The United States Postal Service unveiled 8 new stamps here depicting characters from children’s books. The event was held at the Fayette County Public Library, Fayetteville.

“Favorite Children’s Book Animals” features the character “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” from a book by Eric Clarke, “Wilbur,” from a book by E. B. White, “Fox in Socks,” from a book by Dr. Seuss, and “Maisy,” from a book by Lucy Cousins.

Also included is “Wild Thing,” from a book by Maurice Sandak, “Curious George,” from a book by H. A. Ray, “Olivia,” from a book by Ian Falconer, and “Frederick,” from a book by Leo Lianni.

Local children’s author Robert Burch was on hand for the occasion, and he said that Lianni’s book came out the same year as his first book, “Traveling Bird” in 1959. Burch was given a panel of the news stamps, framed, and with a plaque honoring his contribution to children’s literature.

Until the middle of March, stamp collectors all over the world must send their envelopes to be canceled to the Fayetteville, Georgia, post office.

Doris Roden, Postmaster of Fayetteville, said that “these stamps serve as a reminder that no matter what the season or what the reason, children’s books are the perfect way to send love, spread cheer or show how much we care for our children.”

Also taking part was county commissioner, Linda Wells. She sat with a dozen children and read from “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” with the children helping out.

The event was duplicated yesterday in Peachtree City.

The procedure for having this special cancellation sent to youngsters in your family is as follows: address a plain, white #10 envelope, fold a piece of copy paper, as you would a letter, insert and seal, buy one of the special animal stamps, personally present it at the Fayetteville Post Office, and specifically tell them you want the envelope canceled with the special animal stamp mark. They will then send it through the postal system. When it comes back to you, do not open the envelope, keep it sealed, and you will have a treasured keepsake.

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