Там, где кончается тротуар: Поэзия Шел Силверстайна

Poetry collection by Shel Silverstein

Where the Sidewalk Ends is a 1974 children's poetry collection written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. It was published by Harper and Row Publishers. The book's poems address common childhood concerns and also present fanciful stories and imaginative images. Silverstein's work is valued by people of all ages, primarily due to his skill in subtly communicating social implications through his simple language. Controversial because of profanity and theme of rebellion, the book was first banned in 1986 in many libraries and schools. A 30th Anniversary Edition of the book appeared in 2004, and two audio editions (1983 and 2000) are also available.

“Where the Sidewalk Ends”, the title poem and also Silverstein’s best known poem, encapsulates the core message of the collection. The reader is told that there is a hidden, mystical place "where the sidewalk ends", between the sidewalk and the street. The poem is divided into three stanzas. Although straying from a consistent metrical pattern, Silverstein gives us a simple rhythm, utilizing predominantly iambic tetrameter. This metrical structure consists of four iambs each holding an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

"Where the Sidewalk Ends" has become contested; certain concerns have been raised about aspects of the book. For example, the book's humor and tone has been declared inappropriate by some adults for young readers due to its sometimes dark themes and satirical illustrations. The book touches on topics such as death, violence, and unconventional characters, leading to differing opinions on its suitability for children.