Dickens & Rumi
Cover of EVERY THING ON IT

book

EVERY THING ON IT

Shel Silverstein

Poems and drawings by the author of "Where the Sidewalk Ends."

Ages 6+Source checked

Why this age? Short poems and illustrations suit early independent readers, while wordplay, irony, and occasional mildly macabre or gross humor may be better appreciated with some maturity or adult guidance. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age6+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character1/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Romance1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Positive messages3/5
  • Educational value2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Death is mentioned occasionally as a subject of dry, dark humor.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild name-calling or silly insults consistent with children's playground behavior.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Mild mentions of crushes or romantic interest as part of childhood experiences.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Some illustrations and poems have a slightly eerie or macabre edge, but nothing genuinely frightening.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Features mild, cartoonish slapstick typical of the author's humorous style.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience1/5
Why this rating?

Characters show the courage to be different and think for themselves.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Inventive language, unexpected viewpoints, visual humor, and playful transformations strongly stimulate imagination and creative thinking.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Characters are generalized; not specifically focused on diverse identities.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Excellent for developing vocabulary and appreciation for poetic meter and rhyme.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is explored, though often through an ironic lens.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes individuality, questioning authority, and viewing the world from creative perspectives.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages independent thinking, though characters are often eccentric.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in EVERY THING ON IT would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in EVERY THING ON IT, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereEVERY THING ON IT
Goosebumps - Return of the MummyRobert Lawrence Stine · 1994Ages 9+Tom Swift in CaptivityVictor Appleton · 1912Ages 9+Goosebumps - Deep TroubleRobert Lawrence Stine · 1994Ages 9+Tom Swift and His Undersea SearchVictor Appleton · 1920Ages 9+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating