Shel Silverstein

Date of Birth:

25-Sep-1930

Nationality:

United States

Profession:

Poet

Sheldon Allen Silverstein, popularly known by his pen name Shel Silverstein, was an American children’s book writer, poet, cartoonist, screenwriter and a singer. He went on to become one of the most popular children’s story book writers of all time. Silverstein had been an avid cartoonist since his childhood and had reiterated in interviews that since he struggled with sports; making cartoon strips was his favorite activity. His work was published by several well known magazines and in 1955 he had his first big break when his cartoon collection ‘Take Ten’ was published. He also worked as a cartoonist for many years for the hugely popular men’s magazine ‘Playboy’ and worked on global stories for the magazine. He started off as a children’s book writer a bit late but soon became a hugely successful one and his books became instant hit across the globe with sales running into millions. Some of his well-known works include, ‘A Boy Named Sue’, ‘Where the Sidewalk Ends’ and ‘The Giving Tree’ among many others. He was also an accomplished songwriter and singer and had won two ‘Grammy Awards’. He was a man of rare gifts, with a pithy sense of humor. Much of what he has said or written has become quite famous as his quotes and thoughts and is quoted extensively. His thoughts and quotations tackled the most serious and sensitive topics in a lighter tone. Here are few of Shel Silverstein’s notable quotes.

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Shel Silverstein

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QUOTES BY Shel Silverstein

Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.

There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part, So just give me a happy middle And a very happy start.

If you are a dreamer come in If you are a dreamer a wisher a liar A hoper a pray-er a magic-bean-buyer If youre a pretender com sit by my fire For we have some flax golden tales to spin Come in! Come in!

Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.

Do a loony-goony dance 'Cross the kitchen floor, Put something silly in the world That ain't been there before.

She had blue skin, And so did he. He kept it hid And so did she. They searched for blue Their whole life through, Then passed right by- And never knew.

All The Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas Layin' In The Sun, Talkin' 'Bout The Things They Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda Done... But All Those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas All Ran Away And Hid From One Little Did.

Tell my I'm clever, Tell me I'm kind, Tell me I'm talented, Tell me I'm cute, Tell me I'm sensitive, Graceful and Wise Tell me I'm perfect-- But tell me the TRUTH.

Underneath my outside face There's a face that none can see. A little less smiley, A little less sure, But a whole lot more like me.

When the light turns green, you go. When the light turns red, you stop. But what do you do when the light turns blue with orange and lavender spots?

EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.