emotions in relation to various aspects of growing up. This collection encompasses 117 poems, ranging in length from three sentences to three pages, that present various objects, experiences, and emotions related to children, their imaginations, and the realities of moving into adolescence. The humorous poems, nonsense poems, and narrative poems of Where the Sidewalk Ends are all interlaced with rhythm, rhyme, sound patterns, and repetition. All are written in such a way as to be timeless.
The first poem in the collection is an invitation to join the author in the world where the sidewalk ends: “If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,/ A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer,/ If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire,/ For we have some flax-golden tales to spin./ Come in! Come in!” Following this poem, Silverstein does exactly as he says: spins golden tales that are sure to entertain and delight young readers, while at the same time providing subjects for in-depth thought or enjoyment, depending on degree of intensity that the reader brings to each poem. Pen-and-ink sketches illustrate the majority of the poems and provide an introduction to each subject even before the first word is read.
The childhood world of Silverstein’s poetry begins where the fictitious sidewalk ends, and the reader enters a new world, one where he or she will meet (to name only a few) Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout, who will not take the garbage out; a boy who turns into a television; a girl who has a giant as a best friend; Rudy, who knows how to belch better than anyone; unicorns; “humpy bumpy” camels; chimpanzees; long-neck geese; and Betsy Blue Bonnet, who has the longest nose in the world. This world is also a place where the reader can play in the rain, ride a horse, be eaten by a boa constrictor, plant a diamond garden, stand in a crocodile’s mouth, and erase someone with a magical eraser. On a more serious note, the reader learns about hugs, love, looking to the future with anticipation for all the things that can happen in life, and how sometimes taking action is more important than merely thinking about things. Regardless of the subject, Silverstein presents poems that reach the reader by tapping into humor and emotions and providing genuine entertainment.
Critical Context
Where the Sidewalk Ends remains as well received and enjoyable to children, adults, and teachers as it was when it first appeared on bookshelves in 1974. Readers, both young and old, savor hearing these poems read aloud, as well as perhaps acting out the characters found in some of the longer poems. Some poems, such as “The Unicorn,” have been made into popular songs. Others, such as “Smart” and “One Inch Tall,” have been incorporated into the curriculum in an attempt to show that mathematics problems can be entertaining. Additionally, “Paul Bunyan” has been used in English literature classes as a point of comparison with the more traditional version of this tall tale.
In addition to several picture books for intermediate readers, Shel Silverstein published the humorous books of poetry A Light in the Attic (1985) and Falling Up (1996). Both of these collections include pen-and-ink drawings by Silverstein and provide the reader with comic and profound poems that encourage divergent and creative thinking.