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  • Published: 15 November 2012
  • ISBN: 9780394817491
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $34.99

Tico and the Golden Wings




This reissue, re-shot from the original art, brings back not only a favorite Lionni hardcover but Tico's opulent gold wings that have not been printed in metallic gold ink since the first printing in 1964. It will be the same large size as Swimmy, Frederick, and other hardcover editions of Lionni's fables. This is vintage Lionni at his best with lush settlings and motifs from India and and a story that is rich from both a pictorial and a literary point of view. It tells of a bird who was born without wings until a Wishing Bird gave him wings of pure gold. But his golden wings did not make him happy until he found a way to use his golden feathers to make others happy. Our hardcover reissue program of Leo Lionni books have found a welcome place in bookstores and libraries, and of all of them none makes a more beautiful gift and a more satisfying story than Tico and the Golden Wings. The Dragonfly edition will remain in print.

A classic fable encouraging generosity and individuality, from four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni.

Tico, a little bird born without wings, is one day granted his dearest wish. But the wings he gets are made of gold and his bird friends turn against him. “You think you are better than we are,” they say. What Tico does with his golden feathers—and the important lesson he learns—is a fable that children will take to their hearts.

  • Published: 15 November 2012
  • ISBN: 9780394817491
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $34.99

About the author

Leo Lionni

Leo Lionni, an internationally known designer, illustrator, and graphic artist was born in Holland and lived in Italy until he moved to the United States in 1939. His picture books are distinguished by their enduring themes, graphic simplicity and brilliant use of collage. He died in 1999 at the age of 89.

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Praise for Tico and the Golden Wings

"A lovely book, and one that cannot but leave a lasting impression. Children will take the hopes and wishes of the little bird to their hearts and will understand the ending: 'We are all different. Each for his own memories and his own invisible golden dreams.'" --The Saturday Review

"Truly a beautiful book." --McCall's

"A striking, unusual book." --The Horn Book

'The words and lovely style of the illustrations bear the mark of a great artist." --Childhood Education

An American Library Association Notable Book
A Society of Illustrators Best Book of the Year