Title: Where the Sidewalk Ends
Author: Shel Silverstein
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date: November 1974
Number of pages: 176 pages
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Genre: Children's Poetry
Summary: The popular poetry book for children features many pieces of work that address common childhood concerns and also presents purely fanciful stories. My favorite poem in this book is the poem Where the Sidewalk Ends.
There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.
To me this gives children hope that when things don't go right to keep looking and hoping, that each day is a new day, and even though their sidewalk may end, there is something else awaiting them.
My reaction: I remember this book in the second grade! Wow, that was a long time ago. I remember enjoying the poems very much. Well, I stumbled upon this book a few weeks ago and decided to read them again. It had been quite some time. I still enjoyed it just as much as when I was little, if not more. "Where the Sidewalk Ends" is a literary treat for all ages.The poems are funny and sincere at the same time. I really enjoyed each and every poem. The drawings are also really descriptive and painted the picture very well that goes along with the text. Silverstien is a genius.
Potential problems: I see no problems with this book
My recommendation: Silverstein's poems are timeless and humorous, and the messages hit home no matter how old you are. It's not just a children's book.It should be shared in all elementary school libraries and classrooms! Also a fun read for nightly bedtime story.
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