Books by Leo Lionni

Portrait of Leo Lionni

Leo Lionni was a pioneering picture‑book creator whose gentle fables and distinctive collage artwork have delighted generations. Drawing on his background in design and advertising, he combined simple shapes, bold colour, and thoughtful storytelling to explore friendship, individuality, and the natural world in ways that speak directly to young readers.

From the curious little fish in Swimmy to the imaginative mouse in Frederick, Lionni's characters invite children to see creativity and cooperation as sources of strength. His books remain timeless classics, perfect for reading aloud or for inspiring discussion about art, empathy, and the beauty of difference.

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68 products


  • Pezzettino

    Random House USA Inc Pezzettino

    4 in stock

    Book SynopsisA classic fable about the search for identity, from Caldecott Honor winning picture book creator Leo Lionni.Pezzettino lives in a world in which everyone is big and does daring and wonderful things. But he is small, just a ?little piece,? which is the meaning of pezzettino in Italian. ?I must be a piece of somebody. I must belong to someone else,? he thinks. How Pezzettino learns that he belongs to no one but himself is the joyous and satisfying conclusion to this beautiful mosaic style picture book.

    4 in stock

    £7.59

  • Swimmy

    Andersen Press Ltd Swimmy

    7 in stock

    Book SynopsisA special 60th anniversary edition of this much-loved Caldecott Honor book, with a foreword from Eric Carle, creator of family favourite The Hungry Caterpillar. Deep in the sea there lives a school of little fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding… until brave Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends that, with ingenuity and team work, they can beat any bully!Trade Review"Lionni's elegantly textured, simple yet sophisticated illustrations vividly create the under-the-sea world in this shimmering picture book. Mesmerising and unforgettable." * Guardian, Julia Eccleshare *"One of my all time favourite picture book creators. Must buy for anyone who wants children to be lovers of books and art." * Red Reading Hub Blog *"Magnetic language reflecting the duplicity of the text and illustrations, which are both simple and yet highly complex at the same time." * EYE *"Powerful story about working together. Raw yet sophisticated illustrations." * Picture Books Blogger, Sarah Yewman *"One of my all time favourite creators of picture books. Glorious... enchanting book." * Books for Keeps *

    7 in stock

    £7.59

  • The Alphabet Tree Dragonfly Books

    Random House Children's Books The Alphabet Tree Dragonfly Books

    5 in stock

    Book SynopsisWhen a fierce wind threatens to blow all the little letters out of the alphabet tree, they must band together in words—and then sentences—to create a message that's even stronger than the wind: peace on earth. With their newfound knowledge, there's nothing the letters can't do in this gentle parable about the power of the written word.

    5 in stock

    £7.59

  • Inch by Inch

    Random House USA Inc Inch by Inch

    3 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    3 in stock

    £8.54

  • The Biggest House in the World

    Alfred A. Knopf The Biggest House in the World

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe beloved fable about loving your home from four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni.A young snail dreams of having the biggest house—or shell—in the world. Then one day, his wise father tells him the story of another snail with the same dream. He grew and grew, adding bright colors and beautiful designs, until he found that his house came at a terrible cost. The young snail decides that a small, easy-to-carry shell might be best for a life of adventure and exploration.

    1 in stock

    £7.59

  • A Color of His Own

    Random House USA Inc A Color of His Own

    7 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    7 in stock

    £9.08

  • Fish is Fish

    Andersen Press Ltd Fish is Fish

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe pond is home to a tadpole and a minnow, two underwater friends. But when the tadpole grows into a frog and hops onto the land, a new world unfolds before his eyes. He returns to the pond and tells his friend fantastic tales of the things he's seen: birds and cows and mysterious things called people! Fish longs to be a frog so that he can see this wonderful world too, and decides that he will follow in his friend's footsteps, come what may...Trade Review"Wonderfully dramatic story. Unmissable." * Red Reading Hub blog *"Wonderfully dramatic story. Unmissable." * Red Reading Hub blog *"With his accustomed subtle interplay of graphic wit, clear language and plain thinking, Lionni wisely proves that a minnow's grasp should not exceed his oxygen supply - that there's lots to be said for the life of even a small fish in a small pond." * New York Times *"Picture books I could not live without." * Eric Carle *"A superior book, simple, but eye-catching." * School Library Journal *

