The Book That Started It All

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Why do you write? What do you love to read? Why did you decide to be an English teacher? 

It all comes back to this book, folks. For real.

I was given Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends on my 5th birthday, and that was it. I fell in love with words and was forever changed.

Every little kiddo has a favorite, the book Mommy or Daddy just has to read every night. THE book is different for everyone, but for me...Shel Silverstein had it all- comedy, rhythm, emotion and the most endearing whimsy. I just couldn't get enough.

"The Yipiyuk" STILL cracks me up.

I had to learn to read so that I could read this book. And now, our children get lost in the reverie of my most treasured publication. Of course. Shel Silverstein just takes his readers on the best rides.

My husband and I sneak upstairs to listen to our kiddos reading these poems at night. They laugh when they catches the jokes, the silliness, the spirit- and we look at each other, throw our heads back and smile. Yes. Shel Silverstein was THAT good. Go see for yourself...

Even my Rottweiler loved this book...as you can see here. It's good enough to eat. 

          Listen to the Mustn'ts

          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 

This man had a gift, and I'm so glad he shared it with the world.
What was YOUR book when you were a wee tot? Where did it take you?
XOXO From My Hearth to Yours