Shel Silverstein has achieved unprecedented success and longevity in a highly competitive field of childrens poetry. In these collections Silverstein addresses lifes pleasures and pitfalls by focusing on a schoolchilds humor; employing simple cartoons and mischievous jokes, he mentions the unmentionable but never preaches. Silverstein has brought poetry to generations of children who would otherwise avoid it. In this first book-length study devoted to Silverstein, Ruth K. MacDonald presents a thought-provoking appreciation of the poets contributions to childrens literature, particularly childrens poetry and humor. Arguing that Silversteins works will endure because they speak for children so precisely and without historical limitations, MacDonald gives much attention to the poetry collections while also treating the picture books and other works that preceded and followed them. A balanced assessment of a forceful and provocative voice in childrens literature, SHEL SILVERSTEIN will appeal to students and teachers at the secondary and college levels and find a ready niche in courses on popular culture, childrens literature, and elementary education and reading. 01