Today, January 10, 2006, the United States and Great Britain release a joint issue of stamps commemorating childrens literature. The first day cities are Findlay, OH and Penzance, Great Britain.

Children’s litrerature is recognized in this joint issue with Great Britain. The USPS reports that “The Very Hungry Catepillar” and “Maisy” stamps will be issued by Royal Mail, while the complete set of eight, .39-cent stamps in a pane of 16 will be issued in the United States. Eight classics that are enjoyed today by children all over the world include:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar (1969 and 1987) by Eric Carle – 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.

Charlotte’s Web (1952) by Illustrator Garth Williams and author E.B. White’s Newbery – Honor-winning book showing 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.

Fox in Socks (1965) by Dr. Seuss – 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.

Maisy’s ABC (published in the U.K. in 1994 and the U.S. in 1995) by Lucy Cousins – Maisy the mouse discovers that the best way to learn the alphabet is to experience it firsthand. The image on the stamp of Maisy dressed as a queen to teach readers about the letter “Q”.

Where the Wild Things Are (1963) by Maurice Sendak – This book won the Caldecott Medal in 1964 and instantly engages young children. They are carried away to an imaginary land “Where the Wild Things Are.”

Curious George (introduced in 1941) by Margret and H.A. Rey – American readers were treated 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.

Olivia (published in 2000) by Ian Falconer – Won a Caldecott Honor the following year and was author and illustrator’s first book to chronicle the energy and spunk of this loveable and unforgettable piglet heroine.

Frederick (1967) by Leo Lionni – A Caldecott Honor winner 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.