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Summary: GREAT book
Review: This is one of my all time favorite books. If you're a fan of Shel Silverstein and have a somewhat twisted sense of humor, you'll love this book.The book is written in the style of Shel's other children's books (A Light in the Attic, etc.) with the exception that this book is intended for older children/teens and adults. Unlike typical "A is for Apple" alphabet books, Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book is a vehicle for twisted humor along the lines of B is for Baby, Mommy loves the Baby more than she loves you. (Not a direct quote, but something like that.) The entire book is hilarious and one you'll want to read over and over again.
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Summary: A gentle tome for tender tykes
Review: Actually, this book is one of the great time bombs in gift giving. For a long time we gave this to friends who had children ... years would pass and they would finally actually look at it and call us up and yell at us things like "what the heck were you thinking?" Subversion at the highest level, I hide this from my children and make them read the Bible to purge them of any evil thoughts.
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Summary: A Treasure With Lasting Power
Review: I'm a babyboomer who remembers this fabulous book from my childhood dentist's waiting room back in the 60's. I thought it was great then, and am delighted that it is again available. I certainly had the intelligence not to take it seriously, and have shared it with my kids, who loved it as well...
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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.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: Perhaps those who do not appreciate this book are not intelligent enough to understand the humor. This book isn't for children simply because they might not be old enough to get the jokes, not because of the nature of the material. And with anyone who wants to censor or ban books, how 'bout reading it completely before condemning it?
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Summary: An adults-only book for kids!
Review: It amazes me how many people have referred to Silverstein asjust a "children's author" in these reviews. Hasn't anyonehere ever read... (his other works)? Wonderful adult-oriented poemsthat masquerade as children's poetry.... Silverstein was one of thoserare authors... who could write for adults and children at the sametime. (And don't worry about children not getting the sarcasm--anyonewho knows children know that they can get and use sarcasm quite well.)
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Summary: "Adults Only"
Review: For anyone who ever enjoyed a good laugh--this is for you! :) This book is hilarious. I was introduced to it by a friend and I thought, "This is a children's author--this can't be good!" She insisted that I read it and I almost died laughing. Heed the "adults only" warning, but any adult who hasn't read this, be sure to pick it up soon!
Rating:
Summary: If you have a funny bone, this will tickle it!
Review: I found it hard to believe that anyone would dislike this book. Let's give kids credit for a little intelligence and sense of humor of their own! I've read it to many 5-9 year olds who have loved it (and still have no reports from parents that they have found sugar in their gas tanks or eggs on the ceiling)
Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant humor. . . .
Review: Every grandparent should read this to their grand children. A perfect gift for any age group--especially for two- through four-year-olds. Not to mention an unappreciated babysitter's secret weapon.
Rating:
Summary: A brilliant mockery of the traditional alphabet
Review: Silverstein is at his comedic best! "Uncle Shelby" is an absolutely hilarious rendition of the alphabet. Each letter relates to things you probably did as a kid that were imaginative, mean-spirited, or just plain dumb. You can pick this book up again and again, and it never fails to bring smiles and laughter. Unless you desire to warp the minds of young children, take heed the "adults only" disclaimer.
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