Shel Silverstein was a songwriter, playwright, and cartoonist, but he is best known for his poetry and books for children, including ""The Giving Tree"" and ""A Light in the Attic"". Always thought-provoking and sometimes controversial, Silverstein's writing was accompanied by his distinctive art, making his books memorable and appealing to children and adults alike. But Silverstein didn't start out as a children's book writer. He pursued many other avenues first, all the while living a fascinating and unusual lifestyle. ""Shel Silverstein"" tells his story, from his childhood in Chicago through his genesis as an artist and a writer. His tale is both amusing and inspiring, much like his own work.