Shel Silverstein
by
User:cmelgarejo @timeAndDate(1278692821)
Shel Silverstein was a popular American poet and author. He has written several well known children's books, but was also a songwriter for some fairly famous singers, like "A Boy Named Sue" for Johnny Cash. His poetry and books, though found in the children's section, often had themes and motifs that carried weight even to an adult reader. As a kid of the 80s, I grew up with Silverstein's books in my bookshelf and found his work would be what inspired my love of writing. His works are still popular to this day, despite his passing over 10 years ago in 1999.
Famous Works
* The Giving Tree: A much beloved, yet also controversial, story of a tree who loves a boy and gives him everything he needs unconditionally even if it's to the detriment of herself.
* Where the Sidewalk Ends: His first published collection of poems, complete with his own cartoon drawings.
* A Light in the Attic: Published in the 80s, this collection had tales full of silly creatures and people in silly situations, like The Meehoo with an Exactlywatt, and Backward Bill. It actually stayed on the New York Times bestsellers list for 2 years, longer than some of the biggest fictional authors at the time.
* Falling Up: The last book Silverstein was able to publish before his death 3 years later, it is yet another collection of delightful poems.
* The Missing Piece: A story about learning how to love and accept yourself, no matter what shape piece you may be.
Other Publications
* Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook: This collection was a work in progress for 20 years, where switching of letters runs rampant! With characters like Toe Jurtle and Goctor Doose, it's a very billy sook indeed.
* An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein: A collection of short stories and plays for adults.
* Silverstein Around the World: Believe it or not, Silverstein started as a cartoonist for Playboy. This is a collection of stories of his travels with the magazine.
* Don't Bump The Glump (and Other Fantasies): A collection of poems revolving around all different kinds of monsters and fantastical animals.
Top Sellers
Related Guides
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Roald Dahl
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Classic Authors
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Childrens Books
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Poetry Collections
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Humor Books
