Shel Silverstein was an American poet, singer-songwriter, musician, composer, cartoonist, screenwriter, and author of children's books. He was also an illustrator, and is best known for his work in the book 'The Giving Tree'. Silverstein was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, and died in 1999. He was a prolific artist, and his work has been featured in many publications, including Playboy magazine. He is remembered for his unique style of illustration, which often featured whimsical characters and humorous situations.