2027 Hobonichi Weeks Leo Lionni: Frederick (Poet)《ENG/Tall & Slim/Jan start》

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.

The Hobonichi Techo Weeks comes with a clear, adhesive corner pocket you can stick anywhere you like.The pages are made of thin and light yet durable Tomoe River paper that holds ink well, providing a smooth writing experience.

In addition to the monthly calendars and weekly pages, there are also plenty of grid-lined memo pages.

The back of the book contains bonus pages. Both the Japanese and English editions feature standard favorites like My 100 and the 365 Days Check-Off Sheet, as well as new additions like Phrases to Break That Writer’s Block and the Hobonichi’s Neighborhood: Kanda/Jinbo-cho Map, among others.

If you’d like to customize the look of your Weeks or add space to store accessories, you can pair it with a Weeks cover.

About Leo Lionni

Leo Lionni (1910-1999)
Born in the Netherlands. Was prominent in the United States and Italy as an illustrator, graphic designer, and children’s book author. Many of his picture books have been translated and published in Japan, where they continue to be beloved by readers. These include Swimmy, Frederick, and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse — all recipients of the prestigious Caldecott Medal, awarded to outstanding American picture books — as well as Little Blue and Little Yellow and A Color of His Own.