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

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

5. o Graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1948. o After high school, he attended Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. o Later attended Roosevelt University. o He dropped out in 1953 and joined the Army.

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

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

9. o http://www.biography.com/people/shel-silverstein-9483912 http://www.biography.com/people/shel-silverstein-9483912 o http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/shel-silverstein-129.php http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/shel-silverstein-129.php o http://www.poemhunter.com/sheldon-allan-silverstein/biography/ http://www.poemhunter.com/sheldon-allan-silverstein/biography/