Three of Silverstein’s books have been published posthumously: “Runny Babbit” (2005), a children’s story chock full of clever spoonerisms “Every Thing On It” and “Runny Babbit Returns” (2017). In 2002, Silverstein was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He died in May 1999 at his home in Key West, FL. In the 1980s, he wrote plays performed off-Broadway in New York. Silverstein’s music has appeared in many films. He recorded his own songs in addition to writing hits for other artists. The multi-talented Silverstein also wrote and illustrated books for adult readers. 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 four distinctive collections of poetry were best-sellers.

Children are enthralled by Silverstein’s poetry, which is full of fantastical imagery and often deals with the joys and fears of childhood. “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. Silverstein’s zany, self-illustrated books of poetry are similarly revered. The best-selling tale of selflessness, which is accompanied by the author’s elegantly simple black-and-white illustrations, is considered a classic of children’s literature. The story ends with the boy, now an old man, returning to rest against the tree’s stump. As the child grows older, the tree gives him its shade, apples, branches and trunk. “The Giving Tree,” published in 1964 by Harper & Row, is about a friendship between a motherly tree and a boy. The extraordinarily versatile Shel Silverstein (1930–1999) was one of the 20th century’s most imaginative authors and illustrators. Postal Serviceĭedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to rsvp at: /shelsilverstein

Judy de Torok, vice president of corporate affairs, U.S. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #ShelSilversteinStamp. The first-day-of-issue event for the Shel Silverstein Forever stamp is free and open to the public. Postal Service will honor author and illustrator Shel Silverstein with a Forever stamp featuring artwork from his book, “The Giving Tree.” The first-day-of-issue event will be held at the school Shel Silverstein attended, Chicago’s Darwin Elementary School. Aviation mail security & hazardous materials.

Silverstein the giving tree