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!)

THE VERY BUSY AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR!

I can't blog about the world of preschool/early elementary picture books without focusing on another author/illustrator of countless favorites: Eric Carle. His books are educational - full of science, counting, and lessons to be learned - while maintaining a sense of humor and wonder. His use of language and beautiful collage art for young children is unmatched, especially when you consider the number of books he's done! Many stimulate a child's sense of touch, sight, and sound with their unique design. His works were all favorites of our three children (and have spanned 4 decades!):

DREAM SNOW (toddlers and up will love the gimmicks in this holiday counting story.)

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR (is full of holes, as the caterpillar eats his way through the book!)

FROM HEAD TO TOE (toddlers and preschoolers can answer the question, "can you do it?", by mimicking the animals' movements.)

THE VERY BUSY SPIDER (has a raised web to touch)

THE GROUCHY LADYBUG (kids will learn concepts of time, size, shape, and manners - as well as discover what aphids are!)

THE TINY SEED (kids learn about science and nature in the story of a seed).

THE MIXED-UP CHAMELEON (this chameleon not only changes color, but its shape and size as well!)

PAPA, PLEASE GET THE MOON FOR ME (children will be introduced to the monthly lunar cycle, in this sweet simple story with lavish illustrations.)

THE VERY LONELY FIREFLY (there's a surprise on the last page, as the firefly seeks companionsip)

THE VERY QUIET CRICKET (children love the special ending, when the cricket is no longer so quiet!)
THE VERY CLUMSY CLICK BEETLE (with a "click" and a message of "never give up".)

A HOUSE FOR HERMIT CRAB (a story about finding comfort in change.)

MISTER SEAHORSE (striking art and camouflage - and a tribute to fathers!)

PANCAKES, PANCAKES! (Jack is determined to go to great lengths to have pancakes for his breakfast.)

THE SECRET BIRTHDAY MESSAGE (your child will follow an adventure of using a coded message to find a birthday surprise at the end of the story.)

TEACHERS/MOMS:

Make art projects "Eric Carle Style -YOU CAN MAKE A COLLAGE: A VERY SIMPLE HOW TO BOOK by Klutz Press and Eric Carle.

or go to: www.eric-carle.com/EricCarleCollageMakingInstructionSheet.pdf