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Telling Tales

The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.

Each year, for more than half a century, European countries issue stamps with a common 
theme, and this year that subject is children's books.

Some of the countries just show children reading on their Europa stamps, or fantasy 
settings with things like magicians, castles, fairies and sailing ships. Germany's stamp 
shows a teddy bear reading a book.

Other countries are honoring specific stories. Some are familiar to us here in the U-S, 
such as Peter Pan, Pinocchio, and Heidi, while others, like the Czech Republic's Dashenka, 
or Life of a Puppy, or Aland's Sand Wolf series, are not.

Some countries honored a children's book author, like the Gibraltar stamps for Roald Dahl.

The Isle of Man took a different tack, combining the Europa theme with the centennial of 
its Girl Guides program by showing some of the scouting books for young girls.

There are currently 48 members in the sponsoring organization. The best design wins an 
award, and it's hotly contested. 

Next year's theme is Forests.

I'm Lloyd de Vries of The Virtual Stamp Club. For more on stamps and stamps collecting, 
visit virtual-stamp-club-dot-com.

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