'Now I send you the rays of the sun.' Imagining the sun, they feel warmer. That's when Frederick climbs up on a large rock. But as the temperature drops and the food begins to run out, they fall silent. At first they have lots to eat and lots of funny stories to tell. for winter is gray,' or 'I am gathering words, for the winter days are long and many, and we'll run out of things to say.'Įventually the mice go into their winter hideaway in the rocks. When the other mice ask Frederick why he isn't working, he says, 'I gather sun rays for the cold dark winter days,' or 'I gather colors. Anticipating winter, the family does what mice do: They all 'gather corn and nuts and wheat and straw.' All, that is, except Frederick. Here's a quick synopsis: Frederick is a member of a family of field mice. Which is a good segue because, you see, Frederick is all about the power of images. It was a breathtaking, unforgettable image. Rounding a corner, I suddenly found myself facing the majestic, castlelike Rijksmuseum, sitting back on a lush green lawn, sparkling in the sunlight. It was a quiet sunny morning and, feeling disoriented, jetlagged, and far from home, I took a walk. For instance, I remember my first trip to Amsterdam - Easter 2000 - two years before our move. Writing this brings back a flood of treasured memories. Today my son lives a short walk from that famous landmark. In his lifetime he became a world-famous illustrator and the author of more than 30 children's books (Heller, 1999).Īs it happens, I'm well acquainted with the Rijksmuseum: My family spent four magical years living in Amsterdam, a few blocks from there.

Born in Amsterdam, Lionni learned to draw by making sketches at the iconic Rijksmuseum, home to great masters like Rembrandt, van Gogh, and Vermeer. I was curious: Where did Frederick come from? The book was written in 1967 by Leo Lionni. I guess you could say Frederick was waiting for me.

In the years since, we've given away most of our children's library, so I was surprised to find the slightly dog-eared little book sitting on my bookshelf. When my kids were young, it was one of many books we would share at bedtime before they finally settled down and went to sleep. And that damn mouse kept creeping into my head and clamoring for attention - insisting he had something to say to the house-bound about leadership and beauty and poetry.įrederick is a classic children's book about a 'chatty family of field mice' preparing for winter. To be honest, I tried to write another article, but it was boring.

Frédéric by Leo Lionni