Shel Silverstein Children's Books

Shel Silverstein's dark humor has been highly controversial causing his books to even be banned in some libraries.

Silverstein's writings are what set him apart from the normal author, his books generate lots of discussion.

Many are familiar with books like, Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, The Giving Tree these are just a few favorites written by the versatile author Shel Silverstein.

Shel Silverstein has written other brilliant books as well, you may or may not know about:

Made-up of several different poems. The poems, including the title use a spoonerism style of writing.

Different from anything ever read. This book may be difficult for a little one to read, it got me tongue tied!

First of several poetry collections by Silverstein.

Other poetry collections include: Falling Up, Where the Sidewalk Ends and a Light in the Attic. All great to read if your short on time and only want to read a limited amount of poems.

One of Shel Silverstein's poetry collections that encompasses several clever written poems with illustrations.

Shel Silverstein explains different things a Rhinoceros can do and why you would want one.

About a boy and his giraffe whom act out different scenario's.

This book is filled with contagious rhythms, you will find yourself finishing sentences while reading.

Based on a circle that is in search of his missing piece. The circle tries out a few pieces and doesn't find his match. When the circle finally does find its missing piece, it feels that the search was more exciting than finding what it was in search of.

A sequel to The Missing Piece. It tells the story from the missing pieces' point of view.

Interpreted to some as a Christian parable and has even been read at some Sunday school classes.

Touching story, one that you will definitely reread over and over. It tells a story about a tree that would do anything for a little boy, for nothing in return. This book teaches great morals; shows the relation between a boy who TAKES, TAKES, TAKES and a tree that gives unconditionally.

Hard to believe, this book was rejected by an unknown Editor that stated its content was adult related not children and refused to sell the book. It is now one of the best children's books written.

A story about a Lion who kills a hunter and in turn learns to shoot the hunters discarded gun. Later, the Lion is faced with the question of whether he is Lion or man.

One of Silverstein's poetry collections.

Although, this book has won several awards and nominations, it has been banned from various libraries. Parents have complained that certain poems send the wrong message to children.

Two poems which were conflict-ridden in this book were: How Not to Have to Dry the Dishes the narrator suggests breaking dishes so that you will not be allowed to do them again. Little Abigail and the Beauitful Pony is about a little girl who dies as a result of her parents not buying her what she wanted, a pony.

This book has obviously received a lot of recognition. Nevertheless, It is one of the bestselling poetry collections written.

Wonderfully written, another of Shel's poetry collections and illustrations.

One of Silverstein's bestsellers.

Some references say that there are two verizon of this book, an adult verizon "A primer for adults only" and a kiddie verizon " A primer for tender young minds". I have yet to find the kiddie verizon. I believe that what had happened was that it originally was a kiddie book but was later released as an a adult book. The book has no nudies or profanity, it simply is just another book that has raised complainants for a children's book.

Wickedly twisted, written like a children's book but may be a little risky for kids too young. It could encourage your child to do things you would not want her/him to do. Here is an example from the book:

E is for egg.

See the egg.

The egg is full of slimey goosey white stuff and icky yellow stuff.

Do you like to eat eggs?

E is also for Ernie.

Ernie is the genie who lives in the ceiling.

Ernie loves eggs.

Take a nice fresh egg and throw it as high as you can and yell "Catch, Ernie! Catch the egg!"

And Ernie will reach down and catch the egg.

Shel Silverstein paints a creative, witty perspective thinking outside the box.

Sources state, "Silverstein believed that children and the elderly should be treated the same and didn't believe in happy endings or magical solutions in children's books", his writings clearly show this.

Although, some feel that Shel Silverstein's humor is not meant for children, millions of his books have been sold and translated into numerous languages. Elementary, Junior High and High School classrooms around the world have read these books for years.

These books have now become a favorite of mine to collect and read. Shel is clever in his writings and his self-illustrations only complement the poem's more.