"Last night while I lay thinking here
Some Whatifs crawled inside my ear
And pranced and partied all night long
And sang their same ...
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Mar 07, 2008
Austin
rated it: 
Every child eventually discovers the perverted old man who wrote songs for Johnny Cash, did illustrations for Playboy, appeared on the Dr. Demento show numerous times, and managed to get a few books published along the way.
For some reason, parents never seem to think this creepy old guy who was so fond of children was in any way "disturbing," something I'm continually impressed with in the "ban now, ask questions later" climate of modern culture. If there are p More...
For some reason, parents never seem to think this creepy old guy who was so fond of children was in any way "disturbing," something I'm continually impressed with in the "ban now, ask questions later" climate of modern culture. If there are p More...
Dec 16, 2009
Janine
rated it:
The feelings I have about Shel Silverstein's A Light in the Attic and Where The Sidewalk Ends contrast so sharply with the books themselves. I loved these funny, whimsical and sometimes downright sadistic poems with all of my young heart. Even now, I feel like I'm getting away with something when I think of Clarence Lee from Tennesee who loved the commercials he saw on TV. I am still afraid for Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too who never returned to the world they knew. In Shel Silverstein's bo
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Aug 05, 2008
Valerie
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Recently, I started re-reading A Light in the Attic with my younger daughter, who's four-and-a-half. I think when I first read it I must have been about eight or nine years old, because I remember reading it myself, and loving it. (I must have checked it out of the library about a million times.) What's not to love? Shel gives us such gems as:
BEAR IN THERE
There's a Polar Bear
In our Frigidaire--
He likes it 'cause it's cold in there.
With his seat in the meat
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BEAR IN THERE
There's a Polar Bear
In our Frigidaire--
He likes it 'cause it's cold in there.
With his seat in the meat
More...
Oct 26, 2007
Cathy
rated it:
Shel Silverstein was misunderstood.
He was a genius, but not an evil one. Just a hilarious one.
His books are looked at with suspicion. But shouldn't be, because they are full of fun, pun, and literate value.
Here is why this one was challenged by others, however:
"features a caricature of a person whose nude behind has been stung by a bee; the poem 'Little Abigail and the Beautiful Pony' is morbid; imparts a 'dreary' and 'negative' message; enco More...
He was a genius, but not an evil one. Just a hilarious one.
His books are looked at with suspicion. But shouldn't be, because they are full of fun, pun, and literate value.
Here is why this one was challenged by others, however:
"features a caricature of a person whose nude behind has been stung by a bee; the poem 'Little Abigail and the Beautiful Pony' is morbid; imparts a 'dreary' and 'negative' message; enco More...
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Jul 14, 2010
Rachel
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Shel Silverstein was the author of my childhood, and I was surprised to find that, in (sort of) adulthood, A light in the Attic hasn't lost any of its charm. In fact, I've discovered new layers of humor and meaning I couldn't have processed when I was eight.
I credit Shel Silverstein with my early love of poetry and, ultimately, literature. Recommend to anyone at any age, but a GREAT gift for a godson/ goddaughter, niece/ nephew, etc.. They'll cherish it forever!
I credit Shel Silverstein with my early love of poetry and, ultimately, literature. Recommend to anyone at any age, but a GREAT gift for a godson/ goddaughter, niece/ nephew, etc.. They'll cherish it forever!
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Dec 15, 2007
Sarah
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When I first got this book, I thought it was really weird. Funny, but really weird. The fact that it was a Christmas gift and I liked picking out my own books further spooked me from it. But as I heard more and more about Shel Silverstein, I took a bit of pride from the fact that I had one of his books before any of my (few) book reading friends had ever heard of him, and now it is one of those books where no matter how many times I read a poem from it, or look at the illustrations, it never get
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Oct 04, 2011
Nicole
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The poem I chose to review was "Nobody" from Shel Silversteins individual anthology "A Light in the Attic".
The poem "Nobody" is narrated by a person who believes that nobody loves them and nobody cares about them. The author continues to note that nobody helps them when they fight and that nobody laughts at their jokes. It appears to be a sad poem at first. It is then brought to the readers attention that nobody is actually a person. The author then con More...
The poem "Nobody" is narrated by a person who believes that nobody loves them and nobody cares about them. The author continues to note that nobody helps them when they fight and that nobody laughts at their jokes. It appears to be a sad poem at first. It is then brought to the readers attention that nobody is actually a person. The author then con More...
Oct 03, 2011
Brittany
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Appropriate for kindergarten and first grade children.
I read Eight Balloons from this book. The poem begins with eight balloons that no one was buying that got away. It procedes to tell where each ballon went before it popped/deflated. At the end it repeates the beginning by saying eight balloons got away and were free to go anywhere they wanted and free to pop anywhere they wanted.
Language-This poem is good for younger children around the ages of 5 or 6 because it doesn't us More...
I read Eight Balloons from this book. The poem begins with eight balloons that no one was buying that got away. It procedes to tell where each ballon went before it popped/deflated. At the end it repeates the beginning by saying eight balloons got away and were free to go anywhere they wanted and free to pop anywhere they wanted.
