The Postal Service will release four stamps Oct. 4 to celebrate the beloved 1962 children’s book “The Snowy Day,” the first prominent picture book with an African-American lead character.
The story follows Peter, a young boy who lives in the city, as he explores his neighborhood after a snowfall.
Each stamp features a different illustration of Peter’s adventures from the book.
“The Snowy Day’s” author and illustrator, Ezra Jack Keats (1916-1983), chose to portray Peter as African-American after seeing a lack of diversity in children’s literature.
“The Snowy Day” was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Award in 1963 for “the most distinguished American picture book for children.”
The book is credited with ushering in a new era of children’s literature that promoted social and cultural diversity.
The Snowy Day stamps will be available at usps.com and Post Offices.