Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
HarperCollins (2009), Edition: Special, 185 pages
Description
A collection of humorous poems and drawings. This special edition contains twelve new poems.
User reviews
LibraryThing member tapestry100
OK, I'm going to come clean. I didn't like A Light in the Attic. At all.
Is everyone over their collective gasp of disbelief? Good. Let me explain.
I don't think I remember ever reading Shel Silverstein as a kid. I mean, I must have, right? Every kid has. But beyond The Giving Tree, I have absolutely
Now, don't get me wrong. I own The Giving Tree and love it. I reread itperiodically. I's a great little book. I cannot say the same of A Light in the Attic. I know the poems are geared towards kids, and that they are to be taken completely tongue in cheek, but that still hasn't stopped me from wishing I hadn't bought the book. I was actually shocked by the poems that dealt with kids dying (not that I'm so easily shocked by anything, really, but it really did come as a surprise to me) and thought some of them completely distasteful. Of course, to a kid, that sort of thing can be hysterical. I thought the illustrations were amusing, but not much more than that.
So, I think I missed my formative, Shel Silverstein-liking years. I guess to the right kid, these are great, but for my 34-year-old self who has never read them before and hadn't appreciated them as a kid... well, I won't be picking up another sampling any time soon.
Is everyone over their collective gasp of disbelief? Good. Let me explain.
I don't think I remember ever reading Shel Silverstein as a kid. I mean, I must have, right? Every kid has. But beyond The Giving Tree, I have absolutely
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no recollection of ever having picked up another book by Silverstein. My sister, on the other hand, loved him as a kid. Somehow, I just skipped over that bit of growing up, I guess. My sister loved him as a kid, and still loves him today as an adult. In fact, she has all of her copies of his books from when she was a kid. So, when I heard they were coming out with this anniversary edition of A Light in the Attic that included several new poems, my first thought was that I needed to get a copy for her for her birthday, and it was being released close to that date. My second thought was that I should also buy a copy for myself. I felt I should have a copy in my library, since everyone just goes on and on about him. For future reference, I'm going to simply read what my sister has, that way I won't feel like I wasted my money.Now, don't get me wrong. I own The Giving Tree and love it. I reread itperiodically. I's a great little book. I cannot say the same of A Light in the Attic. I know the poems are geared towards kids, and that they are to be taken completely tongue in cheek, but that still hasn't stopped me from wishing I hadn't bought the book. I was actually shocked by the poems that dealt with kids dying (not that I'm so easily shocked by anything, really, but it really did come as a surprise to me) and thought some of them completely distasteful. Of course, to a kid, that sort of thing can be hysterical. I thought the illustrations were amusing, but not much more than that.
So, I think I missed my formative, Shel Silverstein-liking years. I guess to the right kid, these are great, but for my 34-year-old self who has never read them before and hadn't appreciated them as a kid... well, I won't be picking up another sampling any time soon.
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LibraryThing member ChelseaRenee
Summary:
This is a book of poetry by an author named Shel Silverstein. It's a great poetry book for children because they are shorts but funny poems covering many different topics and even have pictures for the children to look at.
Personal Reaction:
I remember reading this book when I was in
Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Teach children about rhyming words and the layout and styles of different poems
2. Have the children try to write a poem of their own
This is a book of poetry by an author named Shel Silverstein. It's a great poetry book for children because they are shorts but funny poems covering many different topics and even have pictures for the children to look at.
Personal Reaction:
I remember reading this book when I was in
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elementary school and I absolutely loved it I remember by favorite poem being about a child making a snow ball and trying to keep it as a pet and saying it ran away at night but in actuality it melted. I found it very funny and so did my classmates when I read it to them.Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Teach children about rhyming words and the layout and styles of different poems
2. Have the children try to write a poem of their own
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LibraryThing member awinkler
This is a book of silly poetry with themes that kids can relate to. It also has themes laced in that are fun for older kids and adults to read. It is a great poetry book for all ages, little kids will like the rhyming and illustrations and older kids will get the sarcasm and irony.
LibraryThing member JoshuaOverholt
Very good book. Lots of funny poems in this book
LibraryThing member krystyne1973
This is a book with a collection of poems by the same author. Many of the poems are really funny, however some were more serious and with a moral lesson.