    2 in stock

    £7.59

  • Swimmy Oversized Board Book

    Random House USA Inc Swimmy Oversized Board Book

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe gorgeous, Caldecott Honor-winning tale of a very clever fish by beloved picture book creator Leo Lionni.Deep in the sea lives a happy school of fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding . . . until Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends how?with ingenuity and team work?they can overcome any danger.Winner of the 1964 Caldecott Honor, this beloved tale of a brave little fish has been a favorite to generations of readers. To celebrate Swimmy''s fiftieth anniversary, we are issuing a handsome special edition hardcover that includes a bonus poster.

    15 in stock

    £8.54

  • Frederick and His Friends

    Random House Children's Books Frederick and His Friends

    7 in stock

    Book SynopsisFour of Caldecott-winner Leo Lionni's most beloved tales, together in one book with an introduction from Eric Carle!Here in one sumptuous collection are four timeless picture book classics by Leo Lionni: Frederick, Swimmy, Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse, and Fish Is Fish. In this volume, meet Frederick, the poet field mouse whose happy memories help his family endure through the darkest days of winter; Swimmy, the imaginative minnow who uses his small size in a big way; Alexander, the mouse who learns the magic of friendship; and a fish who discovers that life in a small pond isn’t so bad after all.Lionni’s complete texts and illustrations are included along with an introduction from Eric Carle and a CD reading in this elegant, inviting gift edition.

    7 in stock

    £18.99

  • Lets Play

    Random House USA Inc Lets Play

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisA playful board book from four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni book for the very youngest readers! “What shall we do today?” two mice ask each other. “Read a book? Pick flowers? Go swimming? Play ball? Climb a tree or gather leaves? Play hide-and-seek or dress-up? Talk on the telephone–until it’s time to say good night?” Lionni’s award-winning graphic art is at its best in this very simple board book that begs to be shared with a baby or toddler.

    2 in stock

    £8.27

  • A Color of His Own

    Random House Children's Books A Color of His Own

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe classic story about searching for somewhere to belong, from four-time Caldecott honor winner Leo Lionni.Elephants are gray. Pigs are pink. Only the chameleon has no color of his own. He is purple like the heather, yellow like a lemon, even black and orange striped like a tiger! Then one day a chameleon has an idea to remain one color forever by staying on the greenest leaf he can find. But in the autumn, the leaf changes from green to yellow to red . . . and so does the chameleon. When another chameleon suggests they travel together, he learns that companionship is more important than having a color of his own. No matter where he goes with his new friend, they will always be alike.

    1 in stock

    £12.59

  • Geraldine The Music Mouse

    Random House Children's Books Geraldine The Music Mouse

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe cheerful celebration of art, music, and cheese from beloved four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni.While nibbling at a huge hunk of parmesan cheese, Geraldine uncovers a cheese statue of a mouse playing what seems to be a flute but on closer inspection is really its tail. That night Geraldine is woken by silver and gold sounds. “This must be music!” she says. And every night the cheese mouse fills Geraldine’s hideaway with beautiful music. Then one day her hungry mice friends ask her to share her cheese with them. Geraldine’s new love of music infuses her with a magic of her own and provides a satisfying conclusion to this delightful tale.

