Post Dates

The U.S. Postal Service issued 39-cent Favorite Children's Book Animals stamps in eight designs.

The stamps, designed by Derry Noyes, honor eight cherished characters from children's literature: the Very Hungry Caterpillar, Wilbur, Fox in Socks, Maisy, Wild Thing, Curious George, Olivia and Frederick. The stamps of the Very Hungry Caterpillar and Maisy are also being issued by the Royal Mail in London as part of its own set of eight Animal Tales stamps.

For first-day cancellations, stamps may be affixed to self-addressed envelopes and sent to FAVORITE CHILDRENS BOOK ANIMALS STAMPS, POSTMASTER, 229 W MAIN CROSS ST, FINDLAY, OH 45840-9998.

The Postal Service is permitted to cancel with the United Kingdom postmark the jointly issued United Kingdom 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. They would need to be sent to ROYAL MAIL ANIMAL TALES, POSTMASTER, 229 W MAIN CROSS ST, FINDLAY, OH 45840-9998. Orders must be postmarked by March 10.

The U.S. Postal Service also issued a 39-cent 2006 Olympic Winter Games commemorative stamp.

The stamp, which was also designed by Derry Noyes, features an illustration of a downhill skier. With it, the Postal Service continues its tradition of honoring the spirit of athleticism and international unity inspired by the Olympic Games. The stamp will be issued to coincide with the 20th Olympic Winter Games, which will be held Feb. 10-26 in Torino, Italy.

For first-day cancellations, stamps may be affixed to self-addressed envelopes and sent to 2006 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES, POSTMASTER, 201 E PIKES PEAK AVE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903-9998. Orders must be postmarked by Feb. 11.