Shel Silverstein (1930–1999) began his career as a cartoonist, poet, and songwriter. In 1963 he met children’s book editor Ursula Nordstrom, who encouraged him to write and illustrate for young readers. The result was a series of picture books and collections of poems and drawings, including Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back; The Giving Tree; A Gira e and a Half; Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?; Where the Sidewalk Ends; The Missing Piece; The Missing Piece Meets the Big O; A Light in the Attic; Falling Up; Runny Babbit; Don’t Bump the Glump; and Every Thing On It. Together with his collections for adults, Di erent Dances and Silverstein around the World, each book is illustrated with his signature humorous line art.

His books have won numerous awards, are perennial bestsellers, and have been translated into forty-three languages. He was also an accomplished playwright and a Grammy Award–winning songwriter.