SHEL SILVERSTEINAuthor Presentation by Hayley Boardman

Shel Silverstein

Author Presentation by Hayley Boardman

ABOUT SHEL SILVERSTEIN Born in Chicago on September 25, 1930. Kicked out of UoI, left CAoFA for Roosevelt until drafted. Was a cartoonist for Stars & Stripes magazine. Drew for Look and Sports Illustrated. It was his work for Playboy that made him famous. In 1963, he was convinced to write for children. The Giving Tree is one of the most discussed children's

books of all time. Also dabbled in songwriting. He wrote “A Boy Named Sue” Passed away on May 10, 1999

PUBLISHED WORKS Every Thing On It Falling Up A Giraffe and a Half The Giving Tree Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Baack A Light in the Attic The Missing Piece The Missing Piece Meets Big O Runny Babbit Where the Sidewalk Ends Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros Don’t Bump the Glump!

WRITER TECHNIQUES Hilarious, quirky, and memorable illustrations.

NOTABLE WRITING TECHNIQUESExaggerationIronyImaginativeMisuse of letters and soundsImagery Sometimes factualPersonificationRhymeUses words to create images/shapes

THEMESNatureLoveAnimalsScience/MathPlayfulnessDarker side of childhood

SNIPPET #1

SNIPPET #2

SILVERSTEIN IN THE CLASSROOM Read a snippet of his work to strike interest. The poem “Shapes” could be incorporated into a math lesson,

possibly as a mnemonic. Students could write a poem mimicking Silverstien’s silly use of

rhyme and playfulness. Ask the students to choose one of their own poems to illustrate

using the same style.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONhttp://www.shelsilverstein.comGreat teaching tools and activitiesNumerous poemsAnimated shortsFacts and loads of fun