LEO LIONNI, WRITER OF MODERN FABLES

Some tales are so poignant, and gently told, they almost make me cry. That's how I feel about Leo Lionni's storytelling. For example, in TICO AND THE GOLDEN WINGS, a wingless bird - Tico - wants a pair of golden wings more than anything so he won't be different from the other birds. When his wish is granted, his friends become envious of the wings of gold and turn against him. Finally, by helping others, he earns real wings and the friendship and respect of his fellow birds.

After reading about Mr. Lionni's life, I understand his yearning for peace and acceptance that comes across in his stories...

Leo Lionni - known internationally as a designer, author, illustrator, and graphic artist - was born in Holland, but lived in Italy until coming to the United States in 1939. Many of his stories are a reflection of what he had witnessed during the rise of fascism in Europe. With SWIMMY, his third book (published in 1963), he discovered a talent for creating original animal fables with life lessons that delighted young children. His gentle characters are cute and endearing; and his collage art influenced later artist-authors like Eric Carle and Ezra Jack Keats. In all, Lionni wrote and illustrated 40 children's books.

My kids' favorites:
INCH BY INCH (Caldecott Medal)

SWIMMY, (Caldecott Medal)

FREDERICK (Caldecott Medal)

GERALDINE, THE MUSIC MOUSE

ALEXANDER AND THE WIND-UP MOUSE (Caldecott Medal)

A COLOR OF HIS OWN

TICO AND THE GOLDEN WINGS

TILLIE AND THE WALL

FISH IS FISH


TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LEO LIONNI'S LIFE AND BOOKS, GO TO "100 YEARS OF LEO LIONNI": www.randomhouse.com/kids/lionni/gallery.php (great website!)