"Where the Sidewalk Ends" is a children's poetry collection written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein, first published in 1974 by Harper and Row Publishers. The book features poems that address common childhood concerns alongside fanciful stories and imaginative images, appealing to readers of all ages. It is known for its satiric approach to difficult subjects and themes challenging authority, which led to it being banned in some libraries and schools in 1986. A 30th Anniversary Edition was released in 2004, adding 12 new poems to the original collection. The title poem, "Where the Sidewalk Ends," is the best known and encapsulates the book's core message about a mystical place beyond the ordinary
. The book is highly regarded and has been translated into more than 20 languages. It won the New York Times’ Outstanding Book Award and was named an ALA Notable Book, as well as one of the 100 Greatest Books for Kids by Parent & Child magazine. An audio edition narrated by Silverstein himself won the 1984 Grammy Award for Best Recording for Children
. In summary, "Where the Sidewalk Ends" is a celebrated and imaginative poetry book for children by Shel Silverstein, blending humor, fantasy, and social commentary through poems and illustrations