Where the Sidewalk Ends: The Poems & Drawings of Shel Silverstein
The clearest introduction to Silverstein's signature children's poetry and drawings.
Author guide
Shel Silverstein Books in Order
Shel Silverstein (1930–1999) was an American poet, cartoonist, songwriter, playwright, and author-illustrator. He began publishing cartoons in the military newspaper Pacific Stars and Stripes and later became a longtime Playboy cartoonist. His books range from adult cartoon collections and plays to influential children's picture books and poetry collections, including The Giving Tree, Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, and Runny Babbit.
children's literaturepoetrypicture bookscartooninggraphic workshumorplayssongwriting
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
The Giving Tree
His best-known concise picture book and a central work in his children's writing.
Different Dances
A representative entry point to his adult cartoon work.
Read in order
Books by series
picture-book series · complete
The Missing Piece
Two companion fables about fulfillment, independence, and the search for wholeness.
children's poetry series · complete
Runny Babbit
Poetry books featuring spoonerisms and the woodland character Runny Babbit.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (1)
- Uncle Shelby's Story of Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot BackAmazon ↗
novella · 1963
Children's books (3)
Poetry (6)
- Uncle Shelby's Zoo: Don't Bump the Glump! and Other FantasiesAmazon ↗
poetry-collection · 1964
- Where the Sidewalk Ends: The Poems & Drawings of Shel SilversteinAmazon ↗
poetry-collection · 1974
- A Light in the Attic: Poems and DrawingsAmazon ↗
poetry-collection · 1981
- Poetry Galore and MoreAmazon ↗
poetry-collection · 1993
-
Falling Up: Poems and DrawingsAmazon ↗poetry-collection · 1996
-
Every Thing On ItAmazon ↗poetry-collection · 2011
Plays (10)
- The Lady or the Tiger ShowAmazon ↗
play · 1981
- GorillaAmazon ↗
play · 1983
- Wild LifeAmazon ↗
play-collection · 1983
- Remember Crazy Zelda?Amazon ↗
play · 1984
- The CrateAmazon ↗
play · 1985
- The Happy HourAmazon ↗
play · 1985
- One Tennis ShoeAmazon ↗
play · 1985
- Little FeetAmazon ↗
play · 1986
- Wash and DryAmazon ↗
play · 1986
- Oh, Hell!: Two One-Act PlaysAmazon ↗
play-collection · 1991
Other (7)
-
Take TenAmazon ↗graphic-work · 1955
- Now Here's My Plan: A Book of FutilitiesAmazon ↗
graphic-work · 1960
-
Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book: A Primer for Tender Young MindsAmazon ↗humor-book · 1961
- Playboy's Teevee JeebiesAmazon ↗
cartoon-collection · 1963
- More Playboy's Teevee Jeebies: Do-It-Yourself Dialog for the Late Late ShowAmazon ↗
cartoon-collection · 1965
- Different DancesAmazon ↗
graphic-work · 1979
- Draw a Skinny ElephantAmazon ↗
graphic-work · 1998
Frequently asked questions about Shel Silverstein
Who was Shel Silverstein?
Shel Silverstein (1930–1999) was an American poet, cartoonist, playwright, songwriter, performer, and author-illustrator best known for poetry and prose for young readers.
Sources: poetryfoundation.org (opens in a new tab)poets.org (opens in a new tab)
Where was Shel Silverstein born, and when did he die?
He was born in Chicago on September 25, 1930, and died in Key West, Florida, on May 10, 1999.
Source: poets.org (opens in a new tab)
What did Shel Silverstein do before becoming famous for children’s books?
He began his career as a cartoonist, publishing work in the military newspaper Stars & Stripes and in Playboy before becoming widely known for his children’s writing.
Who influenced Shel Silverstein to write children’s books?
Children’s book editor Ursula Nordstrom encouraged Silverstein in 1963 to write and illustrate for young readers, helping launch that major phase of his career.
What awards did Shel Silverstein win, and what is his legacy?
He won two Grammy Awards, including Best Country Song for “A Boy Named Sue” and Best Album for Children for Where the Sidewalk Ends. His books remain perennial bestsellers, have been translated into 43 languages, and continue to appeal to both adults and children.
Sources: grammy.com (opens in a new tab)societyillustrators.org (opens in a new tab)poets.org (opens in a new tab)