This book was not that exciting to me. Many of the poems did not interest me and I found myself just scanning through them. Although, there were
In the classroom, I would have the students read certain poems with meaning out of this book. For example, they could read the poem "Cloony the Clown", which has a moral lesson involved. The class could discuss the drama in the poem and explain how this would feel or how they could help make things better for the clown. We could also make clown faces out of paper plates.
This book was not that exciting to me. Many of the poems did not interest me and I found myself just scanning through them. Although, there were
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a few that I found funny. My favorite was probably Ladies First. I use to read a lot of poetry when I was younger and this book was one of many I read back then. I remember enjoying it a lot better when I was a kid though.In the classroom, I would have the students read certain poems with meaning out of this book. For example, they could read the poem "Cloony the Clown", which has a moral lesson involved. The class could discuss the drama in the poem and explain how this would feel or how they could help make things better for the clown. We could also make clown faces out of paper plates.
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LibraryThing member caitlinbennison
Another collection of funny poems and illustrations by a master of children's books.
LibraryThing member DayehSensei
A classic collection of hilarious poems that children everywhere will beg you to read over and over again. My students' favorites include "Homework Machine," "Ticklish Tom," and "Twistable, turnable man." A great book to motivate reluctant poets to reconsider poetry. One of my all-time favorites.
LibraryThing member jrlandry1410
A book filled with the wonderfully whimsical poems of Shel Silverstein. These poems are sure to amaze and delight many children of all ages. Perfect for introducing the genre of poetry.
LibraryThing member lhamed
A bunch of funny poem and cool drawings by Shel Silverstein.
LibraryThing member alyssabuzbee
This is a wonderful, whimsical collection that introduces children to poetry. This shows children that poetry doesn't have to be "stuffy" and may inspire them to write their own.
LibraryThing member Cindy_22
Summary: Another book of poetry by Shel Silverstein. Has numerous poems to read aloud and enjoy with the kids.
Personal Reaction: I love these books, they do a great job with the illustrations for how they were back then. A great read aloud book to enjoy with the kids. Has great humor also.
Classroom
1. Have a read aloud with the book.
2. Have a discussion of some of the poems in the book.
Personal Reaction: I love these books, they do a great job with the illustrations for how they were back then. A great read aloud book to enjoy with the kids. Has great humor also.
Classroom
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Extension Ideas:1. Have a read aloud with the book.
2. Have a discussion of some of the poems in the book.
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LibraryThing member dianehan
Summary: This book is a collection of poems. Poems that are silly, funny, and even quirky.
Personal Reaction: This is another Shel Silverstein book that I enjoyed as a child. I loved these poems.
Extension Ideas: 1. Read a few poems a day. 2. Have children write a poem of their own.
Personal Reaction: This is another Shel Silverstein book that I enjoyed as a child. I loved these poems.
Extension Ideas: 1. Read a few poems a day. 2. Have children write a poem of their own.
LibraryThing member JenRobYoung
This book has a wonderful collection of poetry that addresses many of our fears, insecurities, and social concerns faced as a child. It also contains many humorous poems as well.
LibraryThing member SilverGal76
"A Light in the Attic" is an anthology of poems by Shel Silverstein, which covers a number of topics that are explained to children, from death to chores to the supernatural. Several of the poems have been targeted by parents groups as inappropriate for schools, but the book has eluded banning.
Though the book is 32 years old, the poems seemingly have lasting powers as this book is still bought time and time again for the next generation; my daughter owns this particular book, as well two other Silverstein publications. The way his words and humor relate to children have, and continue to stand the test of time.
I would have my class pick their favorite poem and tell me why-- is it the content? The message? The rhyming scheme? I would also have them pick a poem and re-illustrate it. What comes to mind when they read it? Drawing their interpretation of the poem will help them connect to the writing even more.
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Though the book is 32 years old, the poems seemingly have lasting powers as this book is still bought time and time again for the next generation; my daughter owns this particular book, as well two other Silverstein publications. The way his words and humor relate to children have, and continue to stand the test of time.
