Findlay, Ohio — Children’s storybook fans will be delighted now that cherished characters from children's literature are featured on the “Favorite Children's Book Animals” commemorative stamp pane.

The 16-stamp pane, bearing eight children’s storybook characters on 39-cent first-class stamps, was issued today at The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum in Findlay, Ohio. As host city to the dedication ceremony, Findlay holds the unique distinction of being the only city in the nation where the stamps are available today. The stamps will be available nationwide at post offices and philatelic centers Wed., Jan. 11.



Two of the stamps—Maisy (“Maisy’s ABC” by Lucy Cousins, 1994 in the United Kingdom and 1995 in the U.S.) and The Very Hungry Caterpillar (“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, 1969 and 1987)—appear on the “Animal Tales” stamp sheet also issued today in London by Royal Mail.

“These wonderful books have been passed from generation to generation,” said Linda Kingsley, vice president of strategic planning for the U.S. Postal Service. “The lessons learned from many of these charming animals are priceless. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the joy they’ve brought to so many children and adults.”

The stamps also depict Curious George (“Curious George Flies A Kite” by Margret and H.A. Rey, 1958); Fox in Socks (“Fox in Socks” by Dr. Seuss, 1965); Frederick (“Frederick” by Leo Lionni, 1967); Olivia (“Olivia” by Ian Falconer, 2000); Wilbur (“Charlotte’s Web” written by E.B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams, 1952) and Wild Thing (“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, 1963) (see attached).
Joining Kingsley at the event were Tony Devine, philatelic channel manager, Royal Mail (United Kingdom) and Dr. DeBow Freed, president of The University of Findlay.

"Getting children interested in reading at an early age is paramount to their success both in the classroom and in life," added Dr. DeBow Freed, president of The University of Findlay. "The commemorative stamp issue is an admirable tribute to the authors and illustrators who have created the books that generations of families have and will continue to enjoy."

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail.
Royal Mail has granted permission for the U.S. Postal Service to use the United Kingdom cancellation to postmark jointly issued U.K. Animal Tales stamps presented on independently produced covers, provided the cover also bears at least one U.S. stamp from the Favorite Children's Book Animals issue. U.S. customers using major credit cards may purchase Royal Mail’s Animal Tales stamps, first-day covers and related products by visiting www.royalmail.com/stamps.

Customers should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK ANIMALS STAMPS
POSTMASTER
229 W MAIN CROSS STREET
FINDLAY OH  45840-9998

ROYAL MAIL ANIMAL TALES
POSTMASTER
229 W MAIN CROSS STREET
FINDLAY OH  45840-9998

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by March 10, 2006.

How to Order First-Day Covers
Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly “USA Philatelic” catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 1-800-STAMP-24 or writing to:
INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO  64121-9014

Favorite Children’s Book Animals
•    The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Featuring what has become author and illustrator Eric Carle’s signature style of painted tissue paper collage, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” (1969 and 1987) tells the story of one unusual caterpillar who eats his way through a variety of foods during the course of one week. When he is full, he builds a cocoon around himself from which he emerges as a beautiful butterfly.

•    Maisy: In “Maisy’s ABC,” Maisy the mouse discovers that the best way to learn the alphabet is to experience it firsthand. The stamp image, depicting Maisy “dressed as a queen” to teach readers about the letter “Q,” demonstrates the bold outlines, bright colors and simplicity that endear the books of author and illustrator Lucy Cousins to children.

•    Curious George: In 1941, Margret and H.A. Rey introduced American readers to a charming and mischievous monkey named Curious George and his light-hearted philosophy that the world is full of discoveries waiting to be made. In “Curious George Flies a Kite” (1958), George begins his high-flying adventure by visiting the large family of rabbits in the big garden down the road. Universal Pictures’ and Imagine Entertainment’s animated feature film, “Curious George,” www.curiousgeorgemovie.com debuts Feb. 10. 

•    Olivia: Whether painting the walls like a master, planning the perfect accessory for an outfit or building an ambitious sandcastle, Olivia is always the star of her own show (and sometimes has too much energy for her own good). Published in 2000, “Olivia” won a Caldecott Honor the following year and was author and illustrator Ian Falconer’s first book chronicling the energy and spunk of this loveable and unforgettable piglet heroine. Falconer’s spare charcoal line drawings, accented with splashes of red gouache, emphasize the details in the world of his young star.

•    Wild Thing: Maurice Sendak’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are” (1963), won the Caldecott Medal in 1964. It features a boy named Max who travels to an imaginary land where he meets the Wild Things and becomes their king. The boy then returns home where he is loved “best of all.” The stamp art features Sendak’s pen, ink and watercolor portrait of one of the Wild Things.

•    Wilbur: Making new friends can be difficult. But when Wilbur the pig meets Charlotte the spider, he knows that his lonely life in the barn will end. Charlotte’s love teaches Wilbur about loyalty, bravery and the joy of being alive. Illustrator Garth Williams gave form to this inspiring and humble character in E.B. White’s Newbery Honor-winning book “Charlotte’s Web” (1952). A new version of “Charlotte’s Web,” the movie, www.charlotteswebmovie.com is scheduled to debut in theaters in December 2006.

•    Frederick: Leo Lionni’s use of torn paper collage and his celebration of nature, creativity and kindness helped his book “Frederick” (1967) win a Caldecott Honor in 1968. As a field mouse, Frederick should be preparing for winter like the rest of his family by collecting corn and wheat. Instead Frederick gathers together the colors and words that make cold, dark days feel warm and bright.

•    Fox in Socks: First published in 1965 by Dr. Seuss, the pen name of Theodor Seuss Geisel, “Fox in Socks” features a playful and tricky red fox in bright blue socks. As flexible as a gymnast and with a head full of rhymes, he leads beginning readers on a rollicking, tongue-twisting romp through a vibrant world of blue goo, tweetle beetles and cheese trees.