Leo Lionni’s beloved classic picture book Frederick has become a Hobonichi Techo Weeks book.

Leo Lionni is the author of many picture books that have been translated and published in Japan — including Swimmy and Little Blue and Little Yellow — and are cherished by readers of all ages, from children to adults. Frederick, which marks its 60th anniversary in 2027, tells the story of a field mouse named Frederick who sits quietly collecting “sun rays,” “colors,” and “words” while the other mice busy themselves gathering food for winter. Incorporating torn-paper art and collage techniques, the story captures a year in the lives of these little field mice with a warm and gentle gaze.

The Poet design places Frederick’s small figure, seated with his back to the viewer, against a white world that evokes the pages of a picture book. The poppy flowers and the red of the spine make for a striking impression. Frederick, who shares the words he spent so long collecting and is told, “But Frederick, you are a poet!” — what is he looking at, and what might he be thinking? The open space invites the imagination to wander.

The cover material has a rough, canvas-like texture and is constructed as a light hardcover with some give to it. The year 2027 is foil-pressed in red on the front and in white on the spine.

The back of the cover is printed in a bright silver-gray ink with the handwritten “Frederick” lettering used on the endpapers of the picture book. The string of letters almost makes it look like we are seeing what is going on inside Frederick’s head...?

We hope that as you spend each season alongside Frederick, you’ll gather your own light, colors and words within the pages of your techo.