We think Hobonichi might make happy having made Leo Lionni’s beloved classic picture book Frederick into a Hobonichi Techo cover.  This one is particularly special as it features a store about Frederick as he is collecting colors.  The scene on the cover is where Frederick is describing the colors of each season to his mice friends during the cold winter months.  No wifi for these mice, just sweet thoughtful goings ons.

This cover also feel special as they applied a matte print with a rough texture over the glossy white enamel surface, the cover give us teh the feeling of a world created from torn pieces of colored paper collaged onto white pages. 

As many of you know, 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 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.  There are also additional pockets for you stick a credit card, a template, a sticker sheet, some receipts, this has the ability to become a dear cousin to carry around with you all year long.

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