Niko Draws a Feeling

By Bob Raczka and Simone Shin

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

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing
• Release date: Apr 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512432763

Bob Raczka

Bob Raczka is a children's author and poet whose books include Niko Draws a Feeling, illustrated by Simone Shin, Lemonade: and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word, illustrated by Nancy Doniger, and many others. He lives with his wife, sons, daughter, and dog, Rufus, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Visit him at bobraczka.com.

Book preview

Reviews for Niko Draws a Feeling

[skyd17 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

this book is about a boy named Niko that loves to draw. He realizes that no one ever appreciates or understands his art, until he meets a new friend named Iris. I would use this book for children in 1st or 2nd. Mixed media

[carlathelibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Niko loves to draw. He carries around his supplies until a feeling or an inspiration strikes him. When he draws a picture, it is not what he sees, it is what he feels or hears, the sensations he gets. When he shows his pictures to people, they do not understand his work, they assume it is what he sees and ask questions about the obvious. They can't see past what he didn't draw. Everytime someone takes a look at his pictures and doesn't see what he created, Niko becomes disappointed. He draws a picture of himself from looking in a mirror, at least the feelings he has at that time. He does not show this picture to anyone. Then one day a new girl, Iris, moves to town and wants to see his artwork. They discover that they see things the same way and immediately become friends. This is an interesting concept for a children's book. I think it would be a great book when teaching about individuality. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.