To help fuel the reissue of Frederick at bookstores and in the classroom, and to boost Lionni’s backlist titles, Random House has created a multi-level marketing plan. In the 50th anniversary edition he writes: “Why read Frederick? For the age-old questions Leo Lionni asks us to think about, and for the ageless art he asks us simply to enjoy.” Marcus’s introduction to the new edition also points to Frederick’s ability to capture readers’ hearts on a personal level, by celebrating the sheer joy of books. “I have memories of making my own paper mice when I was little now, Frederick reminds me to stop and appreciate the sun rays, colors, and words that often go unnoticed in a busy city and a busy industry.”

“To me, Frederick is the perfect example of a picture book that I loved as a kid and have a whole new level of appreciation for as an adult,” she said.

This theme runs through so many of Lionni’s books, and I think it’s what makes his works perennial favorites.”įor associate editor Kelly Delaney, Lionni’s ability to tap into a child’s sensibility-one that embraces thoughtful observations in an otherwise harried world-gives Frederick its lasting power.

The others gather food to sustain the body, but Frederick’s stories sustain their spirits. “Frederick helps his family of field mice get through the long winter days with words and images from sunnier times. “With Frederick, Leo Lionni reminds us of the importance of the artist in any community,” said Jennifer Brown, v-p and publisher at Knopf. Originally published in 1960 and the first of four Caldecott Honor books by Lionni, the title will be available in paperback for the first time next March.īecause of Frederick’s timeless appeal and relatable themes of mindfulness, kindness, and individuality, the book continues to resonate with young readers. Lionni fans can also be on the lookout for the paperback release of Inch by Inch. Three of his most popular picture books- Frederick, Swimmy and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse-have also been reissued, in larger paperback editions that reflect the books’ original hardcover trim size. The story follows a young mouse who, instead of stockpiling supplies for the winter, decides to spend his time perfecting his poetic skills, much to the delight of his fellow field mice.įrederick has become a touchstone book for the internationally recognized picture book author and illustrator Lionni, who created more than 30 children’s books. Since its 1967 release, the Caldecott Honor book has sold more than seven million copies and has been published in 23 languages.

Frederick the mouse story