Seven, A Most Remarkable Pigeon
by Sandra Nickel & Aimee Sicuro (Candlewick Press, May 6, 2025)
A young pigeon shows that the ways in which we are different can also be the ways in which we become heroes.
Seven is different from the minute he is born. While other pigeons arrive in twos, Seven arrives in the world by himself. He is also born with an extraordinary sense of smell. As the other pigeons build their nests with twigs, eat breadcrumbs, and fly in a straight line, Seven builds his nest with delightful smelling roses, eats fragrant rice, and flies here and there, always following his beak. The flock is disappointed in Seven. But when they all take a trip to the countryside and the fog rolls in, Seven’s keen sense of smell might just be what leads them all back to safety.
Sandra Nickel’s charming tale, paired with Aimée Sicuro’s endearing illustrations, celebrates the different ways that folks of all feathers navigate the world.
“[A] soaring celebration of individuality.”–BOOKLIST
“An uplifting tale that celebrates difference.”–KIRKUS REVIEWS
Seven, A Most Remarkable Pigeon is the winner of a Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
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Betsy Bird and A Fuse #8 Production revealed the cover for Seven on July 9, 2024. As part of the cover reveal, Betsy and Sandra chatted about Sandra’s inspiration for the story, pigeons (of course), and the challenges and joys of being different. You can find the cover reveal and interview HERE.
The year my daughter was diagnosed as being autistic, I thought about how different ones are portrayed in picture books and how so often they are required to change by the end of the story. Shy ones become less shy. Nervous ones become less nervous. Late bloomers catch up to the others. But, what about autistic girls? Research shows that change for them often means masking who they are, and this in turn often results in depression and anxiety. I asked myself: wouldn’t it be great to have more books where different ones stay different and that’s okay?
And so, I wrote Seven, A Most Remarkable Pigeon, a tale about following your instincts and staying true to yourself, a tale about being different and that’s okay. For more books that allow different ones to remain different, see my School Library Journal article, Affirming Autism, along with its accompanying reading list, 12 Ideal Picture Books for Children with Autism.
The first review of Seven, A Most Remarkable Pigeon is out! And Kirkus gets exactly what I want kids to understand–that there is joy in differentness–that it should be celebrated. Seven: “An uplifting tale that celebrates difference.” Thank you Kirkus!
Booklist just came out with the most beautiful review of Seven, A Most Remarkable Pigeon! “[A] soaring celebration of individuality.” There is so much love for this book, and I am so very thankful for that. You can read the full review HERE!
Looking for ways to engage students with Seven, A Most Remarkable Pigeon? Below you will find a Classroom Guide for Discussion Questions, Activities for Students, as well as individual Activity Sheets. Simply click on the sheets below and print.
