Is immortality really a blessing? Or is it better to take one’s natural place in the world, becoming part of the circle of life and death? These weighty questions were presented to young readers in the beloved classic Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 1975. Since its publication, the novel has never been out of print, has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, and has been translated into 27 languages. It was named as one of the best fantasy novels ever by Time magazine in 2020 and has frequently been included in the National Education Association’s list of best classroom books. Tuck Everlasting has been adapted for film twice, first in 1981 and again in 2002 in a major feature produced by Disney; it was also staged at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta and on Broadway.

To celebrate the book’s golden anniversary, Macmillan is releasing several special editions, including a new audiobook narrated by Alexis Bledel, who played main character Winnie in the 2002 film. A graphic novel version of the book, adapted by K. Woodman-Maynard, went on sale this week along with a new edition of the novel featuring the original cover by Babbitt, who was also an accomplished artist. This anniversary edition includes a foreword by Gabrielle Zevin, black-and-white illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline, an afterword about the author by her daughter Lucy, and bonus material including working notes from Babbitt’s original manuscript. The graphic novel adaptation features full-color watercolors that nod to Babbitt’s cover.

Tuck Everlasting introduces readers to Winnie Foster, a headstrong 10-year-old from the fictional town of Treegap. After hearing the news that she will be sent to boarding school, Winnie runs away and stumbles upon members of the Tuck family, who have been living off the land in the forest to hide their secret: after drinking from a spring in the woods, they are immortal. Winnie comes to love the family and the way they live, but must choose whether or not she, too, wants to live forever. Through the Tuck family, she learns that there are drawbacks to eternal life, and she comes to accept that life is precious in part because it comes with a time limit.

Babbitt, who died in 2016 at the age of 84, was the author of more than 20 books for young readers. Her entry into children’s literature came in 1966 with the picture book The Forty-Ninth Magician. She served as illustrator for the story, which was written by her husband, Samuel F. Babbitt. The book was edited by Michael di Capua, with whom Babbitt continued to work for more than 50 years.

In a 2015 interview with PW celebrating the book’s 40th anniversary, Babbitt shared her inspiration for the book. “My youngest, Lucy, had a scary time wondering what it would be like to die. I had long before that made up my mind about what was going to happen when I died. But I wrote Tuck to help Lucy understand what life is all about—that we all get born and we all have to die. It’s a subject I never thought I’d write about, but there it was. I wanted to be sure Lucy would not grow up scared,” she said.

In the same interview, Babbitt reflected on the book’s staying power. “I’m astonished by it, but I like the thought that it’s lasted this long. I’m dazzled by the teachers who know how to use it as an answer to a question we have never had the courage to ask.”

Tuck Everlasting—50th Anniversary Edition by Natalie Babbitt. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Sept. 2; hardcover $24.95 ISBN 978-0-374-39198-0; Square Fish paperback $9.99 ISBN 978-1-250-32221-0

Tuck Everlasting 50th Anniversary Audiobook, narrated by Alexis Bledel with an introduction by Gabrielle Zevin. Macmillan Audio, $10.99 Sept. 2 ISBN 978-1-250-33859-4

Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel, adapted and illustrated by K. Woodman-Maynard. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, paper $14.99 Sept. 2 ISBN 978-0-374-39186-7