I've always thought that most people know who Shel Silverstein was. But, I have recently discovered that's not necessarily true. If you haven't shared Shel's work with your kids, it's never too late to start, as his poems crack me up to this day. The author of children's stories such as The Giving Tree and poetry volumes such as Where the Sidewalk Ends was also an illustrator with a very unique style. I have a theory that Shel Silverstein is just who we need at U.N. meetings...you know...to lighten up the mood?
I find Shel's poems to be excellent parenting tools, as well! My kids have gotten used to the fact that if they whine about going to school because they "don't feel well," they are probably in for my rendition of Sick ("I cannot go to school today!" said Little Peggy Ann McKay...."). There are poems I use for too much TV time, leaving food wrappers around and nose picking, too!
Send your kid into Shel's world at www.shelsilverstein.com and you'll find games, animated poems read by the author, printables, and a complete guide to his work. (I really love the printable bookmark.) Shel's work is an excellent intro to poems. They work for toddlers all the way on up!
Familiar with Shel's Poems? Please comment to share your favorite!
