Leo Lionni: Frederick (Colors)《A5 Hobonichi Cousin Cover》

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

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 Cousin-size cover Frederick (Colors) centers on Frederick as he collects colors. The front cover depicts a scene where Frederick describes the colors of each season to his fellow mice during the cold winter months. By applying a matte print with a rough texture over the glossy white enamel surface, the cover evokes the feeling of a world built from torn pieces of colored paper collaged onto white pages.

The bookmark charms are shaped to evoke the fragments of color and words that Frederick carefully collects.

On the inside right pocket of the cover, you’ll find the mice carrying grain and nuts, while the inside left pocket shows Frederick blushing with delight as his friends praise him.

The back pocket features the handwritten “Frederick” lettering from the endpapers of the picture book.

And tucked inside the back pocket, a single little mouse listens to Frederick’s story and lets their imagination soar.

With its gentle pops of pink, this cover fills your heart with a cozy glow, capturing the comforting feeling of reading a picture book. 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.