TO LEON WERTH
I
ask the indulgence of the children who may
read this book for dedicating it to a grown-up.
I have a serious reason: he is the best friend I have
in the world. I have another reason: this grown-up
understands everything, even books about children.
I have a third reason: he lives in France where he is
hungry and cold. He needs cheering up. If all these
reasons are not enough, I will dedicate the book to the
child from whom this grown-up grew. All grown-ups
were once children--although few of them remember
it. And so I correct my dedication:
TO LEON WERTH
WHEN HE WAS A LITTLE BOY