Customer Reviews
Fredreick shows us the value of poetry and the arts. - By: , 15 May 1999 
This children's book is about a field mouse named Frederick who discovers he is a poet. All the other field mice are working hard to prepare for winter; but, Frederick seems to daydream alll the time. When winter comes we see the value of his daydreaming & the importance of poetry & the arts. The book was a 1968 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children. I recommend the book highly.
The single most important book of my childhood - By: , 01 May 1999 I & my sister grew up with Frederick as one of the most sacred books in our childhood canon. Recently, while shuffling through boxes of ancient heirlooms, I came across the simple, unassuming cover of Frederick (in 1977 the cover showed only the back of Frederick in the lower right corner, gazing into the distance, & no title), & immediately a serene peace overcame me. I couldn't believe I had forgotten about this book. I sat down & read it again, & from a distance of twenty years it still resonated with me. This book brought calm & joy into my heart as a child, & did so again as I read it today. I can't think of any better recommendation for a book than that.
In terms of content, the story of Frederick is simple. In a community narrowly focused on efficiency, one mouse stands apart & concerns himself with art. Frederick notes the wonder of the world he lives in, & takes the time to assimilate it. While his cohorts may grumble at this behavior, when the dreariness of winter overtakes them they are grateful for Frederick's words. Frederick's poetry is seen as an essential supply for survival.
The illustrations are simple & yet extremely expressive -- witness my instant emotional reaction to a cover that was ninety-percent blank space -- & the wording is likewise concise. But the emotional impact of this book is what sets it apart. Out of sixty or seventy books I thumbed through today, I pulled out six that I felt defined my childhood. This book was at the top of the stack.
Frederick celebrates the value of everyone's gift.... - By: , 26 Apr 1998 Leo Lionni's simple shapes & bright colors make his stories great for read-alouds. The short text (1 to 2 sentences per double page spread)keeps young listeners' attention as the story flows smoothly along. In Frederick, Lionni's round, gray field mice prepare for winter. Only Frederick does not join the hustle & bustle of work. While the others gather food, Frederick dreams alone, gathering colors & words as a safeguard against the coming gray of winter. Later, he reveals his treasure to his more practical friends, & they realize the value of his poetic vision. The theme that each of us is unique is a favorite with children. Another reassuringly accepting tale from Leo Lionni.
A delightful read-together book for the whole family - By: , 21 Apr 1998 Leo Lionni is the masterful grandfather of children's books. FREDRICK is the most recent of his fine tales which are destined to become children's classics. He weaves a moral throughout his tales that the entire family can learn from. The illustrations are simple, yet poignant. (A fun project for little ones is to take construction paper & make their very own "Fredrick" mouse.)
Having a Leo Lionni book in the house is the next best thing to have your grandpa right there reading to you. Outstanding!
A beautiful introduction to the value of poetry for all ages - By: , 17 Apr 1998 Frederick is the story of a mouse whose preparations for winter include gathering sunbeams instead of grains. When alll their winter stores are used up Frederick warms the hearts & stomachs of his mouse family with a poem capturing the warmth & color of summer. This book introduces the value of poetry & spiritual food to readers of alll ages with timeless illustrations.