Language-This poem is good for younger children around the ages of 5 or 6 because it doesn't us More...
Aug 23, 2011
Margie
rated it:
On a recent trip to the library, I stumbled across "The Light In The Attic" by Shel Silverstein. Once I opened it up and started reading those familiar poems, nostalgia flew right through me.
It was my absolute favorite book when I was a child. So I figured, "Why not? I might as well check this one out." I figured it would give my brain a tiny break in between some of my more difficult reads.
Well-over 10 years after reading it for the first time, it w More...
It was my absolute favorite book when I was a child. So I figured, "Why not? I might as well check this one out." I figured it would give my brain a tiny break in between some of my more difficult reads.
Well-over 10 years after reading it for the first time, it w More...
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Apr 29, 2011
Jacob
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My grandma Meacham gave "A Light in the Attic", by Shel Silverstein, to me a few years ago. It was one of her favorites to read a few of the poems to her fifth grade class from time to time when she was teaching. So many of the poems speak directly to the way children think about experiences. The drawings help provide imagery. I am not usually a big fan of poetry books but this one makes me laugh! I like to read a few of my favorites over and over.
The book is full of More...
The book is full of More...
Nov 15, 2010
Suzanne
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Oct 11, 2010
Jacqueline
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Title: A Light in the Attic
Author and Illustrator: Shel Silverstein
Copyright 1981
Interest Level: 3 - 5
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.2
Guided Reading: NR
Summary: Here in the attic of Shel Silverstein you will find Backward Bill, Sour Face Ann, the Meehoo with an Exactlywatt, and the Polar Bear in the Frigidaire. You will talk with Broiled Face, and find out what happens when Somebody steals your knees, you get caught by the Quick-Digesting Gink, a Mountain sno More...
Author and Illustrator: Shel Silverstein
Copyright 1981
Interest Level: 3 - 5
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.2
Guided Reading: NR
Summary: Here in the attic of Shel Silverstein you will find Backward Bill, Sour Face Ann, the Meehoo with an Exactlywatt, and the Polar Bear in the Frigidaire. You will talk with Broiled Face, and find out what happens when Somebody steals your knees, you get caught by the Quick-Digesting Gink, a Mountain sno More...
Nov 28, 2007
Analicia
rated it:
This book, as well as Where the Sidewalk Ends, won me several awards in grade school and junior high school for various speech contests, and for that alone I'm thankful! I still use it today, I just presented a speech in my English class on the poem Where the Sidewalk Ends, and I got an A on it. :) My daughter auditioned for a play using the poem "Sick" and got a lead role. I must say Shel Silverstein is a genius, as well as a good luck charm for my family and me.
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Mar 15, 2008
Carrie
rated it:
I used this book for a talent show in Jr High. I don't remember what poem I did, but one that I incidentally memorized along the way is still really funny to me.
Crowded Tub
There s too many kids in this tub.
There s too many elbows to scrub.
I just washed a behind
That I m sure wasn t mine
There s too many kids in this tub.
I quote it for my kids and they look at me in shock and then start giggling. The imagery is just too good. :)
Crowded Tub
There s too many kids in this tub.
There s too many elbows to scrub.
I just washed a behind
That I m sure wasn t mine
There s too many kids in this tub.
I quote it for my kids and they look at me in shock and then start giggling. The imagery is just too good. :)
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Apr 06, 2008
Luke
rated it:
I am going to start out by saying I really loved this book. i have been getting into poems lately so i decided to read this. There really is no main story but is just a collage of poems. It is primarily meant for children but the values expressed in it are one everyone should know-no matter what age. Everything is pretty direct and simple so its not a chore to read. This is a very simple book that i think everyone should read.
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May 15, 2009
3Shaniamos*09
rated it: 
Banned books are banned for many reasons and I believe that yes, banned books that are banned should be banned because of these controversy issues. Books that are banned deals with occult, religion and sexual content.
Reason for occult is so children can not learn about paranormal or magic that tells about different religion. I believe occult shouldn't be taught in school because it relates to demons and ghosts. When children start to learn these things,parents start to worry and the More...
Reason for occult is so children can not learn about paranormal or magic that tells about different religion. I believe occult shouldn't be taught in school because it relates to demons and ghosts. When children start to learn these things,parents start to worry and the More...
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Dec 17, 2009
Erin
rated it:
i wanted to be shell silverstein when i was little. in fact i was constantly writing him a fan letter in my head. i always wanted to look up where i could send it and finally do the thing, but he died. talk about depressing. luckily i grew up and started reading his messed up stuff, so i don't feel so bad anymore about not sending him a hand-crayoned collage of unicorns and polar bears in a bathtub, but still.
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Aug 02, 2007
Beth
rated it:
Picture this,
I am 7,its Christmas and all the gifts are wrapped and under the tree.
I could see through the wrapping paper a faint outline of the cover of A Light in the Attic.
I begged.
I screamed.
I was not allowed to open the present even though I knew what it was.
But... I still have the original copy and read it to my son and because of my harrowing experience I love this book even more.
I am 7,its Christmas and all the gifts are wrapped and under the tree.
I could see through the wrapping paper a faint outline of the cover of A Light in the Attic.
