Shel Silverstein: Timeless entertaining children's author

'Everything On It' by Shel Silverstein

On September 25, 1930, Shel Silverstein, the witty and entertaining children’s author was born in Chicago, Illinois, and during his 68 years of life, he produced some of the finest evergreen classic children’s books that are still cherished today by new generations of fans both young and old.

Admired for his ability to wed and rhyme hilarious word choices, which were born from conscious deliberation, Silverstein produced some of the most delightful books of poetry that capture the carefree silliness of childhood.

Children gravitate to his distinctive style and grasp his works quite easily. His simple line drawings are the perfect adjunct to his text and help add focus as well as promote imagination and discussion.

Early last week, HarperCollins posthumously published a new title of Silverstein’s poems and drawings, Everything On It, which had been compiled from Silverstein’s archives and selected by his family for publication.

Everything On It, is an outstanding collection of more than 130 never-before-released poems and line drawings, and is already garnering five-star reviews on Amazon.com.

Silverstein wore many other hats in addition to being a children’s poet/author and illustrator, he was also an accomplished playwright, screenwriter, recording artist, composer, and lyricist whose music has been performed by such legends as:  Kris Kristofferson'  the Irish Rovers; the late Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash. In fact, it was Silverstein’s song, “A Boy Named Sue,” which was performed by Cash that won Silverstein a coveted GRAMMY in 1970.

If you’re not familiar with the writings of Shel Silverstein, his “Official” website, ShelSilverstein.com is a wonderful place to start, and is presented in a choice of “high” or “low” bandwidth for custom navigation.

The site is geared to children, parents and educators. For kids there are free and entertaining games, puzzles, downloads, animations and e-cards. For parents/educators there are complimentary lessons and activities, event kits, drawing and activity booklets along with a list of all of his books, which includes sample excerpts and on-line buying resources.

If you are interested in reading the multitude of four and mostly five star reviews his other books elicit, Amazon.com has a special Silverstein author page, or check with your local library for recommendations.

In 1964, Silverstein opted for a change of writing pace and created one of his most memorable works, The Giving Tree, a parable about giving from the heart without expectation, a lesson that is as fresh today as when it was first penned.

Over the years, The Giving Tree’s sage and simple message has been translated into more than 30 languages.

Below, for your enjoyment is an animated video of Giving Tree that was produced and narrated by Shel Silverstein in 1973.

The Book Report: Sharing the latest in books, apps and literary marketplace news

"Books" by Paula Slade

This week’s “Book Report” covers a meet and greet with a best-selling children’s author, laureate honors for a beloved British author, and a new children’s app that promises to be a favorite.

EVENTS

Gallery Tour and Book Signing with Tomi Ungerer

The Eric Carl Museum of Picture Book Art

Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

125 West Bay Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002

Event notes from the Carle:

“A trilingual author, Ungerer has published over 140 books ranging from his much loved children’s books to his controversial adult work. Selected from archives and private collections, the exhibition documents the bulk of Ungerer’s career as a writer and illustrator of children’s books. Included in the exhibition, among others, will be examples from Ungerer’s first book, The Mellops Go Flying (1957), as well as The Three Robbers (1962) and Moon Man (1967). Come meet the author and hear about the stories behind the artwork.”

In addition, there will be screenings of Ungerer films, courtesy of the Weston Woods Studios.

This event is FREE with standard museum admission.

For further information phone: (413) 658-1100 or Fax (413) 658-1139

Email: info@carlemuseum.org. or visit their website at www.carlemuseum.org.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Julia Donaldson began her creative career as a songwriter, and performer, who has gone on to produce more than 120 books and plays for children worldwide, and most recently has been appointed Waterstone’s 2011-13 Children’s Laureate.

Noted for her clever and endearing rhyming books, (most notably her international bestseller The Gruffalo) Donaldson was not only honored with the laureate designation and a medal, but was recipient of a £15,000 award.

Although she has ventured into books that are not based in rhyme, her passion for verse will be her focus during her laureate tenure.

Below is a video of the making of the animated version of The Gruffalo, which was Oscar nominated for 2011 Best Short Film: Animation at the 83^rd annual Academy Awards.

APPS

Olivia Acts Out By Polin8, LLC

Based on Ian Falconer’s Caldecott Honor-winning book, everyone’s favorite little literary pig and popular Nickelodeon television character, “Olivia,” now comes to life on the iPad.

Olivia Acts Out, is a charming 3D tale that includes more than 30 intuitively interactive touch animations, special effects and professional narration.

