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Summary: Adults Only Is Right
Review: I absolutely love this book. My older copy is subtitled "a primer for tender young minds," but the "adults only" in the new edition is probably a good idea. You know your own kids best and can decide if they can handle it, but give this book to someone else's kids at risk of alienating their parents forever (though maybe that isn't a bad thing if they don't have a sense of humor). This is not one of his poetry books, but lists each letter and what it stands for. Silverstein's unique sense of humor is evident. He advises children to give Daddy a haircut while he is sleeping and to hide his keys, and these are some of the tamer examples. Of course the alphabet is too restricting, and Silverstein breaks off periodically to have a little more fun. I don't want to reveal too much, so suffice it to say that this book is hilarious. This isn't as engaging as Silverstein's poetic works, which would be a better choice for a newcomer to his writings. But if you are a fan and would welcome something different, this is a delightful choice.
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Summary: A classic NOT for young children!
Review: I have always thought of Shel Silverstein as the American counterpart to England's Roald Dahl--someone who writes ostensibly for children much of the time, but whose worldview is dark, perhaps a little damp, and steeped in a winking cynicism. Silverstein proves my point adeptly in the 1961 classic "Uncle Shelby's ABZ," a loopy uproar of a book that should never, NEVER be given to young children. You will, however, want to get a copy for every adult you're fond of who doesn't already own a copy.As Silverstein explains in the foreword (done here, as throughout the book, in his own handwriting), he has thought and thought about children and as he wasn't blessed with children of his own, he has come up with this "primer" for all children. The book opens with a wee poem: O child learn your ABZ's
And memorize them well
And you shall learn to talk and think
And read and write and spel. That ought to give you an idea of what's to come. Silverstein meticulously addresses every letter in the alphabet, descending further and further as he does into a swirling pit of black humor. He starts off, of course, with "A," writing with great jollity about how many green apples he thinks the reader can eat (everything is addressed directly TO the reader, as though the reader is a child, making the text all the more seductive). "E" is a hoot: E is for egg.
See the egg.
The egg is full of slimey goosey white stuff and icky yellow stuff.
Do you like to eat eggs?
E is also for Ernie.
Ernie is the genie who lives in the ceiling.
Ernie loves eggs.
Take a nice fresh egg and throw it as high as you can and yell "Catch, Ernie! Catch the egg!"
And Ernie will reach down and catch the egg. Silverstein's humor is subversive, to say the least. One page has a coupon, which Silverstein accompanies with the following text: Kids! Clip out this certificate and bring it to your friendly neighborhood grocer and he will give you, absolutely free . . . A REAL LIVE PONY! I have seen adults absolutely dissolve off their chairs with helpless laughter on reading "Uncle Shelby's ABZ." It wickedly plays off every insecurity and worry and doomed hope that any child secretly entertains, and it does so with a ruthlessness that's mighty to behold. This is highly, highly, HIGHLY recommended for any adult.
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Summary: I Love This Book!
Review: I read this book over and over from the time I was six years old. (Yes, six. Under my mom's supervision. And, yes, I got the joke.) Who knew dear Uncle Shelby could be so twisted? It's a hilarious read for adults, older children, and mature-for-their-age younger children. If you have a rather dark sense of humor, you'll almost certainly enjoy this book.
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Summary: I laughed till I cried!
Review: I recently saw a copy of this book for the first time and I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard! I remember loving Shel Silverstein books as a kid, but I can't say I ever saw this one at the school library or book fairs! I just ordered my own copy and I can hardly wait to receive it. I am sure this book will still be just as hilarious the 20th time I read it. Also, I have about a dozen in people in mind who will probably be receiving it for Christmas, too. . . anyone with a (slightly twisted) sense of humor will love it!
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Summary: Still funny after all of these years
Review: I first read this book as a child some 30 years ago and loved it! I have finally bought a new one so that I can share it without worrying about it falling apart. It taunts me to do the things I have always wanted to do but knew I "shouldn't". If you have a slightly lopsided humorous view of the real world you will probably laugh for hours. It says for adults only, but any intelligent older child with a healthy sense of fun and humor will enjoy the book as I did 30 years ago. If your sensibilities are easily disturbed, this book is not for you!
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Summary: Hilarious...I can read it over and over and over and over
Review: Now I know why I've loved Uncle Shelby's poetry all these years - I stumbled upon this book a few years ago and just love rereading it over and over. It never fails to make me laugh. I share it with everyone I know. Great book for parents and babysitters - we can fully appreciate the jokes as we've been there. Would kids like it? Maybe, maybe not. But I think that adults are the ones who fully get it. It's kind of like the way I feel about Tom and Jerry the cartoon. I loved it as a kid, but find it so much funnier as an adult. (not that ABZ book is similar to the cartoon, just the age thing). If you love humor, you will love this book. Uncle Shelby is not gentle in this book. Instead, he has a wicked sense of humor. Very refreshing, very entertaining.
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Summary: Hysterically Witty
Review: This is by far the funniest book i have ever encountered. i've been reading Shel since i became literate, and consider myself an avid fan. This book, written as if a children's book, is witty, twisted, and extremely amusing. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a sick joke or two. I also reccomend it for a "Coming of Age" book for those neices and nephews you love!
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Summary: Classic Silverstein
Review: If you are a lover of any of Shel SIlverstein's work, then this is the book for you. Geared toward the grown-up, this early work takes a rather snide and sarcastic look at the ab"z"'s. Growing up I loved Silverstein's writing, and finding this was a rare gem for me.
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Summary: Hilarious for all ages!
Review: A student introduced me to this book and it is great! Children love hearing it and adults love it even more. An absolute MUST for every library- at home and away!
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Summary: Great for kids!!
Review: My uncle bought me this book a few years back... the best book for kidz on the planet! U should get it for your children!
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