    15 in stock

    £9.28

  • Little Blue and Little Yellow

    Random House USA Inc Little Blue and Little Yellow

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisBeloved picture book creator and four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni's very first story for children, and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year.Little Blue and Little Yellow are best friends, but one day they can’t find each other. When they finally do, they give each other such a big hug that they turn green! How they find their true colors again concludes a wonderfully satisfying story told with colorful pieces of torn paper and very few words. Leo Lionni launched his children’s book career in 1959 with Little Blue and Little Yellow, and this 50th-anniversary edition, complete with Lionni’s own explanation of how the book came to be, is sure to resonate with children today.

    1 in stock

    £15.29

  • Little Blue and Little Yellow

    Random House USA Inc Little Blue and Little Yellow

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisLeo Lionni’s first picture book has at last found its perfect format in this sturdy board book for the very youngest child. Little Blue and Little Yellow are best friends, but one day they can’t find each other. When they finally do, they give each other such a big hug that they turn green! How they find their true colors again concludes a wonderfully satisfying story told with colorful pieces of torn paper and very few words. This classic tale of friendship also offers a playful introduction to color concepts.

    2 in stock

    £7.99

  • Who

    Alfred A. Knopf Who

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisFrom squirrels to turtles to prickly porcupines, Leo Lionni's signature illustration style and a toddler-friendly text ask a simple question: Who is the animal on each page? One of four board books that celebrates the art and imagination of Leo Lionni, this book is a perfect introduction to identifying animals for busy toddlers, as well as a wonderful stepping stone into the world of one of our best-loved children's book creators.

    2 in stock

    £8.11

  • Alexander and the WindUp Mouse Step Into Reading

    Random House USA Inc Alexander and the WindUp Mouse Step Into Reading

    10 in stock

    Book SynopsisLeo Lionni?s Caldecott Honor?winning story about the magic of friendship is now available as a Step 3 Step into Reading book?perfect for children who are ready to read on their own. Everyone loves Willy the wind-up mouse, while Alexander the real mouse is chased away with brooms and mousetraps. Wouldn?t it be wonderful to be loved and cuddled? thinks Alexander, who wishes he could be a wind-up mouse, too. Lionni?s enduringly popular story makes a winning addition to the Step into Reading line, letting young children enjoy this classic all by themselves.

    10 in stock

    £6.51

  • Swimmy

    Alfred A. Knopf Swimmy

    4 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    4 in stock

    £16.14

  • Fish is Fish

    Alfred A. Knopf Fish is Fish

    10 in stock

    Book SynopsisFrom beloved Caldecott winning picture book creator Leo Lionni, this charming tale of sticking together and imagination shows how powerful friendship can be.Two best friends, a minnow and a tadpole, are practically inseparable until the tadpole grows legs and decides to explore the world beyond the pond. When the tadpole, now a frog, returns to tell his friend of the extraordinary things he’s seen, the minnow, now a fish, tries to follow in his footsteps, but quickly finds that land is not what he expected. Friendship truly saves the day in this imaginative tale of a fish out of water.

    10 in stock

    £9.28

  • Pezzettino

    Random House USA Inc Pezzettino

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisA classic fable about the search for identity, from Caldecott Honor winning picture book creator Leo Lionni.Pezzettino lives in a world in which everyone is big and does daring and wonderful things. But he is small, just a “little piece,” which is the meaning of pezzettino in Italian. “I must be a piece of somebody. I must belong to someone else,” he thinks. How Pezzettino learns that he belongs to no one but himself is the joyous and satisfying conclusion to this beautiful mosaic style picture book.

    15 in stock

    £14.99

  • Little Blue and Little Yellow

    Random House USA Inc Little Blue and Little Yellow

    4 in stock

    Book SynopsisBeloved picture book creator and four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni''s very first story for children, and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year.Little Blue and Little Yellow are best friends, but one day they can’t find each other. When they finally do, they give each other such a big hug that they turn green! How they find their true colors again concludes a wonderfully satisfying story told with colorful pieces of torn paper and very few words. Leo Lionni launched his children’s book career in 1959 with Little Blue and Little Yellow, and this 50th-anniversary edition, complete with Lionni’s own explanation of how the book came to be, is sure to resonate with children today.