A delightful addition to a preschooler or youngster’s eBook library, and priced at $4.99 at iTunes.

The Book Report: Sharing the latest in books, apps and literary marketplace news

Welcome to another edition of “The Book Report.” This weekly column is dedicated solely to the best in books, apps, audio and video adaptations, technology updates as well as literary news and events. Like our sister columns, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours,” Thursday’s “Musical Notes” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features the information on toys and travel, music, and movies, this weekly post highlights the important world of literature as positive entertainment for children and teens. Be sure to check back each Wednesday.

NEWS

‘Scientific American’ Brings Science Home

All during the month of May, Scientific American, the ever-popular science magazine that is set to celebrate 166 years of providing topical and understandable scientific information to laymen and professionals, has initiated an online campaign that brings the world of scientific discovery to children, with their “Bring Science Home” initiative.

The goal of “Bring Science Home” is not only to inspire young people about science, but to help them connect with science through everyday activities that reinforce literacy for those all- important STEM educational concepts - science, technology, engineering and math. 

Each day, the Scientific American magazine’s website as well as their Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages, provides a different science (hands-on) activity that parents and children easily explore together utilizing common household items.

A wide range of topics covers everything from finding the DNA in a banana, to bending water with static electricity.

Take a look at the video below, which will show you how yeast “live and breathe.” It’s a fun and simple activity to share. 

AWARDS AND HONORS

J. Patrick Lewis Designated Children’s Poet Laureate

On Wednesday, May 11, 2011, prolific author/poet, J. Patrick Lewis, was honored and named Children’s Poet Laureate by The Poetry Foundation during a ceremony at the foundation’s headquarters in Chicago.

Lewis is now the third Children’s Poet Laureate, and follows such illustrious predecessors as Jack Prelutsky and Mary Ann Hoberman.

As part of his two-year tenure to help raise awareness of the importance of poetry in children’s lives, Lewis received a $25,000 cash award.

Lewis’ laureate activities will also include advising the Poetry Foundation on children’s literature, and two major public appearances for children, their families, teachers and librarians.

APPS

Pat the Bunny

Based on the beloved children’s picture book classic by Dorothy Kunhardt, comes a wonderful reinvention of Pat the Bunny for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.

Taking the original idea of engaging a toddler with interactivity, this new offering, after 70 years, provides 14 scenes for in-depth exploration by little hands. Children can pop bubbles, play hide and seek, make music and even look at themselves in a mirror.

There are three ways to read Pat the Bunny: Listen to narration and view the highlighted text; read each page at your own pace, or even record your own voice and play it back.

Pat the Bunny carries a special introductory price of $2.99 and may be ordered direct from the publisher, Random House Children’s Books.

A preview of Pat the Bunny is available in the video below.

VIDEO

Tikki Tikki Tembo…and more stories to celebrate Asian Heritage

It is a true art form when classic picture book stories come visually alive on DVD, and such is this rendering; another excellent production by Weston Woods Studios for Scholastic Storybook Treasures.

The 66-minute collection plus extras, presents six best selling stories that have consistently entertained children. Included in this offering are the following: (Production notes provided by distributor New Video, where the DVD may be ordered direct for $14.95 US or $16.95 CAN.

To explore each of the titles in depth, simply click on links to the original books offered through Amazon.com.

TIKKI TIKKI TEMBO (Written by Arlene Mosel, illustrated by Blair Lent) This Chinese folktale explains why great long names are no longer chosen for their children.


THE TALE OF THE MANDARIN DUCKS (Written by Katherine Paterson, illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon, narrated by B. D. Wong) A compassionate couple risks their lives to reunite a pair of Mandarin ducks.


GRANDFATHER’S JOURNEY (Written and illustrated by Allen Say, narrated by B. D. Wong) A touching story about Grandfather’s travels from Japan to the United States and back again.


THE STONECUTTER (Written and illustrated by Gerald McDermott) Tasaku is a lowly stonecutter who longs for more power in this Japanese folk tale.


LON PO PO: A RED-RIDING HOOD STORY FROM CHINA (Written and illustrated by Ed Young, narrated by B. D. Wong) This Asian version of the classic fairytale brings lessons about strangers, trust, and courage.


SAM AND THE LUCKY MONEY (Written by Karen Chinn, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu, narrated by Ming-Na Wen) On Chinese New Year Sam meets a stranger who helps him make the perfect decision on how to spend his lucky money.