by the 1890s, riley had become known as a bestselling author. his children's poems were compiled into a book illustrated by howard chandler christy. titled "rhymes of childhood", it was his most popular and sold millions of copies. as a poet, riley achieved an uncommon level of fame during his lifetime. he was honored with annual riley day celebrations around the united states and was regularly called on to perform readings at national civic events. he continued to write and hold occasional poetry readings until a stroke paralyzed his right arm in 1910.