Shel Silverstein

It was a tremendous blow to readers everywhere when Shel Silverstein died of a heart attack in 1999. Still, like Douglas Adams, Silverstein got an awful lot done during the limited time he spent here on Earth. In addition to his short stories and famous collections of gleefully demented poetry for children, Silverstein recorded music and wrote song lyrics, including the words for the Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named Sue". He wrote plays--most famously, "The Lady or the Tiger Show". He drew many odd pictures. He was, in fact, such an awesome poet, illustrator, and songwriter that I am willing to overlook the fact that he also did quite a bit of work with David Mamet (BLEAGH!). And if you knew me, you would understand what a deeply-felt compliment that is. (GET OVER YOURSELF, MAMET!)

Aftertaste:
None.

Availability:
Everywhere.

Other Recommendations:
Anything by Edward Gorey

Anything by Bill Watterson

Website:
http://www.shelsilverstein.com/indexSite.html -