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Starred Review Niko Draws a Feeling

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

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

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978-1-4677-9843-3
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Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2017
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2017-04-01
Reading Counts! Level 2.1
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV003000, JUV039060, JUV039050
Dewey [E]
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Lexile 530
ATOS Reading Level 2.6
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 187720
Accelerated Reader® Points 0.5
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Awards, Original artwork, Reviewed, and Starred Reviews

Awards

  • Notable Award Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Winner, 2018
  • Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices, Winner, 2018
  • Notable Award NCTE Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, Winner, 2018
  • Notable Award Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor Book, Short-listed, 2018
  • Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books, Winner, 2017
  • Notable Award MIBA Midwest Connections Pick, Runner-up, 2017
  • New York Public Library Best Books for Kids, Winner, 2017

Reviews

Shelf Awareness

Reviewed on 11 April 2017

“Raczka provides possibly the best description of artistic inspiration ever. . . . Shin’s mixed-media, digital and acrylic artwork wonderfully captures the passion and poignance of a misunderstood artist.”—Shelf Awareness

Booklist

Reviewed on 15 March 2017

“[An] insightful and supportive celebration of creativity and imagination.”—Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

Reviewed on 1 March 2017

“Conceptual and thoughtful, like Niko’s own pieces.”—Kirkus Reviews

Starred Review School Library Journal

Reviewed on 1 February 2017

“[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

Publishers Weekly

Reviewed on 30 January 2017

“Niko’s sadness and sense of being misunderstood lifts when he meets his new neighbor, Iris: her thoughtful, elated expressions as she takes in his creations make for some of Shin’s . . . loveliest scenes in this touching story. . . . What more could an artist ask for?”—Publishers Weekly