Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book by Shel Silverstein

Daddy has no money for a haircut.” Shel Silverstein/Simon & Schusterįollowing all of Uncle Shelby’s mal-advice would make for an exciting episode of Jackass. “D” is for Daddy: “Daddy needs a haircut. Unlike most alphabet books, however, Silverstein’s associations are not intended to reinforce memory, but to prey upon the insecurities of children, suggest mischievous misdeeds, and otherwise exploit the ignorance-er, innocence, of youth. Borrowing from the tradition of children’s learn-the-alphabet books, Silverstein constructs a stable of mnemonic devices to help his readers take their first steps toward literacy. Uncle Shelby’s ABZ Book is a brazen work of satire. “X is always for xylophone!” Shel Silverstein/Simon & Schuster Silverstein’s introductory work purports to be an educational tool, bearing the tagline, “A Primer For Tender Young Minds.” But upon the most cursory of inspections, it becomes clear that Uncle Shelby is not to be trusted with young minds, tender or otherwise. Over the past 55 years, it has become a literary cult classic, unknown by most, but fiercely adored by ardent fans. Featuring much of the material from Playboy, it was the first book written by prolific author, musician, playwright and songwriter Shel Silverstein, then Playboy’s resident cartoonist.

Shortly thereafter, Uncle Shelby’s ABZ Book was published.

Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book by Shel Silverstein