Letter Blocks

[#1]

Although I didn't like reading when I was in elementary school, I still enjoyed trips to the library—there was something so cool, so grown up about taking your books up to the librarian to get them checked out.  I took pride in carrying my library card around in my wallet.  Yes, my wallet. The urge to be grown up coursed through my veins—when it suited me, of course.  And what books did I bring up to the librarian?  Certainly not the Newbury Award winners my parents and teachers would have liked for me to read. Time after time, I borrowed 2 books:  Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic. These two poem collections by Shel Silverstein were my bibles. His words spoke to me and his illustrations inspired me. To this day I can recite several of his poems.

Even now, as an adult, I find myself recalling “Sick" in its entirety when I don't want to go to work or school. There is always a bit of pride that comes along with being able to remember every word, and a giggle that

reciting a children’s poem gets me ready to face the day. When a friend or family member is having a bad day or is just in need of some cheering up, I often call on Silverstein's books. There is always a poem that fits the situation.

Silverstein dared me to dream, as he says in the first poem of Where the Sidewalk Ends: “If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, a hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buy-er, If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire, for we have some flax golden tales to spin, come in!  come in!" And reading should inspire kids to dream, and think, and discover. And every kid should grow up knowing what happens when Sylvia Stout won't take the garbage out, and what happens when you're eaten by a boa constrictor. Silly and nonsensical, these poems are also meaningful.

The Giving Tree, for example, is a simple story about a tree who cares for a boy. The story illustrates selflessness and giving, and even in the face of selfishness, love leads the way. In the end, the tree is still able to provide for the boy who has grown into an old man.

I was delighted to find that Shel Silverstein has a beautiful website: www.Shelsilverstein.com. Technology has made it easy to read up on your favorite authors, which is a great learning opportunity for kids. Silverstein's site has something for everyone: teachers, parents, and kids alike. So take the time to enjoy your favorite author's site—and then get back to the books! Happy Reading!