Niko Draws a Feeling

Niko loves to draw his world: the ring-a-ling of the ice cream truck, the warmth of sun on his face.

But no one appreciates his art. Until one day, Niko meets Iris . . .

This imaginative and tender story explores the creative process, abstract art, friendship, and the universal desire to feel understood.

A Junior Library Guild selection, Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book, Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books, Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice, Midwest Connections Pick, NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts, and New York Public Library Best Book for Kids

“"Young Niko loves drawing pictures and finds inspiration everywherelike a mother bird building her nest, or an ice-cream truck's 'ring-a-linging.' Being inspired feels 'like a window opening in his brain,' which sends his colored pencils in a flurry of swirls on the page. However, from home to school, no one seems to understand his pictures, even after he explains themlike how his picture of 'the warm of the sun on my face,' a reddish-orange scribblelike abstraction, depicts just the warmth, not the sun or his face. He feels somewhat disheartened, but when he meets new neighbor Iris, who shares a feeling evoked by one of Niko's pictures, they bond over his strange but, to them, recognizable art. Colorful, simply composed mixed-media illustrations portray the multicultural characters in familiar scenes and settings, all the while incorporating Niko's deeply expressive, abstract drawings, which reflect how he engages with the world around him. While some elements may be esoteric for younger children, they'll likely find much to relate to in this insightful and supportive celebration of creativity and imagination."Booklist”

"[A] picture book ode to the creative spirit. . . . Niko's journey will resonate with budding artists and inspire young audiences of all abilities to create something meaningful."—starred, School Library Journal

Author of the art appreciation series, Bob Raczka's Art Adventures, Bob Raczka studied both art and advertising in college. He has worked as an advertising writer for 30+ years, and has published more than 30 children's books. His work has received multiple awards including the Claudia Lewis Award for his first poetry book, Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys, and a Charlotte Zolotow Honor for Niko Draws a Feeling. Bob and his wife Amy have three grown children, Robert, Carl and Emma, plus two dogs, Penny and Pippa. He is based in Illinois. Simone Shin is an award-winning editorial and children's book illustrator based in California's Bay Area. She has illustrated numerous children's books since 2011, and her work can also be seen in magazines and newspapers.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.