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 KawXzv+GsamnSMVVY7pANuQ3X0UeKRj19eX83jD879Hu6nnjDeGE4lLx4lCk7Tj+