    4 in stock

    £8.54

  • A Little Book About Spring The World Of Leo

    Random House Children's Books A Little Book About Spring The World Of Leo

    5 in stock

    Book SynopsisA new board book for the youngest fans of Leo Lionni--inspired by his bestselling books and perfect for Easter and springtime reading!Spring is a time of budding trees, chirping birds, and croaking frogs. Discover these and more wonders of spring in this delightful board book inspired by the works of legendary children's book author-illustrator Leo Lionni. With sturdy pages and colorful collage-style artwork, this spring-themed book is perfect for boys and girls ages 0 to 5.Leo's Lionni's Friends is a series of fresh, fun board books inspired by the classic works of author and illustrator Leo Lionni to introduce his work to a new generation of readers.Don't miss there other books in the series:A Little Book About ColorsA Little Book About ABC'sA Little Book About 123's

    5 in stock

    £7.59

  • A Little Book About ABCs The World Of Leo Lionni

    Random House USA Inc A Little Book About ABCs The World Of Leo Lionni

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisA new board book for the youngest fans of Leo Lionni--inspired by his bestselling books and perfect for baby showers and anyone looking for an alphabet book to help teach the little ones in their lives the ABCs!Discover alligators, beautiful butterflies, chunks of cheese, and lots more in this delightful alphabet book inspired by the works of legendary children's book author-illustrator Leo Lionni. With sturdy pages and colorful collage-style artwork, this ABC board book is perfect for boys and girls ages 0 to 5.

    1 in stock

    £7.59

  • A Little Book About Colors Leo Lionnis Friends

    Random House USA Inc A Little Book About Colors Leo Lionnis Friends

    10 in stock

    Book SynopsisA new board book for the youngest fans of Leo Lionni--inspired by his bestselling classics!Discover a world full of color in this delightful board book inspired by the works of legendary children's book author and illustrator Leo Lionni. With sturdy pages and engaging artwork, this colorful book is perfect for boys and girls ages 0 to 3. It makes a great baby shower gift!

    10 in stock

    £7.99

  • Fish is Fish

    Random House USA Inc Fish is Fish

    10 in stock

    Book SynopsisTrade Review“With his accustomed subtle interplay of graphic wit, clear language, and plain thinking, Lionni wisely proves that a minnow’s grasp should not exceed his oxygen supply.” —The New York Times "A superior book, simple, but eye-catching." —School Library Journal. “If the picture book is a new visual art form in our time, Leo Lionni is certain to be judged a master of the genre.” —The New York Times

    10 in stock

    £5.99

  • Leo Lionnis Friends Matching Game A Memory Game

    Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale Leo Lionnis Friends Matching Game A Memory Game

    10 in stock

    Book SynopsisFeaturing the beloved characters from Frederick, Swimmy, Fish is Fish, A Color of His Own, and more of Leo Lionni's bestselling picture books, this 40-piece matching game will charm both children and their parents (who grew up with Lionni's books too!).Leo Lionni's Friends Matching Game works your child's memory and language skills with 40 matching pieces, featuring 20 illustrations of Swimmy, Alexander, Frederick, the Extraordinary Egg, and more characters and objects from Leo Lionni's bestselling children's books. The pieces are stacked in four piles with a bellyband inside the box so you can open it and see the sturdy pieces and bright, beloved illustrations.Play strengthens focus, concentration, and memory skillsBuilds hand-eye coordination and dexterityIncludes 40 sturdy 2 3/8 x 2 3/8 square cards with rounded cornersIdeal gift for baby showers, birthdays, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Easter

    10 in stock

    £14.73

  • Leo Lionnis Friends Go Fish Card Game Card Games

    Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale Leo Lionnis Friends Go Fish Card Game Card Games

    5 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe beloved characters from Swimmy and more of Leo Lionni's perennially bestselling books make playing Go Fish a brand-new adventure for parents and kids alike.Do you have any Fredericks? Any Swimmys? Any chameleons or crocodiles or extraordinary eggs?This deck of 52 oversized, kid-friendly cards features Leo Lionni's colorful characters, beginning with Swimmy the fish! Two extra cards show the rules for three classic card games: Go Fish, Snap, and Concentration. Parents who themselves grew up with Lionni's books will delight in playing with their kids.

