Where the Sidewalk Ends

Shel Silverstein

October 22, 2019

Where the Sidewalk Ends is a beloved children’s poetry book written by Shel Silverstein in 1974. Where the Sidewalk Ends is filled with poems and illustrations that encourage children to explore their imaginations. Silverstein’s offbeat, humorous and sometimes poignant poems show a world that is different from our own.The book is divided into several sections and each section has a different flavor. In the first section, poems focus on the wacky side of life with crazy characters, and tongue twisters. For example, the first poem in the book is “The Smoke-Off,” which is a comical look at a children’s competition to prove who’s the best at smoking cigarettes. Other sections in the book contain poems about loneliness, absurdity, love, and oddball situations.The illustrations bring the poems to life by personifying the characters, such as a king wearing a crown of spaghetti, a hippo playing the flute, and a girl whose hair is made of ribbons. Where the Sidewalk Ends uses the language of poetry to spark children’s imaginations in a way that is both fun and meaningful.Silverstein has created a unique and inspiring world with thought-provoking characters, silly scenarios and vivid illustrations. Where the Sidewalk Ends is not just a book for children; it’s a book for everyone to enjoy. Reading this book will be a memorable experience for all ages and can bring about moments of reflection and joy.