born Sept. 25, 1932, Chicago, Ill., U.S.
died May 10, 1999, Key West, Fla.
U.S. cartoonist, children's author, poet, songwriter, and playwright.
Often compared to Dr. Seuss (see Theodor Geisel ), Silverstein is best known for his children's stories and poems. Among his memorable characters are the protagonist in Uncle Shelby's Story of Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back (1963), the boy-man and tree in The Giving Tree (1964), and the partial circle in The Missing Piece . Silverstein was credited with helping young readers develop an appreciation of poetry, and his serious verse reveals an understanding of common childhood anxieties and wishes.