Review of NICO

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Jaituni Sanghavi
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Review of NICO

Post by Jaituni Sanghavi »

[Following is a volunteer review of "NICO" by Marlene Rattigan.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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Talking birds are such a delight! I have always loved birds that talk and repeat the phrases we say around them. It is so entertaining. In the children’s book NICO by Marlene Rattigan, we are introduced to one such lively sulphur-crested cockatoo named Nico, who loves performing tricks for Kim and her friends.

Nico is a happy cockatoo; however, when Kim starts school and later spends long days away during the summer, Nico becomes lonely and stops eating. To help, Kim brings Nico along to her mother’s flower shop, where he regains his energy and enthusiasm. However, one day, an adventurous moment leads Nico onto a train, where he mistakenly flies after someone he thinks is Kim. However, he soon realizes his mistake, but it is too late. Quite naturally, there is chaos within the train until Nico finds a hiding place. However, what happens when he is found? Who finds him? What happens next, and does he find Kim? Want to know the answers? Then read this short but impactful and entertaining book.

The thing I liked the most about this story is that it is uplifting and exquisitely conveys the strong bond between pets and their owners. Nico’s vibrant personality is charming, and the narrative effectively captures his emotional journey from loneliness to finding joy in new experiences. The inclusion of Nico’s adventurous spirit and his interactions with passengers was so exciting to read.

Moreover, I also like the way the book subtly imparts the message of companionship and the importance of understanding pets' needs and finding creative solutions to ensure their happiness. It also highlights how animals, much like humans, thrive on interaction and love.

Plus, the illustrations by Sergio Drumond are marvelous, and they bring the story to life. The text is cleverly merged into the illustrations, making the story visually alluring and easy to follow. The colorful portrayals of Nico and his surroundings, especially in the flower shop and on the train, enhance the book’s appeal, making it even more charming for young readers.

I also liked the piece of factual information about the sulphur-crested cockatoo shared at the end of the book. I believe it was a clever addition on the author’s part, as it would teach children a little more detail about these creatures.

Thus, considering my overall enjoyment of reading this book as reflected above, I would rate NICO 5 out of 5 stars. There is not a thing to point out as something I disliked. The editing is perfect and flawless. In my opinion, this book is ideal for children aged 4 to 8 years.

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NICO
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