S
Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein is the author behind Prentice Hall Literature--Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes--Reader's Companion--Silver. He's known for his engaging and accessible writing, often found in educational literature.
A Light in the Attic
Synopsis
Shel Silverstein's second major poetry collection for children, published in 1981, gathers 135 poems alongside his own pen-and-ink drawings. Its inhabitants include Backward Bill, Sour Face Ann, the Meehoo with an Exactlywatt and the Polar Bear in the Frigidaire, and its subjects run from a homework machine and a snoring mountain to what happens when somebody steals your knees. The drawings are not decoration: a picture frequently supplies the punchline the words have set up. It spent months on the bestseller lists after publication and remains one of the most widely read books of American children's verse.
Genres
Frequently asked questions
Is A Light in the Attic part of a series?
This collection of poems and drawings is a standalone work, though it shares the distinctive style and spirit found in Shel Silverstein's other well-known poetry books.
What makes A Light in the Attic unique among children's poetry?
It stands out for its blend of playful absurdity and profound observations, often using wordplay and unexpected twists to explore themes that resonate with both children and adults. The accompanying illustrations are integral to the poems, often adding another layer of meaning or humor.
Has A Light in the Attic won any awards?
It was a New York Times bestseller and was recognized as a notable book by the American Library Association, solidifying its place as a significant work in children's literature.