Frederick's Fables : A Treasury of 16 Favorite Leo Lionni Stories
When award-winning author and illustrator Leo Lionni was young, he answered the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" with a thoroughly unique reply: "The bell of the trolley car." He continued taking the nontraditional approach to life, writing his first children's book at age 50.  Since then, he has written 39 more books, 16 of which appear (partially illustrated) in this lovely treasury, which includes a personal introduction by the author. The collection features such enduring, endearing favorites asFrederick,Fish Is Fish,Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse,Cornelius,Swimmy,A Color of His Own, andSix Crows. The texts are included in their unabridged forms, illustrated by a representative selection of Lionni's ever playful watercolors and bold paper cutouts.In his introduction, Lionni notes an affinity with the titular character from the Caldecott Honor recipientSwimmy. In this uplifting tale of ichthyic teamwork, a school of tiny fish swims in formation to look like a large, formidable predator. "I'll be the eye," Swimmy volunteers.  Indeed, Lionni has "been the eye" for countless delighted children, translating his astute social vision into meaningful stories and beautiful illustrations featuring field mice, crocodiles, frogs, and chameleons. To have a sampling of so many of Lionni's enchanting creations together in one book is truly a gift--you'll be as happy as we are that he didn't pursue the trolley-bell thing. (Ages 4 to 8)--Brangien Davis