SHEL SILVERSTEIN: AUTHOR, POET AND ILLUSTRATOR

Hi, Welcome back. 

I apologize for my long absence. I have spent the past several months completing my novel.  At a later date, I will be sharing my story, an upper-middle grade novel.

Today I wanted to share with you a favourite author of mine, Shel Silverstein. 

Shel Silverstein 1930-1999

  

The multi talented Shel Silverstein, an American, is best known for his children’s book, The Giving Tree.

Shel Silverstein began drawing at the age of 12. Without any outside influences to shape his style, he created his own ideas that were whimsical and unique. His artwork, stories and poetry reflected his joy of life. He had a wonderful sense of humour that stands out in his writing. He also shared a tender side, one that reflected the importance of care, giving and love.

Enjoy with your children these timeless classics, stories and poems, rich in whimsy and joy. These are among my favourite children’s books I wanted to share with you.  

A GIRAFFE AND A HALF: 

  

 

Review:

A Giraffe and a Half is a whimsical humorous story of a boy and his giraffe and their continued adventures. As their adventures continue, the giraffe collects more finds, from a suit, to a hat, inside of the hat, a rat. The style of writing is written in almost a sing-song style, fun and easy to follow. The illustrations, black-and-white, pen and ink are wonderful, detailed and full of whimsy. With each new, page comes an added collection until it becomes too much to balance. The story’s rhythm continues but in a reverse order. The ending comes full circle to where it began.

A Giraffe and a Half is a wonderful story suitable for young children. The language is simple and easy to phonetically sound out for beginner readers.

I would recommend this book for ages 4+



Illustrations from A Giraffe and A Half

WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS: Book of Poetry

Review:

Where the Sidewalk Ends is a perfect introduction to children’s poetry. Each poem is short in length and accompanied by exquisite pen and ink drawings. The poems are fun and humorous, and have that kid appeal with a wonderful imaginative creativity. His poems are for young children, capturing many of his or her life experiences.

I would recommend the poetry for ages 6+

 Illustrations from Where the Sidewalk Ends

 












 



I have included a couple of Shel Siverstein’s poems to whet your appetite.    

AFRAID OF THE DARK

I’m Reginald Clark, I’m afraid of the dark

So I always insist on the light on,

And my teddy bear to hug,

And my thumby to suck or to bite on.

And three bedtime stories,

Two trips to the toilet,

Two prayers and five hugs from my mommy,

I’m Reginald Clark, I’m afraid of the dark

So please do not close this book on me.

IF I HAD A BRONTOSAURUS

If I had a brontosaurus,

I would name him Horace or Morris.

But if suddenly one day he had

A lot of little brontosauri—

I would change his name to Laurie

Thank you very much.

Happy Reading.

Bye

Rosalyne