Will I love The Missing Piece?

My mom read this book to me over and over as a kid. She made up a little tune to go with the song the main character—a circle with a pie-shaped cutout—sings to himself on his journey: "Oh I’m looking for my missing piece." Now, that’s the way I read it to my son, too.

While I really like Where the Sidewalk Ends, this is hands-down my favorite Shel Silverstein book. To me, it’s about finding inner strength and self-love in a world that wants you to always be searching for something else.

I discovered this book decades ago while sitting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office. I was there to teach yoga to the medical staff. The doctors were running late so I picked up one of the books on the table …aha! The Missing Piece! And it was just what I needed too. Although written for children, adults can also enjoy the simple yet profound lessons within. An easy read that will keep you and your children coming back to read over and over again. All these many years later, I still turn to it often for inspiration.… show more.