“Listen to the mustn‘ts, child, / Listen to the don‘ts. / Listen to the shouldn‘ts, the impossibles, the won‘ts. / Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… / Anything can happen, child, / Anything can be.“
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Where the Sidewalk Ends: Poems and Drawings | 
“Listen to the mustn‘ts, child, / Listen to the don‘ts. / Listen to the shouldn‘ts, the impossibles, the won‘ts. / Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… / Anything can happen, child, / Anything can be.“
“Where the Sidewalk Ends“ encourages children to explore their imagination, showing that creativity has no limits. It also gently reminds readers about kindness, curiosity, and self-discovery.
pickThis collection of playful, funny, and sometimes thought-provoking poems introduces readers to quirky characters and imaginative worlds. Silverstein‘s poems use humor to touch on everything from friendship to self-acceptance.
"There is a voice inside of you / That whispers all day long, / 'I feel that this is right for me, / I know that this is wrong.”
This book can be used to introduce students to rhyme and meter. Teachers can use the poems to inspire students to write their own silly or thoughtful poems, while also discussing the deeper meanings behind some of the more contemplative pieces.
pickThis classic collection by Shel Silverstein is filled with whimsical, playful poems that appeal to both children and adults. The poems explore a range of topics, from fantasy to the absurd, and are accompanied by Silverstein's distinctive, simple line drawings. Each poem invites the reader to think, laugh, and imagine.
Great collection of stories filled with fun and helps young children understand aging and how it‘s not a scary concept
“And the moon bird flies, and the balloon man sighs, and the streetlight flickers and dies.”
pickThis is a collection of poems that take you g readers through a world of imagination and whimsy. The poems are silly and often carry deeper themes of life and coming of age.
“But ah, me - I'm such a dunce. I went and ate them all at once.“
There are so many cute and fun poems in this book! I think the illustrations do a great job at depicting the story without being too overwhelming or distracting from the message.
pickWhere the Sidewalk Ends contains a collection of poems that are creative, imaginative, and often silly. Each poem within this book is unique and inviting for children as they really draw you into the story. You really feel like you are a part of the story in each poem. The simple illustrations help readers to portray the story in their minds without being too distracting.
“There is a place where the sidewalk ends and before the street begins…”
pickA whimsical collection filled with playful verses and quirky illustrations that inspire laughter and creativity.
Use interactive activities, like drawing illustrations for the poems, to deepen understanding and engagement.
“If you are a dreamer, come in,
if you are a dreamer, a wisher, a lair...
come in“
I love this quote because it invites all readers to come in.
I would use this in my classroom to introduce poetry and it can spark their imagination.
pickPoetry- Published in 1974. This poetry book is a collection of poems that explores imagination, dreams and possibilities. It encourages readers to let go of adulthood and look at life with a sense of wonder.
There are so many cute and fun poems in this book! I think the illustrations do a great job at depicting the story without being too overwhelming or distracting from the message.
“But ah, me - I'm such a dunce. I went and ate them all at once.“
pickWhere the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, 1974. This book contains a collection of poems that are creative, imaginative, and often silly. Each poem within this book is unique and inviting for children as they really draw you into the story. You really feel like you are a part of the story in each poem. The simple illustrations help readers to portray the story in their minds without being too distracting.
teacher could use the poem “Magic “to discuss fictional characters and have students draw each one of the characters
pickWeek 10: Poems! this is a great collection of poems with black-and-white illustrations. Many of the poems used writing mean words and are written with such beauty. Published in 1974.
“If you are a dreamer, come in,
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer…
If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire.”
— Shel Silverstein
In the classroom, this book can be used to introduce students to poetry in a fun and engaging way. It encourages creativity, develops listening and reading fluency through rhythmic language, and can spark discussions on imagination, emotions, and storytelling.
pickThis book was published in 1974 and is a classic collection of children‘s poetry and illustrations. It is a part of children‘s literature, it combines humor, imagination, and life lessons through playful rhymes and illustrations. The book won the New York Times Outstanding Book Award, highlighting its enduring appeal and literary value.
Out and about running errands on their spring break, and the nibling has learned the noble art of anything can be a bookmark.
“I think my hair is falling out
My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight
My temperature is 108
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear
There's a hole inside my ear
I have a hangnail, and my heart is... what?”
The poem, “Sick,” is super cute and silly. It shows a girl trying to throw every illness she knows at her parents in order to miss schools until she realizes it‘s Saturday and it‘s not needed. Kids will all love this book for how silly it is and they will relate to having tried this before.
pickThe poem I choose was “Sick.” This poem is about a child who‘s complaining about all sorts of illnesses. She does this to get out of going to school. By the end of the story you realize she‘s not sick at all and that she just really didn‘t want to go to school.
“I am not your missing piece,
I am nobody's piece.
I am my own piece.
And even if I was
somebody's piece
I don't think I'd be yours!“
I really enjoyed this collection of poems. I have read from this book since I was a child and could see this being used in any grade level classroom. The poems are imaginative enough for older students to enjoy reading them and will spark creativity for younger students. The imagery that goes along with the poems help the reader visualize the humor and creativeness of each poem.
pickThis is a black and white classic book of poems by Shel Silverstein. The poems can be silly and extend from reality to create a sense of creativity for the reader. He has a unique blend of humor, imagination, and and heartfelt observations that can captivate and spark a world of creativity for the readers.
“Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.“
pickShel Silverstein's 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' is a whimsical collection of poems that tickles the imagination. With its playful language and humorous illustrations, it invites young readers to explore the joy of words and the magic of creative expression. This book is a versatile resource for introducing poetry to children, fostering a love for language, and encouraging creative writing.
pickSometimes your brain needs a break, so I got this from the library. My daughter (15) saw it on the table, gasped, and lovingly held it. She looked at me and said, “My childhood!!” I think that‘s all the review a classic like this needs.
“Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.“
This book is an excellent resource for introducing poetry and creative writing to students. It can prompt discussions about the power of imagination and self-expression. I think children of all ages will resonate with this book
pickWhere the Sidewalk Ends is a treasury of whimsical poems and charming illustrations that ignite young imaginations. The poems touch on topics like friendship, adventure, and the joy of silliness. Each verse opens a door to creativity and encourages a love for language and storytelling
