"Where the Sidewalk Ends" is a 1974 children's poetry collection written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. It features a series of imaginative and whimsical poems that address childhood concerns and fanciful stories, accompanied by Silverstein's distinctive drawings
. The title poem, "Where the Sidewalk Ends," describes a mystical place beyond the sidewalk where the grass is soft and white, the sun burns crimson bright, and the moon-bird rests in a peppermint wind. It invites readers to leave behind the dark, smoky streets and follow chalk-white arrows to this magical place known by children
. The book is celebrated for its humor, profound insights, and appeal to readers of all ages. It includes poems about a boy who turns into a TV set, a girl who eats a whale, and other fantastical characters and scenarios. The collection has been published in various editions, including a special 30th Anniversary Edition with 12 extra poems
. Shel Silverstein is also known for other beloved works such as The Giving Tree and A Light in the Attic. "Where the Sidewalk Ends" remains a cherished book for children and adults alike, often recommended as a gift for special occasions
. In summary, "Where the Sidewalk Ends" is both a poetry book and a collection of drawings by Shel Silverstein that invites readers into a whimsical world of imagination and childhood wonder
