Setting the stage – Shel Silverstein writes “A Boy Named Sue”
A multitalented American writer famous for his children’s books, cartoons, and songs, Sheldon Allan “Shel” Silverstein was born in a Jewish family on September 25, 1930. He began drawing and writing at a very young age.
Photo of Shel Silverstein (Photo by Alice Ochs/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Silverstein is best known for his iconic books of poetry and prose for young readers. Some of the titles include “Lafcadio: The Lion Who Shot Back” (1963), “The Giving Tree” (1964), “A Giraffe and a Half” (1964), “The Missing Piece” (1976), and “The Missing Piece Meets the Big O” (1981). A prolific poet, Silverstein was also the author of several contemporary poetry collections such as “Where the Sidewalk Ends” (1974), “A Light in the Attic,” (1982), “Falling Up” (1996) and Don’t Bump the Glump! And Other Fantasies (1963, reissued in 2008).His books, which are all illustrated by the author, are characterized by a skillful mixing of the serious and sly, the macabre, and just plain silliness. The recipient of a Golden Globe, an Academy Award nomination, and two Grammy Awards, Silverstein had started dabbling in songwriting since the late 1950’s, but it wasn’t until 1969 that he became famous in the music world.