Booklist (11/01/2021):
Preschool-Kindergarten In this fanciful approach to the seasons, a short poem describes elements of the weather and attributes the changes to four field mice: Springmouse, Summer, Fallmouse, and Winter. Snowflakes, sunshine, rain, and growing plants are observable parts of nature; mice painting in flowers, lighting the moon, or living in the sky invite imagination. The poem is taken from Lionni's classic picture book Frederick, and the mixed-media and digital collage illustrations appear to be reworked from the originals, with additional artwork by Jan Gerardi. This is more colorful than Frederick, and its simplicity makes it appealing to a slightly younger audience. The two books could be used together to amplify their common seasonal theme. Readers could match the ways this harkens back to elements of Frederick, such as when Fallmouse collects nuts and wheat, just as Frederick's siblings did. While it is not possible to have true new Lionni, this expansion provides a charming companion to the earlier work and invites new fans to enter a larger creative world. COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Brief Description:
"Two mice talk about where the seasons come from"--
Brief Description:
"Originally published in different form by Pantheon Books, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, New York, in 1967."--Title page verso.
Brief Description:
"This is a Borzoi Book published by Alfred A. Knopf"--Title page verso.
Biographical Note:
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.
Review Quotes:
While it is not possible to have true new Lionni, this expansion provides a charming companion to the earlier work and invites new fans to enter a larger creative world.-- Booklist
Publisher Marketing:
The first new original Leo Lionni picture book in nearly 30 years, featuring the beloved mouse Frederick as he guides his fellow mice--and young listeners--through a joyous celebration of the seasons.
There is more than one way to prepare for a long winter, as Frederick tells his friends in the classic story. Gathering food and other supplies is important, but gathering the smells, sounds, and sights of a beautiful day to recall later are just as vital. How one little mouse cheers his entire community and prepares them for a full year ahead is a story that young children will love.
