Shel Silverstein was an American composer, cartoonist, screenwriter, musician, and celebrated author of children’s books. His genius was showcased in everything he touched, and his children’s books continue to be celebrated decades after they were first published. Silverstein was a talented songwriter, earning an Oscar nomination for his work, and he won a Grammy for his outstanding contributions.
Silverstein's debut book, Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back, was published in 1963, followed by four other books in 1964. His books have been published in more than 47 different languages, and he will perhaps always be best loved for his extraordinary books. In 1974, Where the Sidewalk Ends was published, and A Light in the Attic came much later in 1981. His last book, Falling Up, was published before his death in 1999. In addition to his books, Silverstein also released a collection of poems and drawings, Don't Bump the Glump! And Other Fantasies, which was recently reissued in 2008 after being unavailable for over 30 years.
Silverstein's books are known for their humor, sadness, and thoughtfulness. His first children's book, Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back, is a moving story about the love of a tree for a boy, while The Giving Tree is a classic tale that has been beloved by children and adults alike for generations. Silverstein's poetry collections, including Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic, invite children to dream and dare to imagine the impossible. His unique imagination and bold brand of humor are on full display in his collections, which are filled with silly and scary creatures.
Silverstein's legacy continues to live on through his work, and he remains one of the most beloved children's authors of all time. His books have inspired generations of children to use their imaginations and to embrace the power of storytelling. Shel was always a believer in letting his work do the talking for him, and few authors have ever done it better.