Where the Sidewalk Ends

by Shel Silverstein
Where the Sidewalk Ends cover
Good Books rating 4.69
Poetry
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Hardback • £17.99–£19.99
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Format • £17.09
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Technical
  • ID: 1613
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780061965258
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2019-10-22
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 4

Shel Silverstein, the New York Times bestselling author of The Giving Tree, invites readers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. In this masterful collection of poems and drawings, you'll encounter a boy who transforms into a TV set, a girl who eats a whale, and a variety of other fantastical characters and scenarios. The Unicorn and the Bloath reside here, along with Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout, who refuses to take out the garbage. It's a place where you can wash your shadow and plant diamond gardens, where shoes fly, sisters are auctioned off, and crocodiles visit the dentist. This collection is a treasure trove of imagination that will be cherished by readers of all ages. This book is not just a collection of poems; it's an experience that belongs on every bookshelf. It makes a great gift for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, and graduations. Silverstein's unique blend of humor and profundity ensures that this book will be a beloved addition to any library. Don't miss out on the other Shel Silverstein ebooks, including The Giving Tree, A Light in the Attic, and Falling Up!

Reviews
Common Sense Media · Darienne Stewart · 2025-10-08
brilliant 5.00

The book is described as a treasure trove for young readers, filled with eloquent and subversive poetry. It is praised for its outrageous and nonsensical content that captivates young minds.

Darienne Stewart from Common Sense Media highlights that 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' is a gem for young readers. They appreciate the book's ability to blend eloquence with subversive and nonsensical elements, making it a standout collection. The reviewer emphasizes how Shel Silverstein's unique style makes the book a delightful and thought-provoking read for children. They particularly enjoy the outrageous and imaginative poems that push the boundaries of conventional children's literature.

Quick quotes

    Where the Sidewalk Ends is a treasure trove for young readers: eloquent, outrageous, subversive, nonsensical, and daring.

    Shel Silverstein comes across as a master of whimsy and wit.

    The book is a great way to introduce children to the joy of poetry.

Door County Pulse · 2022-04-27
fantastic 4.75

The book is remembered fondly for its fun and quirky poems, paired with distinctive line art. The reviewer highlights how Silverstein's work is always engaging and enjoyable.

The reviewer from Door County Pulse reminisces about the fun and quirky nature of the poems in 'Where the Sidewalk Ends'. They particularly appreciate the distinctive line art that complements the whimsical poems. The reviewer finds Silverstein's work to be consistently engaging and enjoyable, making it a timeless classic that resonates with readers of all ages.

Quick quotes

    As a kid, I was mesmerized by the fun and quirky poems, paired with Silverstein's distinctive line art.

    His work was always fun and engaging.

    I could spend hours poring over the pages, losing myself in the imaginative world Silverstein created.

Tahampton Blog · 2017-02-20
great 4.50

The poems are noted for their absurd and ridiculous images, which are both tragic and funny. The reviewer praises the rhymes and rhythms, highlighting the book's humorous and emotional depth.

The reviewer from Tahampton Blog finds Shel Silverstein's poems in 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' to be a delightful mix of absurdity and tragedy. They particularly appreciate the clever use of rhymes and rhythms, which add a layer of humor and emotional depth to the poems. The reviewer notes that the book's unique blend of silly and profound elements makes it a memorable read for both children and adults.

Quick quotes

    Silverstein's poems are full of absurd and ridiculous images.

    Some of them are downright tragic.

    The rhymes and rhythms are wonderful and funny.

The Nature of Things Blog · 2015-09-22
intriguing 4.50

The collection is praised for its imaginative and humorous poems, which are both whimsical and thought-provoking. The blend of absurdity and profundity makes it a standout work.

This reviewer highlights how Shel Silverstein's poems in 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' are a delightful mix of the absurd and the profound. They appreciate the whimsical nature of the poems, which often feature bizarre creatures and humans in humorous situations. The reviewer also notes that the poems are not just funny but also carry deeper meanings, making them enjoyable for both children and adults. The illustrations are equally praised for adding to the overall charm of the book. They conclude that this collection is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers of all ages.

Quick quotes

    Shel Silverstein's masterful collection of poems and drawings stretches the bounds of imagination and will be cherished by readers of all ages.

    The poems are full of absurd and ridiculous images, making them both funny and thought-provoking.

    The rhymes and rhythms are wonderful and add to the overall charm of the book.

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