Shel Silverstein

1. Shel Silverstein The Biography

2. Get to know Shel- • Shel Silverstein was a popular Cartoonist, author, poet, songwriter, and play writer. • He was best known for children’s stories and poems. • Helped young readers appreciate poetry. • His nickname was “Uncle Shelby.”

3. When Shel was a kid… • Shel Silverstein was born on September 25, 1932. • Born in Chicago, Illinois • At 12, he began an interest in drawing. • Grew up in a lower class neighborhood. • Instead of playing baseball with his friends, he stayed inside and drew cartoons and wrote.

4. Shel, All Grown Up- • Graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1948. • After high school, he attended Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. • Later attended Roosevelt University. • He dropped out in 1953 and joined the Army.

5. Shel, The Writer- • Shel’s first published book was entitled, “Take Ten,” and included his cartoons. • As an author, he was most successful with his book, “The Giving Tree.” • He introduced young readers to his humorous poetry with his book, “Where the Sidewalk Ends.” • All of his books included his black and white illustrations.

6. “Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too” This is some of Shel’s best work for you.

7. Shel’s Final Days- • Shel passed away on May 10, 1999, in Key West, Florida. • He died from heart failure at the age of 68. • Although he is no longer alive, his works are • still greatly appreciated by children and adults alike.

8. Sources- • http://www.biography.com/people/shel-silverstein-9483912 • http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/shel-silverstein-129.php • http://www.poemhunter.com/sheldon-allan-silverstein/biography/