    5 in stock

    £12.48

  • A Busy Year

    Random House USA Inc A Busy Year

    10 in stock

    Book SynopsisA charming exploration of the seasons with some of Caldecott-winner Leo Lionni''s beloved mice.In January, two mice, Willie and Winnie, make a new friend: a tree. The tree tells them her name is Woody, and the mice promise to visit her all year round. As the months tick by, Willie and Winnie watch Woody soak up the rain, bloom buds into flowers and leaves, and bear fruit. By the end of the year, Willie and Winnie know they''ve made a forever friend who has taught them all about the seasons.Originally published in 1992, this board book classic from Caldecott Award winner Leo Lionni is the perfect read year-round.

    10 in stock

    £8.54

  • Pequeño Azul Y Pequeño Amarillo Little Blue and

    Random House USA Inc Pequeño Azul Y Pequeño Amarillo Little Blue and

    10 in stock

    Book SynopsisA Spanish/English bilingual board book edition of Leo Lionni''s beloved classic, Little Blue and Little Yellow.Little Blue and Little Yellow are best friends, but one day they can’t find each other. When they finally do, they give each other so big a hug that they turn green! Leo Lionni’s first picture book is now available in bilingual board-bookform, perfect for the littlest readers of English and Spanish.Pequeño Azul y Pequeño Amarillo son muy buenos amigos, pero un día no pueden reunirse. Cuando finalmente seencuentran, se abrazan tan fuerte que se vuelven verdes. El primer libro ilustrado de Leo Lionni ya está disponible en libro cartonébilingüe, perfecto para los lectores más pequeños de inglés y español.

    10 in stock

    £8.54

  • Vamos a jugar Lets Play SpanishEnglish Bilingual

    Random House USA Inc Vamos a jugar Lets Play SpanishEnglish Bilingual

    10 in stock

    Book SynopsisIntroducing a Spanish/English bilingual board book edition of Leo Lionni's beloved classic about two mice friends looking for something fun to do.Help two mouse friends decide what to do today in this playful board book from four-time Caldecott Honorwinner Leo Lionni for the very youngest readers of both English and Spanish! ¡Ayuda a dos ratones amigos a decidir qué hacer hoy en este juguetón libro cartoné de Leo Lionni, cuatro veces ganador del Premio deHonor Caldecott, para los lectores más pequeños de inglés y español!

    10 in stock

    £6.99

  • A Little Book About Winter

    Random House Children's Books A Little Book About Winter

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £7.59

  • Mouse Seasons

    Random House USA Inc Mouse Seasons

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe first new original Leo Lionni picture book in nearly 30 years, featuring the beloved mouse Frederick as he guides his fellow mice--and young listeners--through a joyous celebration of the seasons.There is more than one way to prepare for a long winter, as Frederick tells his friends in the classic story. Gathering food and other supplies is important, but gathering the smells, sounds, and sights of a beautiful day to recall later are just as vital. How one little mouse cheers his entire community and prepares them for a full year ahead is a story that young children will love.

