Leo Lionni: Frederick (Sun)《A6 Hobonichi Original 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 Original-size cover Frederick (Sun) takes its theme from Frederick gathering the rays of the sun. Just like on the cover of the picture book, Frederick is shown holding a red poppy flower, gazing right out at you. 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 sun rays and words that Frederick carefully collects.

Inside the right pocket of the cover, you’ll find the mice carrying corn, while in the left pocket, Frederick sits with eyes gently closed, gathering the rays of the sun.

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