"Nico knew when someone
was making fun of him -
and yes, it hurt his feelings.
But
he turned the name over in his mind
a few times
and smiled."
It's hard for Nico to walk into the classroom, knowing that he is someone from the outside - the new kid. He isn't sure what to do while others are huddling together or playing sports. It doesn't take him long to find 'other' things to do.
He watches insects doing their work; he sits quietly in the grass while the sun warms his face; and he welcomes any bird that wants to join him. He attracts many and earns himself a nickname - Bird Boy. While it hurts his feelings in the beginning, he soon realizes that he quite likes it. The name allows his imagination to take flight and provide peace and contentment.
"He became a hummingbird
hovering
amid the nectar-filled
flowers,
a pelican with wide-open wings,
cruising the edge of the coastline ... "
It takes a wee while before Nico has one friend. Then, more and more of them as they bask in the kindness he so willingly shares.
This tender story will be much appreciated by those new kids who don't feel a part of the usual happenings in an early years classroom. Nico's peaceful presence is soon felt by those around him, and shows apprehensive children that being yourself is the best way forward.
Shahrzad Maydani's colored pencil, graphite, and watercolor artwork perfectly matches the text. White space allows a clear look at Nico's early days when he is alone and extremely quiet. As his imagination soars, the spreads are filled with warmth in the soft colors and gentle movements within Nico's world.
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