LEO LIONNI’S FRIENDS

“If the picture book is a new visual art form in our time, Leo Lionni is certain to be judged a master of the genre.”—The New York Times

Leo Lionni has gained international renown for his paintings, graphic designs, illustrations, and sculpture, as well as for his books for children. He was born in Holland in 1910 of Dutch parents, and although his education did not include formal art courses (in fact, he has a doctorate in economics from the University of Genoa), he spent much of his free time as a child in Amsterdam’s museums, teaching himself to draw.

Lionni launched his career as an author/illustrator of books for children in 1959. Originally developed from a story he had improvised for his grandchildren during a dull train ride, Little Blue and Little Yellow was the first of what is now a long list of best-selling classic children’s picture books, including four Caldecott Honor books: Swimmy, Frederick, Inch by Inch, and Alexander and the Windup Mouse.

Trade publisher Random House continues to publish Lionni books for children 3-7, including a recent entry into Step into Reading leveled readers for fans in kindergarten and 1st grade Other brand partners collaborating with the beloved Lionni characters are Kohls’ Cares Kids and Uniqlo.

Accolades and honors include:

SWIMMY
—An ALA Notable Children’s Books
—A New York Times Best Illustrated Books of the Year
—A Caldecott Honor Book

“An exquisite picture book. A little fish, the lone survivor of a school of fish swallowed by a tuna, devises a plan to camouflage himself and his new companions.”—Starred, School Library Journal.

FREDERICK
—A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
—An ALA Notable Children’s Book
—A Library of Congress Children’s Book of the Year
—A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year
—A Caldecott Honor Book

“While other mice are gathering food for the winter, Frederick seems to daydream the summer away. When dreary winter comes, it is Frederick the poet-mouse who warms his friends and cheers them with his words.”—Wilson Library Bulletin

“A splendid achievement.”—Starred, School Library Journal

For more information about Leo Lionni and his work, check out his website.

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