I would have my class pick their favorite poem and tell me why-- is it the content? The message? The rhyming scheme? I would also have them pick a poem and re-illustrate it. What comes to mind when they read it? Drawing their interpretation of the poem will help them connect to the writing even more.
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LibraryThing member irachelsweet
Theme: Supernatural, humorous and whimsical spin on everyday mundane matters/objects with a taste of pun
Summary: It is an anthology of poems that amuses across all grade levels. Filled with creativity and imagination, not to mention attention-grabbing, Quentin Blake-esque illustrations, the poems
Review: Poem contradicts the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. One poem can carry multiple messages, interpretations, and feelings that it is hardly clear-cut, which is the beauty of a poem since it grants a sense of ownership (this poem is mine with my interpretation). I learned something from each poem, which obviously will be different from the lessons other people walked away with. Some of the poems will make a great song once melody lines are added to them. It is exciting as an educator that this anthology can be used with any grades, from kindergartners to twelfth grade. Each poem can serve as a source of idea for students' journal entry or story writing. Of course, they can reflect upon each poem and share their thoughts (why did the author write this poem? With what intentions? What do you think it means? Does it reflect the reality? What did we learn from it?) with peers. Students will enjoy different perspectives and approaches to a single poem, finding harmony among dissonance.
Curriculum ties: Language arts (poem, rhythm, rhyme), art (illustrate your poem or its meanings using watercolor, pencil only, one color only, etc.)
Summary: It is an anthology of poems that amuses across all grade levels. Filled with creativity and imagination, not to mention attention-grabbing, Quentin Blake-esque illustrations, the poems
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speak to a wide variety of audience with everyday matters and objects that can be mundane otherwise. Some delivers life lessons, aha/light-in-the-bulb moments, aww moments, informative content, and humor.Review: Poem contradicts the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. One poem can carry multiple messages, interpretations, and feelings that it is hardly clear-cut, which is the beauty of a poem since it grants a sense of ownership (this poem is mine with my interpretation). I learned something from each poem, which obviously will be different from the lessons other people walked away with. Some of the poems will make a great song once melody lines are added to them. It is exciting as an educator that this anthology can be used with any grades, from kindergartners to twelfth grade. Each poem can serve as a source of idea for students' journal entry or story writing. Of course, they can reflect upon each poem and share their thoughts (why did the author write this poem? With what intentions? What do you think it means? Does it reflect the reality? What did we learn from it?) with peers. Students will enjoy different perspectives and approaches to a single poem, finding harmony among dissonance.
Curriculum ties: Language arts (poem, rhythm, rhyme), art (illustrate your poem or its meanings using watercolor, pencil only, one color only, etc.)
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LibraryThing member hhutson
A good kids books of poems
LibraryThing member aclemen1
A Lght in the Attic was one of my favorite books as I was growing up. Silverstein has fun and silly poems that children just enjoy.
1. Hug O War- This is a cute poem about hugs, cuddling, and giggline. Mostly love, and how being afffectionate is ok.
2. Gardner- This is a perfect example of silly
3. Hinges- This poem can be a bit deeper if you choose to look at it that way. MAny people make mistakes and want to remove them from thier life. Well, this poem talks about if we had hinges on our heads to open and close them to take the bad stuff out and leave the good stuff.
4. Invitation- This is a poem that welcomes anyone- a dreamer, wisher, liar, doesn't matter. This can be translated to to speak about judging people.
1. Hug O War- This is a cute poem about hugs, cuddling, and giggline. Mostly love, and how being afffectionate is ok.
2. Gardner- This is a perfect example of silly
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poems in this book. It is about watering the garden, but at the end they say " we didn't mean that way, now zip up your pants" 3. Hinges- This poem can be a bit deeper if you choose to look at it that way. MAny people make mistakes and want to remove them from thier life. Well, this poem talks about if we had hinges on our heads to open and close them to take the bad stuff out and leave the good stuff.
4. Invitation- This is a poem that welcomes anyone- a dreamer, wisher, liar, doesn't matter. This can be translated to to speak about judging people.
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LibraryThing member SamiRomanecz
Shel Silverstein is a poetry god. He makes his poetry so fun for children to read. I remember when I was a kid, I would have these poems memorized so I could say them with my friends. It was so fun to me, and I hope that whatever children read these poetry books it stays with them forever!
