Sheldon Allan Silverstein, born September 25, 1930, is considered to be a renowned poet, playwright, and songwriter. The author is best known for two popular children's books, "The Giving Tree" and "A Light in the Attic, "books that have made him one of the best-loved children's authors of all time.

Silverstein acknowledges that his goals as a youngster were quite different than what his life's calling turned out to be. Like many young boys, the writer espoused to be a great baseball player first, and then to subsequently be popular with the members of the opposite sex. The writer notes that he was terrible at the game of baseball and even worse as a dancer. Therefore he had no choice but to begin to draw and write.

Silverstein's first cartoon drawings were constructed for adult readers. He drew for the Pacific Stars and Stripes while serving as a G.I. in Japan and Korea in the 1950's. But Silvertstein also took up the guitar and later penned two incredibly popular songs, "A Boy Named Sue" recorded by Johnny Cash and "The Cover of the Rolling Stone" done by Dr. Hook.

Though Silverstein never sought to write for children, Tomi Ungerer introduced him to the legendary editor of Harper Collins, Ursula Nordstrom. That introduction led to "The Giving Tree," published in 1964, a book that initially sold modestly but over time has consistently assumed a spot on top of the bestseller lists.

"Where the Sidewalk Ends," published in 1974, represents Silverstein's first collection of poems. The book, featuring a subtle mix of tenderness with irreverent wisdom, was hailed as a classic. Two additional collections, "A Light in the Attic" released in 1981 and "Falling Up" published in 1996 both sat on top of bestseller lists for months.

Silverstein's career in music was also long and successful. In addition to the previously mentioned songs, the writer also penned the "Unicorn Song" sung by the Irish Rovers and "I'm Checking Out" which was nominated for an Academy Award in 1991. Silverstein also won a Grammy in 1984 for Best Children's Album.

As with most writers, Silverstein loved to travel. He often spent time in Greenwich Village, Key West, Martha's Vineyard, as well as in Sausalito, California. Up until his death in May 1999, the writer continued to create various forms of literary excellence.

The Little Boy and the Old Man

Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon."
Said the old man, "I do that too."
The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."
"I do that too," laughed the little old man.
Said the little boy, "I often cry."
The old man nodded, "So do I."
"But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems
Grown-ups don't pay attention to me."
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.
"I know what you mean," said the little old man.