SEVEN: A MOST REMARKABLE PIGEON, by Sandra Nickel, Aimée Sicuro, Candlewick, May 6, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)
A young pigeon does things his own way and inadvertently saves his flock in Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon, by Sandra Nickel and Aimée Sicuro.
A pigeon named Seven is born alone, instead of in the usual pair, and it soon becomes clear that he’s not like the rest of his flock. While pigeons always build their nests from straw and twigs, Seven lines his with rose petals (their scent is dreamy!). While the rest of the pigeons gobble crumbs in the park, Seven can’t help but follow the nutty aroma of rice, even if it means drifting away from the flock.
What’s more, although pigeons are expected to home—to find their way home from wherever they may be by following landmarks—Seven gets too distracted by the tangy scent of peaches, the earthy smell of evergreens, and the honey of a butterfly bush to make a mental map the way his father wants him to.
But when his flock takes a long trip to the countryside and the fog rolls in on their way home, Seven’s keen sense of smell might just be what leads them all back safely. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon is a charming book about accepting differences and looking at the world in your own way.
Author Sandra Nickel’s writing is warm and inviting. It almost feels as if she’s right next to you, inviting you to take part and listen to her tale.
Artist Aimée Sicuro’s watercolor, gouache and ink illustrations draw you in through color and movement. And the expressive features given each of the pigeons helps convey confusion, worry, wonder and joy.
Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon is a sweet tale that will likely be read on repeat in a number of homes. Included is an “about pigeons” section at the end that will answer all sorts of questions likely to come up during reading. This is a fun read.
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