I begged.
I screamed.
I was not allowed to open the present even though I knew what it was.
But... I still have the original copy and read it to my son and because of my harrowing experience I love this book even more.
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Jan 06, 2008
rinabeana
rated it:
This is one of my childhood favorites. I've had it for years and it's all battered because I've read the poems so often. Oddly enough, it's the only book of Silverstein's poems that I own, though I'm familiar with many more of his poems. This one will always be my favorite, though. I can recite so many of the poems from memory. If you ever need to be cheered up, I'd recommend this book!
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Jun 10, 2007
Richie
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i had an extensive discussion with two friends last night about Shel Silverstein's bizarre portrait on the back cover of this book. his smile is huge and his teeth are the brightest white i've ever seen; while i now believe that what i once thought was a lion's mane growing from his neck is actually the fur-lined hood of a winter coat, it remains almost indistinguishable from his beard.
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Oct 18, 2007
Raya
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s.s.'s books open the mind and the imagination...i find it hard to define my mothers' parenting style without mentioning this book. it was one of the first books my mother bought us 'for keeps' and read to us on a regular basis...the funny poems made story time fun and enchanting and i still own our copy of this book. all parents should read s.s.'s books for their children!
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Sep 26, 2011
Jinky
rated it: 
Aiy, poems ... I'm trying! Well, in this collection of poems, I found several that were laugh out loud funny and many downright silly and off the wall. Wow, quite an imagination Mr. Silverstein. Certainly capturing the wonders of perception. Perhaps too bazaar for me though. I'm more for the safe kind of silliness, that of Dr. Seuss.
The things that I saw that might have gotten this on the banned/challenged list were the few illustrations of buttocks and chopped up body parts and More...
The things that I saw that might have gotten this on the banned/challenged list were the few illustrations of buttocks and chopped up body parts and More...
Feb 26, 2008
Beth
rated it:
Almost as great as Where the Sidewalk Ends, I loved reading this book myself in 1st grade, and now I love reading it with my girls even more. It was a HUGE hit during Alexa's "Friday Mystery Reader" a few weeks back, too. The kids demanded an encore! The poems can be a little creepy at times, but that's just part of Silverstein's awesome style.
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Oct 20, 2011
Harry
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I read the poem, "Shapes" by Shel Silverstein. The poem could honestly fit into many age groups for its simplicity and silliness. In short, a square is hit by a triangle and they both then ride on the back of a circle to a hospital, the end. Within the short poem, there are a multiple devices that Silverstein uses to setup his imagery. Shapes; the reader can instantly identify how the poem looks and feels in that the main characters are shapes. The square, rectangle, triangle and c
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Jun 19, 2009
Sunshine
rated it:
On a recent trip to the library, I stumbled across "The Light In The Attic" by Shel Silverstein. Once I opened it up and started reading those familiar poems, nostalgia flew right through me.
It was my absolute favorite book when I was a child. So I figured, "Why not? I might as well check this one out." I figured it would give my brain a tiny break in between some of my more difficult reads.
Well-over 10 years after reading it for the first time, it wa More...
It was my absolute favorite book when I was a child. So I figured, "Why not? I might as well check this one out." I figured it would give my brain a tiny break in between some of my more difficult reads.
Well-over 10 years after reading it for the first time, it wa More...
May 25, 2009
Cecilia
rated it:
This book is one of my all time favorites. It is book that has poems about very creative and imaginary characters such as Clooney the Clown, Pamela Purse, and the Bear in the Refrigerator. These poems are very funny and they tell all kind of stories. Some times they are sad, happy, or goofy. I used to love reading one poem everyday when I first started to learn how to read.I really enjoy looking over this book and remembering my childhood. The poems are very universal and easy to understand. Peo
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Mar 25, 2008
Melissa
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I lived on these books as a child! Every parent, Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent needs to buy these books for the children in their lives, because they are great books that let children use thier imagination and have fun! And then you need to read them along with that child, because everyone can use a little laughter and fun in life.
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Sep 20, 2007
Kate
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A staple in my home growing up--my brother loved reading about the polar bear in the frigedar, while I loved...
There's too many kids in this tub
There's too many elbows to scrub
I just washed a behind
That I'm sure wasn't mine
There's too many kids in this tub!
A book that will always instill the importance of laughter!
There's too many kids in this tub
There's too many elbows to scrub
I just washed a behind
That I'm sure wasn't mine
There's too many kids in this tub!
A book that will always instill the importance of laughter!
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Apr 16, 2008
Katey
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CIP/Summary: A collection of Humorous poems and drawings for children.
I loved A Light in the Attic as a child, and enjoy reading Shel Silverstein's poems just as much as an adult. Poems like "Messy Room" and "Superstitious" are easy for many children to identify with and laugh about.
Starred review in SLJ.
I loved A Light in the Attic as a child, and enjoy reading Shel Silverstein's poems just as much as an adult. Poems like "Messy Room" and "Superstitious" are easy for many children to identify with and laugh about.
Starred review in SLJ.
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Dec 29, 2011
Tanu
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A beautiful example of how words can create magic. LOVED IT !!!
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