A Light in the Attic: Special Edition » (Special Edition)

Not only was Shel Silverstein one of the funniest children s book authors, he was also one of the most subversive. Through his irresistible rhymes, poems, and drawings, Silverstein made children feel like they were being spoken to as adults; and adults the chance to remember what it felt like to be a child.

Last night, while I lay thinking here,
Some Whatifs crawled inside my ear And pranced and partied all night long And sang their same old Whatif song:
Whatif I flunk that test?
Whatif green hair grows on my chest?
Whatif nobody likes me?
Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me? . . .

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 the Broiled Face, and find out what happens when someone steals your knees, you get caught by the Quick-Digesting Gink, a mountain snores, and they’ve put a brassiere on the camel.

With 12 never-before-published poems, here is a special edition of this beloved poetry collection, from the creator of Where the Sidewalk ends and Falling Up.

Children's Literature

No children's poetry collection would be considered complete without several volumes of Shel Silverstein's poems. This special new edition of the original 1982 publication of A Light in the Attic contains twelve new poems and drawings. To celebrate, shelsilverstein.com has included new animated videos of some poems and expanded its content. Some readers will enjoy tapping into this resource. Among the featured poems on the internet site is "Backward Bill." Silverstein's poems are fun-filled and present an original and unusual view of life, providing a glimpse of childhood fun and fears. Sometimes wistful, sometimes weird, always highly original, the poems will enchant new readers, and those already familiar with them will enjoy greeting old favorites again. Shel Silverstein is remembered not only as a poet and artist but as a performer and recording artist. Included in this high recommended volume are 147 poems. Reviewer: Phyllis J. Perry