Shel Silverstein 2022 USPS First Class Postage Stamps Forever Stamps 100pcs/Pack

The extraordinarily versatile Silverstein (1930–1999) was one of the 20th century’s most imaginative authors and illustrators.

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. “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.