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