    1 in stock

    £13.49

  • Frederick

    Random House Children's Books Frederick

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £7.59

  • A Little Book About Food

    Random House Children's Books A Little Book About Food

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisFrom the beloved children's book author of the bestselling classic Swimmy comes a board book for the youngest fans! With sturdy pages and colorful collage-style artwork, this food-themed board book is perfect for kids ages zero to three.Little ones love to snack, nibble, and eat! Cuddle up with your favorite little foodie, and share this bright and engaging board book, inspired by the works of legendary children's book author-illustrator Leo Lionni!Other LEO LIONNI'S FRIENDS Board Books:A Little Book About SpringA Little Book About ABCsA Little Book About ColorsA Little Book About OppositesWhere Are Swimmy's Friends?: A Lift-the-Flap BookA Little Book About WinterInch By Inch: A Lift-the-Flap BookFrederick: A Lift-the-Flap Book

    15 in stock

    £7.59

  • Cornelius Oversized Board Book

    Random House Children's Books Cornelius Oversized Board Book

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe beloved fable about being yourself, from four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni, is now available in a board book format!Cornelius isn't like other crocodiles. He likes to walk upright and do tricks that no other crocodile can! But his friends are not impressed. So what? they say when he demonstrates standing on his head or hanging from his tail.Cornelius is a bit disappointed at first...but things aren't always what they seem. And life on the riverbeach is about to undergo some big changes.Children will see themselves in Cornelius while reading this tale of a crocodile who marches to the beat of his own drum.

    1 in stock

    £7.59

  • A Color of His Own with Color Wheel

    Random House Children's Books A Color of His Own with Color Wheel

    5 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe colorful chameleon celebrates its 50th anniversary with an interactive board book editionthat makes it easier than ever to introduce simple color concepts!From beloved creator Leo Lionni, A Color of His Own is the gentle tale of a chameleon who, in search of his own color, finds a true friend. In honor of the classic story?s milestone anniversary, this board book editionallows readers to change the chameleon?s colors themselves by spinning the built-in color wheel!Elephants are gray, pigs are pink, and parrots are green. Only the chameleon has no color of his own. He is purple like the heather, yellow like a lemon, even black and orange striped like a tiger!Then one day a chameleon has an idea to remain one color forever by staying on the greenest leaf he can find. But in the autumn, the leaf changes from green to yellow to red . . . and so does the chameleon. When another chameleon suggests they travel together, he learns that companionship is more important than having a color of his own. No matter where he goes with his new friend, they will always be alike.

    5 in stock

    £7.59

  • Tillie and the Wall Read to a Child Level 2

    Random House USA Inc Tillie and the Wall Read to a Child Level 2

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisA timeless fable about unity and breaking down barriers, from four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni.All her life Tillie the mouse has wondered what lies on the other side of the wall. Imagining all sorts of fantastic possibilities, she digs a tunnel to get to the other side, where she discovers . . . other mice, just like her! Together, Tillie and her friends work to bring down the wall and unite mouse-kind. Written just before the fall of the Berlin wall, this seemingly simple fable has a powerful message for all children—and all people.

    2 in stock

    £7.96

  • Its Mine

    Random House Children's Books Its Mine

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £7.59

  • An Extraordinary Egg

    Random House USA Inc An Extraordinary Egg

    4 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    4 in stock

    £8.09

  • Frederic

    Ecole des Loisirs Frederic

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £10.00

  • Beltz, Julius, GmbH & Co. KG Frederick

    15 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    15 in stock

    £8.13

  • Julius Beltz GmbH Swimmy

    15 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    15 in stock

    £7.55

  • Der Buchstabenbaum

    Beltz, Julius, GmbH & Co. KG Der Buchstabenbaum

    15 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    15 in stock

    £7.30

  • EUROPEAN SCHOOLBOOKS LTD SOS Title Unknown

    3 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    3 in stock

    £7.56

  • Julius Beltz GmbH Alexander und die Aufziehmaus

    3 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    3 in stock

    £7.55

  • Julius Beltz GmbH Tillie und die Mauer

    15 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    15 in stock

    £8.21

  • Julius Beltz GmbH Ein gutes Jahr

    7 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    7 in stock

    £7.55

  • Julius Beltz GmbH Swimmy

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £13.25

  • Beltz, Julius, GmbH & Co. KG Das grosste Haus der Welt

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    2 in stock

    £13.25

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