Frederick and His Friends: Four Favorite Fables

Four of Caldecott-winner Leo Lionni's most beloved tales, together in one book with an introduction from Eric Carle

Here in one sumptuous collection are four timeless picture book classics by Leo Lionni: Frederick, Swimmy, Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse, and Fish Is Fish. In this volume, meet Frederick, the poet field mouse whose happy memories help his family endure through the darkest days of winter; Swimmy, the imaginative minnow who uses his small size in a big way; Alexander, the mouse who learns the magic of friendship; and a fish who discovers that life in a small pond isn't so bad after all.

Lionni's complete texts and illustrations are included along with an introduction from Eric Carle and a CD reading in this elegant, inviting gift edition.

Leo Lionni, an internationally known designer, illustrator, and graphic artist, was born in Holland and lived in Italy until he came to the United States in 1939. He was the recipient of the 1984 American Institute of Graphic Arts Gold Medal and was honored posthumously in 2007 with the Society of Illustrators’ Lifetime Achievement Award. His picture books are distinguished by their enduring moral themes, graphic simplicity and brilliant use of collage, and include four Caldecott Honor Books: Inch by Inch, Frederick, Swimmy, and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse. Hailed as ＂a master of the simple fable＂ by the Chicago Tribune, he died in 1999 at the age of 89.