The first book I ever “read” was The Giving Tree. I was 3 or 4 and my parents had read it to me so much I could quote it. It’s always been one of my favorite books. I just love the simple story and drawings that culminate to such a big meaning.
In Elementary school we had to memorize a poem and I picked “The Homework Machine.” I can still recite it.
In high school I tried writing some poetry that was Silverstein style. It wasn’t good. But Shel Silverstein has always been one of my favorite poets. The cleverness and poignancy of his poems make them timeless and something everyone should have on their bookshelves.
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Name: Shel Silverstein
Born: September 25, 1930 in Chicago, IL Died: May 10, 1999 First book written: Shadow Magic Books I’ve read: The Giving Tree, Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, The missing Piece |
Top Books According to Goodreads
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Where the Sidewalk Ends |
The Giving Tree |
A Light in the Attic |
Quotes
“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.” ― Shel Silverstein
“How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live ’em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give ’em.” ― Shel Silverstein
“If you are a dreamer come in If you are a dreamer a wisher a liar A hoper a pray-er a magic-bean-buyer If you’re a pretender com sit by my fire For we have some flax golden tales to spin Come in! Come in!” ― Shel Silverstein
“Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.” ― Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree