“Where the Sidewalk Ends” is a beloved collection of poems and illustrations by Shel Silverstein. This book, filled with whimsical and thought-provoking verses, has stood the test of time and continues to capture the hearts of readers young and old. Through his unique blend of humor, wit, and wisdom, Silverstein invites us to explore a world where imagination knows no bounds and where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Within the pages of “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” Silverstein presents a myriad of characters and situations that reflect the joys and struggles of everyday life. His words resonate with readers, offering comfort, inspiration, and a gentle reminder to embrace the magic that lies just beyond the confines of the familiar. Whether it’s a hilarious twist on a classic nursery rhyme or a poignant observation about the human condition, Silverstein’s poems in this collection are a testament to his unparalleled creative genius.
Each poem in “Where the Sidewalk Ends” is a miniature masterpiece, carefully crafted with rhythm, rhyme, and a touch of whimsy. From the enchanting adventures of Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout to the poignant plea of a forgotten sidewalk, this collection is a treasure trove of unforgettable quotes that have become a part of our cultural lexicon. Silverstein’s words have the power to transport us to far-off lands, tickle our funny bone, and gently challenge our perceptions of the world we inhabit.
Inspiring Quotes for All Ages
Shel Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends” is a treasure trove of inspiring quotes that resonate with readers of all ages. Through his whimsical and insightful poetry, Silverstein offers profound wisdom and timeless lessons. These quotes encourage us to embrace our creativity, follow our dreams, and find joy in the simple joys of life.
Here are some of the most inspiring quotes from “Where the Sidewalk Ends”:
- “Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child. Listen to the DON’TS. Listen to the SHOULDN’TS, the IMPOSSIBLES, the WON’TS. Listen to the NEVER HAVES, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. ANYTHING can be.”
- “If you want to catch beasts you don’t see every day, You have to go places quite out of the way, You have to go places no others can get to. You have to get cold and you have too get wet, too.”
- “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.”
- “Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
- “Tell me I’m clever, Tell me I’m kind, Tell me I’m talented, Tell me I’m cute, Tell me I’m sensitive, Graceful and wise, Tell me I’m perfect – But tell me the truth.”
- “There is a place where the sidewalk ends And before the street begins, And there the grass grows soft and white, And there the sun burns crimson bright, And there the moon-bird rests from his flight To cool in the peppermint wind.”
These quotes from “Where the Sidewalk Ends” remind us to embrace the power of imagination, embrace the unknown, and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. Whether you’re a child or an adult, Shel Silverstein’s words will continue to inspire and uplift, reminding us that anything is possible if we believe.
Quotes about Imagination and Creativity
“Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” “I will not play tug o’ war. I’d rather play hug o’ war.” |
“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” “Anything can be, child. Anything can be.” |
“If you have to dry the dishes (Such an awful, boring chore) If you have to dry the dishes (‘Stead of going to the store) If you have to dry the dishes And you drop one on the floor — Maybe they won’t let you Dry the dishes anymore.” |
“Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird. And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early bird. But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” “If you are a dreamer, come in. If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, a hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer… If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire, for we have some flax-golden tales to spin. Come in! Come in!” |
Funny and Whimsical Quotes
Here are some funny and whimsical quotes from Shel Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends” that are sure to bring a smile to your face:
- “I
Life Lessons in Shel Silverstein’s Words
Shel Silverstein, the beloved author of “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” had a unique ability to convey profound life lessons through his whimsical and imaginative poetry. His words have the power to resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us of important truths about life and the human experience. Here are some of the most memorable quotes from “Where the Sidewalk Ends” that teach us valuable life lessons.
- “Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
- “There is a voice inside of you that whispers all day long, ‘I feel this is right for me, I know that this is wrong.’ No teacher, preacher, parent, friend or wise man can decide what’s right for you – just listen to the voice that speaks inside.”
- “If you want to find out what’s behind these cold eyes, you’ll just have to claw your way through this disguise.”
- “If you have to dry the dishes (such an awful stillness), if you have to dry the dishes (such an awful mess), if you have to dry the dishes/’Stead of going to the candy store, if you have to dry the dishes and you drop one on the floor – maybe they won’t let you dry the dishes anymore!”
- “There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part, so just give me a happy middle and a very happy start.”
These quotes from “Where the Sidewalk Ends” remind us to embrace possibility and not let others define us. They encourage us to trust our own instincts and inner voice, and to not be afraid to reveal our true selves. They also remind us to find joy in the simple tasks of everyday life and to appreciate the journey rather than solely focusing on the end result. Shel Silverstein’s words continue to inspire and guide us, offering valuable life lessons that will always be relevant.
Love and Friendship Quotes
1. “If you are a dreamer, come in. If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, a hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer… If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire, for we have some flax-golden tales to spin. Come in! Come in!”
2. “If you have ever listened to a Silversnatch band, you would know that all sounds are beautiful, even the noisiest ones. But if you sit quietly enough, you will soon learn to hear the love behind the music.”
3. “You have been my very best friend and hero for as long as I can remember, and your love has always been my anchor in a sea of uncertainty.”
4. “Love is not a word to throw around lightly. It is a fire that burns within you and consumes your very being. It is a force that cannot be contained or controlled. It is an ember that can ignite a roaring blaze or be extinguished with a misguided word.”
5. “True friendship is not about how long you have known someone or how many memories you have together. It is about the connection you feel, the comfort you find in each other’s presence, and the mutual respect and support you offer.”
Quotes about Nature and the Environment
“I will not play at tug o’ war. / I’d rather play at hug o’ war.”
“I will not play at leap frog. / I’d rather play at sweepstake.”
“I will not play at rainy day. / I’d rather play at sunny day.”
“How much did you pay for this porcupine?” “Nothing!” “What does a shoe taste like?” “Depends upon the sole!” “Who is in charge of the pond?” “The head frog.” “Why did the farmer plant a seed that grew into a tree?” “Because he wanted to have a change of scenery!” “What did one leaf say to the other leaf in autumn?” “I’m falling for you!” “I cannot go to school today,”
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
“I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash, and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I’m going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I’ve counted sixteen chicken pox
And there’s one more–that’s seventeen,
And don’t you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut–my eyes are blue
–It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I’m sure that my left leg is broke–
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button’s caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle’s sprained,
My ‘pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow’s bent, my spine ain’t straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is–what?
What’s that? What’s that you say?
You say today is. . . Saturday?
G’bye, I’m going out to play!”
Quotes about Childhood and Growing Up
“Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too, / Went for a ride in a flying shoe. /
“Hooray!” / “What fun!” / “It’s time we flew!” / Said they, / Ickle Me, Pickle Me,
Tickle Me too.”
“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. / Listen to the don’ts. / Listen to the shouldn’ts,
the impossibles / the won’ts. / Listen to the never haves, / then listen close to me…
/ Anything can happen, child. / Anything can be.”
“Tell me I’m clever, / Tell me I’m kind, / Tell me I’m talented, / Tell me I’m
cute, / Tell me I’m sensitive, / Graceful and wise, / Tell me I’m perfect –
But tell me the truth.”
“Anteater: “A genuine anteater,” / The pet man told my dad. /
Turned out, it was an aunt eater, / And now my uncle’s mad!”
“Growing up is not so tough, / Except when I’ve had enough. / Then I’m a racehorse
speeding by, / Or sometimes I’m an airplane / Or a princess fair and high.”
Memorable Quotes for Storytellers and Dreamers
“All the magic I have known, I’ve had to make myself.”
“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
“If you are a dreamer, come in. If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, a hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer… If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire, for we have some flax-golden tales to spin. Come in! Come in!”
“If you want to catch beasts you don’t see every day, you have to go places quite out of the way. You have to go places no others can get to. You have to get cold and you have too get wet, too.”
“I will not play at tug o’ war. I’d rather play at hug o’ war, where everyone hugs instead of tugs, where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, where everyone kisses and everyone grins and everyone cuddles and everyone wins.”
“Draw a crazy picture, write a nutty poem, sing a mumble-gumble song, whistle through your comb. Do a loony-goony dance ‘cross the kitchen floor, put something silly in the world that ain’t been there before.”
“Tell me I’m clever, Tell me I’m kind, Tell me I’m talented, Tell me I’m cute, Tell me I’m sensitive, Graceful and wise, Tell me I’m perfect – But tell me the truth.”
“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.”
“There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part, so just give me a happy middle and a very happy start.”
“Anything can be, anything can happen, child. Anything can be, anything can be.”