When I was in grade school, Shel Silverstein’s books were perpetually checked out at the library. His silly and mischievous poems will inspire any kid. It was the first poetry I encountered as a young reader.

If you struggle to keep kids entertained while reading a book, you should listen to Silverstein’s rock star reading style. He can make any kid giggle and his poetry begs to be read out loud. Listening to his readings is like a graduate level course in the art of interactive reading.

Below, I’ve built two free playlists illustrating his superb reading style. If you go to Spotify and open up a free account, you can listen to the master read nearly 100 poems.

Where the Sidewalk Ends: Silverstein reads 47 poems from this classic collection, including “Boa Constrictor,” “Sick” and “Crocodile’s Toothache.” You can read more about the book at the publisher’s official site.

Shel Silverstein – Invitation
Shel Silverstein – Eighteen Flavors
Shel Silverstein – Melinda Mae
Shel Silverstein – Sick
Shel Silverstein – Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too
Shel Silverstein – Enter This Deserted House
Shel Silverstein – Jimmy Jet and His TV Set
Shel Silverstein – For Sale
Shel Silverstein – Warning
Shel Silverstein – The Yipiyuk
Shel Silverstein – Crocodile’s Toothache
Shel Silverstein – Stone Telling
Shel Silverstein – Ridiculous Rose
Shel Silverstein – Boa Constrictor
Shel Silverstein – Peanut-Butter Sandwich
Shel Silverstein – Listen to the Mustn’ts
Shel Silverstein – Hug o’ War
Shel Silverstein – Smart
Shel Silverstein – Forgotten Language
Shel Silverstein – The Farmer and the Queen
Shel Silverstein – The One Who Stayed
Shel Silverstein – No Difference
Shel Silverstein – Wild Boar
Shel Silverstein – Thumbs
Shel Silverstein – Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out
Shel Silverstein – My Hobby
Shel Silverstein – Early Bird
Shel Silverstein – Me-Stew
Shel Silverstein – Captain Hook
Shel Silverstein – With His Mouth Full of Food
Shel Silverstein – The Flying Festoon
Shel Silverstein – The Silver Fish
Shel Silverstein – The Generals
Shel Silverstein – The Worst
Shel Silverstein – Dreadful
Shel Silverstein – My Beard
Shel Silverstein – The Little Blue Engine
Shel Silverstein – If I Had a Brontosaurus
Shel Silverstein – One Inch Tall
Shel Silverstein – Long-Haired Boy
Shel Silverstein – Rain
Shel Silverstein – True Story
Shel Silverstein – Hungry Mungry
Shel Silverstein – Standing
Shel Silverstein – If the World Was Crazy
Shel Silverstein – Hector the Collector
Shel Silverstein – Spaghetti

A Light in the Attic: In another classic collection, the poet reads 39 poems out loud–growling, singing, yelling, whispering and every other way you can bend his words. Follow the links below to listen to individual songs on Spotify. You can learn more about the book at the publisher’s official site.

Shel Silverstein – A Light In The Attic
Shel Silverstein – Bear In There
Shel Silverstein – Rock ‘N’ Roll Band
Shel Silverstein – Eight Balloons
Shel Silverstein – The Sitter
Shel Silverstein – Quick Trip
Shel Silverstein – How Not To Have To Dry The Dishes
Shel Silverstein – Squishy Touch
Shel Silverstein – Little Abigail And The Beautiful Pony
Shel Silverstein – Homework Machine
Shel Silverstein – Crowded Tub
Shel Silverstein – Almost Perfect
Shel Silverstein – Prehistoric
Shel Silverstein – Examination
Shel Silverstein – Kidnapped
Shel Silverstein – The Dragon Of Grindly Grun
Shel Silverstein – Ladies First
Shel Silverstein – Picture Puzzle Piece
Shel Silverstein – Signals
Shel Silverstein – The Little Boy And The Old Man
Shel Silverstein – Clarence
Shel Silverstein – Hula Eel
Shel Silverstein – Nobody
Shel Silverstein – Peckin’
Shel Silverstein – God’s Wheel
Shel Silverstein – Zebra Question
Shel Silverstein – Tryin’ On Clothes
Shel Silverstein – Anteater
Shel Silverstein – Fancy Dive
Shel Silverstein – Whatif
Shel Silverstein – Backward Bill
Shel Silverstein – Friendship
Shel Silverstein – Captain BlackBeard Did What?
Shel Silverstein – Monsters I’ve Met
Shel Silverstein – Ations
Shel Silverstein – Hitting
Shel Silverstein – The Toad And The Kangaroo
Shel Silverstein – Twistable, Turnable Man
Shel Silverstein – Outside Or Underneath?