Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book: A Primer for Adults Only

Terrible terrible book it makes no sense any of it even on a good day.!!! We were very disappointed. He was such a talented person that I would not expect him to have this type of book and it was a gift because it was for an adult so I figured it would be a little bit more racing but the things inside of it if you read it make no sense whatsoever. The only reason this has one star is because it will not let me put this on without putting something in the stars and it will not let me put just a fraction of the star

For starters, contra so many of the other reviews here, don't worry about children not getting the sarcasm in this book--anyone who knows children know that they can get and use sarcasm quite well.

And children should read this book, because this book is Shel Silverstein at his finest. It amazes me how many people have referred to Silverstein as just a "children's author" in these reviews--he was a Playboy cartoonist, to begin with, which doesn't seem very purely children's author to me. That aside, though, consider some of his poems from _Where the sidewalk ends_ such as "How not to dry the dishes" and "Abigail and the pretty pony, for starters--wonderful bits that masquerade as children's poetry, subverting all the rules we as a society try to use to keep things orderly (and boring). Silverstein was one of those rare authors who could write for adults and children at the same time--and the children will be better of for being exposed to it.

This book was originally written back in the 60's. I know because my mother and I found it in a book depart of a local department store when I was like 12 or 13. Love it! Love Uncle Shelby (Shel Silverstein) Such a talent gone too soon.

The other reviews elegantly describe this wonderful book. Yesterday I had the pleasure of sharing it with my children.

After some quick rules, "I'll show you this book, but you are forbidden to put sugar in the gas tank of Daddy's car!" I ceremoniously read this book aloud to my 10-year-old twins, who are sophisticated and have a twisted sense of humor. They laughed themselves sick at each and every page. When their 13-year-old sister came home, they made her read it cover to cover. Our house has been ringing with laughter since I pulled it from the book shelf it had been hidden on ever since they were old enough to read.

If you've never read this book, you must. It's the perfect antidote for today's bland, p.c. world.

This book is one of the most sinister- cruelly entertaining things I've ever read! It's no wonder they have added to the title that it is not for kids; I would hate to see the damage that would happen if it ever fell into an innocent childs hand! This book begins with a forward about hating children (so brilliantly written you think he loves them until you take a second look) and then commences on a journey to bring as many perils upon children as there are Alphabet letters- and then some! There's even "game time" where the kids are taught a way to play hop scotch- with reall scotch! It's great for older people, but like I said, beware if a child gets this book. It should be locked away and snickered at in secret until the kids are grown.

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.

This was the only Silverstein book I was aware of from my childhood until my mid-20s. I knew it was dark and "wrong" as a kid, and can only assume it had a lot to do with my sense of humor as an adult. IOW, it's a funny, twisted, dark and subversive book. If you don't get it, that's your problem--and you shouldn't pan it for not being a good match. The book is wildly amazing, and a successful piece for certain kids, teens and adults who aren't boring and overly-sensitive suburban drones.

With our entire nation paranoid about the media's supposed "depraved" influence on our children, it's refreshing to read a book that wears its corrupting influence on its sleeve (and by Shel Silverstein, no less!). For an idea of the hilarious, whimsical bad advice contained within, consider: "I is for ink. Ink is black and wet. What else can you do with ink? What rhymes with ink? (HINT: D R _ _ _.)"

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.

I can only recommend this book -it's fun, outrageously so, written in uncle shelby's own capital letters, and is very re-readable. The drawings adorning the book beckons you to get out your crayons and start coloring. Adult or not.

With a little imagination you can hear Shel Silverstein reading it aloud.

My ONLY regret is that my kids are grown - but I might be blessed with grandchildren with whom I can share ALL of my uncle shelby books.
And songs and records.

It is not politically correct - thank God. And thank you Shel Silverstein, for making us laugh:D

The best x-mas present under the tree I'm sure

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.

I can only recommend this book -it's fun, outrageously so, written in uncle shelby's own capital letters, and is very re-readable. The drawings adorning the book beckons you to get out your crayons and start coloring. Adult or not.

With a little imagination you can hear Shel Silverstein reading it aloud.

My ONLY regret is that my kids are grown - but I might be blessed with grandchildren with whom I can share ALL of my uncle shelby books.
And songs and records.

It is not politically correct - thank God. And thank you Shel Silverstein, for making us laugh:D

The best x-mas present under the tree I'm sure

Another perfect Shel Silverstein book. Smart, creative, clever, and anti-establishment. It's for kids, but not really. It was one of my favorite books when I was a kid, and it's just as good as an adult.

Shel is my favorite author. I recently bought this book because I could never find it at my school libary (I'm 13). Um... Shel made this book very funny. umm.... I dunno what eles to say. well I guess I want to say I feel bad that sel died and good bye people...

For starters, I think this book is funny and clever, and I was planning to pick up a copy for a buddy who just had a baby...However, I'm bummed about the "Primer for Adults" part. The book is even funnier as a mock kid's book and the "Primer..." line spoils the fun and gives away the joke before you even open the book.

With the original title, the book is clearly 5 stars.

I discovered Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book back in 1990, and my own writing style hasn't been the same since. I've found it to be a fairly effective litmus test for determining whether somebody has a twisted sense of humor or not: those who do, love the book; those who don't, don't get it. Personally, I find it to be completely hilarious; a masterpiece, even.

my friend got this book and started reciting "baby" in class one day. i had no clue what she was doing, but i absolutely loved the poem. then she let me see the book and i read through the entiter thing. my favorite is probably "fingers." You can't go wrong with this book. i highly suggest you get this book! i know i am, and i've already read it!

Definitely an adult book. I read it at a drinking party at a friend's house and just had to have a copy for my own home. This is hysterical, just one of those books that will make you smile when you're in a crabby mood. Definitely recommended!

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!

This is not the greatest of Mr. Silverstein's work, but deffinately characteristic of his usual humor and sarcasm. I wouldn't share it with your children, until they are ready to have children of their own, but it makes a great pick me up gift for parents who are struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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...

I remember my mother hated that her friend gave me this book at 6 yrs old, but even then I knew how to laugh and what to believe. If you are concerned that a child will act on the suggestions or ideas in this book, you need to be concerned about the rearing of the child, not the jokes in the book.