Review of NICO

[Dalia Chf]

[Following is a volunteer review of "NICO" by Marlene Rattigan.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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NICO by Marlene Rattigan is a charming children's book that tells the story of Nico, a sulfur-crested cockatoo who loves performing for people. When summer holidays begin, however, Nico starts to feel lonely. His owner, Kim, spends her days at the flower shop with her mother, leaving Nico alone at home. The story tenderly explores how the family tries to help Nico feel less isolated by bringing him out of his comfort zone.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with my six-year-old niece. She’s a big fan of animals and lives in Australia, the homeland of cockatoos, which made the story even more engaging for her. We loved following Nico's adventures and even shared moments of concern for his well-being. Our favorite part was the informational paragraph at the end, where we learned fascinating facts about cockatoos. We were both amazed to discover that one cockatoo lived to be 120 years old! It added an educational element to the story, which made the experience even more enriching.

There wasn’t anything we disliked about this book. It effectively teaches children that pets aren’t toys to be neglected when it's convenient. The story emphasizes the significant responsibility that comes with caring for a pet. My niece, who’s currently eager to get a pet dog, was prompted to think more seriously about what it means to care for an animal properly. The book sparked an important conversation about pet ownership, which I believe is a crucial lesson for all children.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I absolutely loved it. Sergio Drumond’s illustrations are brilliant, perfectly complementing Rattigan’s heartwarming and meaningful story. It’s a short yet powerful read that I believe is suitable for children of all ages. The book is also exceptionally well edited; I didn’t spot any errors.

I highly recommend this book to parents searching for an educational and sweet story to share with their children.

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NICO
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