KEY WEST, Fla. — The Shel Silverstein Forever stamp — featuring artwork from one of the Key West resident’s most famous books, “The Giving Tree” — was dedicated Friday by the U.S. Postal Service.
The extraordinarily versatile Silverstein was one of the 20th century’s most imaginative authors and illustrators. He lived in a 1901 wooden two-story house in Key West from the 1980s until his death in 1999.
“He could be silly or serious — and anything in between. With his witty rhymes and whimsical, nonsensical verse, it was clear that he loved to play with language,” said Judy de Torok, the Postal Service’s vice president of corporate affairs and dedicating official.
“It was also clear that his many readers — young and old alike — loved him for his clever wordplay. His books are bestsellers, with more than 20 million copies sold in more than 47 languages,” she said.
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The Shel Silverstein Forever stamps are issued in panes of 20 and will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree,” published in 1964 by Harper & Row, is about a friendship between a motherly tree and a boy. As the child grows older, the tree gives him its shade, apples, branches and trunk.
The story ends with the boy returning as an old man to rest against the tree’s stump. The bestselling tale of selflessness, which is accompanied by the author’s elegantly simple black-and-white illustrations, is considered a classic of children’s literature.
Silverstein’s zany, self-illustrated books of poetry are similarly revered.
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“Where the Sidewalk Ends” (1974), “A Light in the Attic” (1981), “Falling Up” (1996) and “Every Thing On It” (2011) feature clever and, at times, playfully nonsensical verse that is adored by young people all over the world.
Children are enthralled by Silverstein’s poetry, which is full of fantastical imagery and often deals with the joys and fears of childhood.
The four distinctive collections of poetry were bestsellers. The New York Times named “Where the Sidewalk Ends” an Outstanding Book of 1974; Silverstein’s album version of the book earned a Grammy Award for Best Recording for Children.
The multi-talented Silverstein also wrote and illustrated books for adult readers. He recorded his own songs in addition to writing hits for other artists.
Silverstein’s music has appeared in many films. In the 1980s, he wrote plays performed off-Broadway in New York. He died in May 1999 at his home in Key West, FL.
In 2002, Silverstein was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Three of Silverstein’s books have been published posthumously: “Runny Babbit” (2005), “Every Thing On It” and “Runny Babbit Returns” (2017). His diverse body of work remains beloved by adults and children alike.
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Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.
