Margo's Musings: Frederick by Leo Lionni

My original copy of Fredrick  : ) 

This week I decided to take over Margo's post and feature my own favorite children's story, Frederick by Leo Lionni. It is a beautiful tribute to story-tellers. My copy is somewhat tattered and worn with love, but it is as special today as it ever was- the words never change.

Fredrick the field mouse is a dreamer. His family works hard all summer, collecting berries and stocking up on grain for the winter months. But, Fredrick doesn't join in. He sits in the sun. He collects thoughts. The others ask him why he won't work, what is it that he is doing? Fredrick tells them that he is gathering words. The cold comes. And, at first, the food is plentiful, the conversation light and fun...but then, the gloom sets in. The world is frozen; the supplies much less. The family of mice turn to Fredrick, remembering what he had said. Through his quiet mouse voice, he lifts them into their imaginations and their hearts are joyous, as if by magic : )  ~ F

Who scatters snowflakes? Who melts the ice? Who spoils the weather? Who makes it nice? Who grows the four-leaf clovers in June? Who dims the daylight? Who lights the moon?


Four little field mice who live in the sky.
Four little field mice... like you and I.


One is the Springmouse who turns on the showers. Then comes the Summer who paints in the flowers. The Fallmouse is next with walnuts and wheat. And Winter is last...with little cold feet.


Aren't we lucky the seasons are four? Think of a year with one less... or one more!

(excerpt taken from Frederick by Leo Lionni)