Where the Sidewalk Ends

Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, and Falling UpAuthor: Shel SilversteinGenre: PoetryBy: Brittany Gorle

Shel SilversteinShel Silverstein was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1932.Wrote his first book in 1962, but became better known in 1964 when he wrote The Giving Tree.

Shel Silverstein ContinuedBefore publishing poetry books, Shel wrote songs.Johnny Cash sang one of his songs. It was called, A Boy Named Sue.

PoetryIn 1974, Shel Silverstein published his first book, Where the Sidewalk Ends.In 1981, he published A Light in the Attic.His last book of poems was published in 1996, it was called Falling Up.

Author and IllustratorNot only was Shel Silverstein an author, he was an illustrator.He illustrated his books with black and white line drawings.Shel has sold over 14 million copies of his books.

Shel SilversteinShel Silverstein died on May 10, 1999.

Where the Sidewalk EndsShel Silversteins first book of poems. Changed the way poetry was written because, theses poems were so different.

Where the Sidewalk EndsAn example of a poem:

My Favorite Poem From Where the Sidewalk Ends:Sick by Shel Silverstein

"I cannot go to school today," Said little Peggy Ann McKay. "I have the measles and the mumps, A gash, a rash and purple bumps. My mouth is wet, my throat is dry, I'm going blind in my right eye. My tonsils are as big as rocks, I've counted sixteen chicken pox And there's one more--that's seventeen, And don't you think my face looks green? My leg is cut--my eyes are blue-- It might be instamatic flu. I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke, I'm sure that my left leg is broke-- My hip hurts when I move my chin, My belly button's caving in, My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained, My 'pendix pains each time it rains. My nose is cold, my toes are numb. I have a sliver in my thumb. My neck is stiff, my voice is weak, I hardly whisper when I speak. My tongue is filling up my mouth, I think my hair is falling out. My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight, My temperature is one-o-eight. My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear, There is a hole inside my ear. I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what? What's that? What's that you say? You say today is. . .Saturday? G'bye, I'm going out to play!"A Light in the AtticThese poems are based on childrens lives. Some schools ban this book because they feel it encourages children to be messy or behave poorly.

A Light in the AtticBy: Shel Silverstein

Last night while I lay thinking here Some Whatifs crawled inside my ear And pranced and partied all night long And sang their same old Whatif song:Whatif I flunk that test?Whatif green hair grows on my chest?Whatif nobody likes me?Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me?...

My Favorite PoemFrom A Light in the Attic:Strange wind What a strange wind it was today Whistlin and whirlin and scurlin away Like a worried old woman with so much to say. What a strange wind it was today.

What a strange wind it was today. Cool and clear from a sky so grey And my hat stayed on but my head blew away What a strange wind it was today.

Falling UpFalling Up was the recipient of the Booklist Editors Award.The book has 144 poems, and is very well known for the humor in each poem.

Falling Up

I tripped on my shoelaceAnd I fell up-- Up to the roof tops,Up over the town,Up past the tree tops,Up over the mountains,Up where the colorsBlend into the sounds.But it got me so dizzyWhen I looked around,I got sick to my stomachAnd I threw down.

My Favorite PoemGARDENER by Shel SilversteinWe gave you a chanceTo water the plants.We didn't mean that way--Now zip up your pants.

Activities for Where the Sidewalk EndsHave students log on to www.shelsilverstein.comChoose one of the many interactive activities to play around with.

Fun and Fast FactsShel Silverstein began drawing cartoons while serving in the Armed Forces in Japan and Korea in 1950.

It took 4 years to get one of his most popular books, THE GIVING TREE, published because of its sad ending and appeal to readers of all ages making it difficult to categorize.

He wrote a number of highly popular songs for performers like Johnny Cash, Dr. Hook, and Waylon Jennings.

Silverstein's narration of his poetry collection WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS won a Grammy Award for Best Children's Album.

Fun and Fast Facts Cont.He received an Academy Award nomination for the music he composed for the film Postcards From the Edge.

His books have sold over 20 million copies and been translated into 20 different languages.

Silverstein illustrated his own poems with whimsical black and white drawings.

His poetry has won numerous awards and honors including ALA Notable Children's Book Award, New York Times Outstanding Children's Book, Association of Booksellers for Children Notable Titles and A Library of Congress Children's Book selection.

Poems to Use in the ClassroomLoser Mama said I'd lose my headIf it wasn't fastened on.Today I guess it wasn't'Cause while playing with my cousinIt fell off and rolled awayAnd now its gone. And I can't look for it'Cause my eyes are in it,And I can't call to it'Cause my mouth is on it(Couldn't hear me anyway'Cause my ears are on it),Can't even think about it'Cause my brain is in it.So I guess I'll sit downOn this rockAnd rest for just a minute

ContChannels Channel 1's no fun.Channel 2's just news.Channel 3's hard to see.Channel 4 is just a bore.Channel 5 is all jive.Channel 6 needs to be fixed.Channel 7 and Channel 8-Just old movies, not so great.Channel 9's a waste of time.Channel 10 is off, my child.Wouldn't you like to talk a while?

Fill in the BlankPOEM 1 - Shel Silverstein's "Mr. Smeds and Mr. Spats"

1. A friend's name2. Your name3. A number4. A noun5. A different noun

1.__________ and 2.________________

2._________

Had 3.___ 4._______

And none of them were the same.

And 1._____________

Had 3._____ 5.__________

And only one 4.___________ to his name.

Now when 1.___________

Met 2.____________,

They talked of theBuying and selling of 4.________.

And 2.____________

Bought 1.____________ 5.________________!

Did you ever hear anything Crazier than that?

Fill in the BlankPOEM 2 - Shel Silverstein's "Arrows"

1. A noun2. A verb3. A different noun4. An adverbial phrase

1._______________

I 2.________ a 1.___________ to the sky.

It hit a 3.__________ 4.______________.

The 3.________ fell dying to the shore.

I don't 2._______ 1.____________ anymore.