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• First Book Published:
  1963
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Fast Facts

1. Shel Silverstein began drawing cartoons while serving in the Armed Forces in Japan and Korea in 1950.



2. It took 4 years to get one of his most popular books, THE GIVING TREE, published because of its sad ending and appeal to readers of all ages making it difficult to categorize.



3. He wrote a number of highly popular songs for performers like Johnny Cash, Dr. Hook, and Waylon Jennings.



4. Silverstein's narration of his poetry collection WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS won a Grammy Award for Best Children's Album.



5. He received an Academy Award nomination for the music he composed for the film Postcards From the Edge.



6. His books have sold over 20 million copies and been translated into 20 different languages.



7. Silverstein illustrated his own poems with whimsical black and white drawings.



8. His poetry has won numerous awards and honors including ALA Notable Children's Book Award, New York Times Outstanding Children's Book, Association of Booksellers for Children Notable Titles and A Library of Congress Children's Book selection.

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