LibraryThing member Whitney_Taylor
Summary: This book of poems is meant to help children understand poems.
Personal Reaction: Loved it very different than what I have usually read
Classroom Extension: I would have the children write a poem about understanding poems.
Personal Reaction: Loved it very different than what I have usually read
Classroom Extension: I would have the children write a poem about understanding poems.
LibraryThing member Kreho
In the second grade, I really enjoyed reading and writing poetry. i would often refer to Shel Silverstein's books for ideas. I loved everything about his books and his style. These poems touch upon almost everything and are great read alouds. As a teacher I would definitely include this in my
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classroom library. Show Less
LibraryThing member Megan88
It's hard to imagine a world without A Light in the Attic. This now-classic collection of poetry and drawings from Shel Silverstein celebrates its 20th anniversary with this special edition. Silverstein's humorous and creative verse can amuse the dowdiest of readers. Lemon-faced adults and fidgety
Rockabye
Rockabye baby, in the treetop
Don't you know a treetop
Is no safe place to rock?
And who put you up there,
And your cradle, too?
Baby, I think someone down here's
Got it in for you.
Shel, you never sounded so good.
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kids sit still and read these rhythmic words and laugh and smile and love that Silverstein. Need proof of his genius?Rockabye
Rockabye baby, in the treetop
Don't you know a treetop
Is no safe place to rock?
And who put you up there,
And your cradle, too?
Baby, I think someone down here's
Got it in for you.
Shel, you never sounded so good.
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LibraryThing member CMJohnson
Love Shel Silverstein with every new book I read. Poetry takes an intersting twist in his poems. They keep you guessing, and they are full of fun for kids! I read them when I was really little, but I had to take a stroll down memory lane and reread this great book! Every time I read it I get
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something else out of the poems. Great Book! Show Less
LibraryThing member LaurenYoung
It's hard to imagine a world without A Light in the Attic. This now-classic collection of poetry and drawings from Shel Silverstein celebrates its 20th anniversary with this special edition. Silverstein's humorous and creative verse can amuse the dowdiest of readers. Lemon-faced adults and fidgety
Show More
kids sit still and read these rhythmic words and laugh and smile and love that Silverstein. Need proof of his genius? Show Less
LibraryThing member ParadisePorch
This children’s book of verse was one of my daughter’s favourite books when she was growing up – and one of mine too. It’s not just poetry – it’s masterful word play and lots of humour.
As a bonus, the multi-talented Silverstein (singer-songwriter, cartoonist, screenwriter, & author of
It was difficult to choose just one example of his poetry to share with you!
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.
Read this if: you’re looking for a book to encourage a love of words in a youngster in your life; or you’re a young-at-heart lover of words yourself. 4 stars
As a bonus, the multi-talented Silverstein (singer-songwriter, cartoonist, screenwriter, & author of
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children’s books) illustrated his own work.It was difficult to choose just one example of his poetry to share with you!
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.
Read this if: you’re looking for a book to encourage a love of words in a youngster in your life; or you’re a young-at-heart lover of words yourself. 4 stars
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LibraryThing member ndange1
There are three reasons why I like this book. This book by Shel Silverstein, is a beautiful poetry book. The language in every poem is easy for students to read. The poem about the crowded tub, a reader is able to visualize the actual tub filled with too many people. The writing is engaging for a
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student to read. Relating back to the Crowded Tub poem, Silverstein writes how the narrator washed a behind, but wasn't sure if it was theirs. This entices students to continue to read. Each poem is no longer than a page long which is helpful for students to continue to read and not give up with a poem. The humor in many of the poems interests a lot of students to read further into the book. The illustrations in the book enhance each of the poems. Almost every poem has a picture to correlate to it. By having a picture to follow each poem, it allows students to have some sort of visual to put with each poem. The message of this story is for students to realize how some poems could be as short as one line or a page long. Poems could be about silly things, or poems could be about more serious concepts. When it comes to poetry, students can sometimes be intimidated, this book helps relax that intimidation. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2009
Physical description
185 p.; 8.8 x 0.9 inches
ISBN
9780061905858