Could it possibly have been thirty years since the rhymester Shel Silverstein laid down his crazy brand of humor for children and adults alike?  But alas, it has been.  Harper Collins has published a 30th Anniversary edition of the beloved poet's classic work Where The Sidewalk Ends with the addition of 12 new poems and art work.

Silverstein is known for his awkward twists of words, his strange meter changes, bizarre imagery, twists on ideas, and weird sense of concept.  And children love him.  Here's a small example of why:

Merry...
No one's hangin' stockin's up
No one's bakin' pie,
No one's lookin' up to see
A new star in the sky.
No one's talkin' brotherhood,
No one's givin' gifts,
No one loves a Christmas tree
On March the twenty-fifth.

The book has 183 pages of poems and illustrations.  And did I mention that the illustrations are as wacky as is the poetry?  With simple black and white pencil drawings, Silverstein makes his points almost as readily with the drawings as with the words.  Where The Sidewalk Ends is indexed as well, and has 12 new poems.  Originally published in 1974, more than a generation have enjoyed his wonderfully, whacky poetry.  Silverstein's recording of the book won a Grammy Award.

Did you know that Shel Silverstein was also responsible for the writing of the hit Johnny Cash song A Boy Named Sue?  Yep, only a whacky mind like Silverstein would come up with such lyrics.  He also collaborated with the likes of Mel Tillis, Bobby Bare and Jerry Reed on a project in 1998.  The bard made a place for himself in the annals of writing.  Shel Silverstein passed away in 1999 after leaving a body of work not soon forgotten.  This hardback anniversary collection is a great tribute to the national treasure.

Be sure to check out the official Shel Silverstein website at http://www.shelsilverstein.com/.  There you can find more information about the poet, a listing of all his books, and a section for teachers and one for kids.

Recommended: Yes