Shel Silverstein

The extraordinarily versatile Shel Silverstein (1930–1999) was one of the 20th century’s most imaginative authors and illustrators. His picture book The Giving Tree and his quirky poetry collections are beloved by children everywhere.

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, now an old man, returning to rest against the tree’s stump. 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.

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 best-sellers. 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, Florida.

In 2002, Silverstein was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. 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). His diverse body of work, which has been translated into 47 languages, remains beloved by adults and children alike.

First Day of Issue Ceremony

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First Day Cover

Celebrate one of the 20th century’s most imaginative author-illustrators with this Shel Silverstein First Day Cover. The #6 ¾ envelope bears an affixed Forever® stamp cancelled with an official First Day of Issue postmark.

Shel Silverstein’s 1964 picture book The Giving Tree and his quirky poetry collections are beloved by children everywhere. The stamp features Silverstein’s illustration of a boy catching an apple.

The pictorial postmark features an elegantly simple, black-and-white illustration of the “giving tree” from Silverstein’s famous book. Also included is the stamp title, as well as the date and location of stamp issuance: April 8, 2022, Chicago, IL, 60607.

$1.13

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Digital Color Postmark First Day Cover

Celebrate one of the 20th century’s most imaginative author-illustrators with this Shel Silverstein Digital Color Postmark First Day Cover. The #6 ¾ envelope bears an affixed Forever® stamp cancelled with an official First Day of Issue postmark.

Shel Silverstein’s 1964 picture book The Giving Tree and his quirky poetry collections are beloved by children everywhere. The stamp features Silverstein’s illustration of a boy catching an apple.

The digital color postmark evokes a boy hugging the “giving tree” from Silverstein’s famous book. Also included is the stamp title, as well as the date and location of stamp issuance: April 8, 2022, Chicago, IL, 60607.

$1.98

Purchase

Press Sheet without Die-Cuts

Celebrate one of the 20th century’s most imaginative author-illustrators with this 11.84(w) x 21.72(h)-inch press sheet, containing six sheets of Shel Silverstein Forever® stamps positioned two across by three down.*

Shel Silverstein’s 1964 picture book The Giving Tree and his quirky poetry collections are beloved by children everywhere. The stamp features Silverstein’s illustration of a boy catching an apple.

*The stamps on these sheets do not contain perforations for mail use.

$75.60

Purchase

Framed Stamp

Celebrate one of the 20th century’s most imaginative author-illustrators with this 9.5(w) x 11.5(h)-inch framed piece, which features the art from the Shel Silverstein stamp, plus a mounted Forever® stamp and the First Day of Issue details.

Shel Silverstein’s 1964 picture book The Giving Tree and his quirky poetry collections are beloved by children everywhere. The stamp features Silverstein’s illustration of a boy catching an apple.

Showcased in a classic black frame, the piece also includes a clear dust cover, protective felt bumpers, and a sawtooth hanger on the back for easy display.

$29.95

Purchase

‘The Giving Tree’ on a Forever Stamp

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Stamp Brief

First Day of Issue Ceremony

First Day of Issue Ceremony

Stamp Art Director

Derry Noyes

Products

First Day Cover

Digital Color Postmark First Day Cover

Press Sheet without Die-Cuts

Framed Stamp

Press Releases and More

‘The Giving Tree’ on a Forever Stamp

Image Assets

Stamp Brief

First Day of Issue Ceremony

First Day of Issue Ceremony

Stamp Art Director

Derry Noyes

Products

First Day Cover

Digital Color Postmark First Day Cover

Press Sheet without Die-Cuts

Framed Stamp

Press Releases and More

‘The Giving Tree’ on a Forever Stamp