Author Presentation: Shel Silverstein


Shel Silverstein is the world renowned poet best known for his quirky illustrations and dark playful poems. Silverstein uses fun a playful language, full of irony, exaggeration and humor. His poems are easy to understand and invite readers to imagine alongside him. Shel Silverstein makes reading fun and stress-free. Many of his poems of are nonsense and allow readers to just explore the music that different sounds can make. I know I was always surrounded by his art and words. He will be truly missed.

Shel Silverstein reading “Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too” from Where the Sidewalk Ends.

Just For Fun: Shel Silverstein singing “The Ugliest Man in Town.”

Hayley Boardman

2 thoughts on “Author Presentation: Shel Silverstein”

  1. Awww, Shel! What a great poet. I never knew that Playboy made him famous, how funny!I love Shel’s original artwork, it is definitely one of his signature features. I especially love the way Shel uses language and techniques. You did a great job identifying a lot of them! I also kind of like Shel’s dark but playful poetry kind of playfully illuminating some of the darker aspects of childhood. I enjoy the other themes Shel makes use of as well. I really like your idea of how to use Shel’s writing in the classroom. I think students would have fun writing poetry in a goofy silly way. I also appreciate the extra links you included of Shel reading!

  2. I really enjoyed reading your presentation! I liked how you included videos of Silverstein reading and singing some of his work. I think those would be a great way to introduce the author to the students. I remember loving all his poems in elementary and enjoying trying to decipher them. They definitely encouraged students to use their imagination. For that reason, I believe students can greatly benefit from his work and help them with their own writing.

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