"Frédéric, why don't you work?" they asked. "I do work," said Frédéric. "I gather sun rays for the cold dark winter days." And when they saw Frédéric sitting there, staring at the meadow, they said, "And now, Frédéric?" "I gather colors," answered Frédéric simply. "For winter is gray." And once Frédéric seemed half asleep. "Are you dreaming, Frederick?" they asked reproachably. But Frédéric said, "Oh no, I am gathering words. For the winter days are long and many, and we'll run out of things to say."
Frédéric Written & illustrated by Leo Lionni
