Ever looked at a child’s drawing of a "dog" and nodded politely while thinking it looked more like a lopsided potato? Most of us have. We expect art to look like things. We want a house to have a chimney and a sun to be a yellow circle in the corner. But Niko Draws a Feeling is about that kid who doesn’t care about the potato or the chimney.
Niko is the protagonist of Bob Raczka’s 2017 picture book, illustrated with a sort of breezy, soulful energy by Simone Shin. He’s a kid who carries a sketchbook everywhere. He’s inspired. But he isn't drawing the bird; he’s drawing the bird’s hard work. He isn't drawing the ice cream truck; he’s drawing the ring-a-ling sound it makes.
Naturally, the adults are confused.
Why Nobody Gets Niko Draws a Feeling at First
The conflict in the story is painfully relatable for anyone who’s ever tried to explain a weird idea to a committee. Niko shows his work to his teacher, his parents, and the kids on the playground. They all ask the same soul-crushing questions.
"Where’s the robin?"
"Is this the nest?"
"Where’s your face?"
Niko’s answers are simple but profound: "It’s not the nest. It’s her hard work." Or, "It’s not my face. It’s the warm." He’s basically a tiny abstract expressionist living in a world that only understands realism.
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Honestly, it’s a bit of a tear-jerker if you’ve ever felt like you’re speaking a language no one else understands. Niko gets so discouraged that he eventually stops sharing. He folds up his drawings and puts them in a box. He even draws his own sadness—a grey, swirly mess that he staples to his wall.
It’s heavy for a kids' book, but it’s real.
The Turning Point with Iris
Everything shifts when a girl named Iris moves in next door. When she looks at Niko’s drawing of "the warm," she doesn’t ask where the sun is. She just feels it.
She looks at his drawing of sadness and says, "You must have been sad when you drew that picture."
That’s the moment.
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It’s the "click" of being seen. It’s not just about art; it’s about the fundamental human need for connection. Once Niko realizes someone finally gets it, the floodgates open. He draws the feeling of making a new friend, and it's a riot of color.
The Secret Ingredient: Why This Book Hits Differently
Most kids' books about art focus on "practice makes perfect" or "everyone is an artist." This one is different. It’s actually a stealthy introduction to abstract art and social-emotional learning (SEL).
Teachers love this book. Why? Because it gives kids permission to express things they don't have words for yet.
- Synesthesia Vibes: While the book doesn't explicitly name it, many readers point out that Niko’s way of "drawing sounds" is very similar to synesthesia—a neurological condition where senses overlap.
- The Creative Process: Raczka describes inspiration like a butterfly fluttering in Niko’s chest. It’s a great way to explain that "itch" to create.
- Validation: It teaches kids that their perspective is valid, even if the "authority figures" (teachers/parents) don't immediately see it.
The illustrations by Simone Shin are key here. She uses mixed media and digital techniques to show the world in two layers: the "real" world of the story and the "scribbly," vibrant world of Niko’s imagination. The contrast is beautiful.
Is it actually for adults too?
Kinda.
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If you’ve ever been in a corporate meeting trying to pitch a "feeling" for a brand and been met with "but where is the logo?", you are Niko. It’s a reminder for adults to stop being so literal. We spend so much time looking for the "thing" that we miss the "vibe."
The book has picked up a ton of accolades since its release, including being a Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book and an NCTE Notable Children's Book. It’s stayed relevant because the theme of "feeling misunderstood" is universal. It doesn't age out.
Actionable Takeaways from Niko’s Journey
If you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who wants to tap into their own creativity, there’s a lot to pull from this 32-page story.
- Try the "Sound Drawing" Exercise. Put on a piece of music—something fast and chaotic or slow and ambient—and try to draw the sound, not the instruments. It’s harder than it looks.
- Validate the Effort, Not Just the Result. When a kid shows you a drawing, instead of asking "What is it?", try saying "Tell me about this part," or "How did you feel when you used this color?"
- Look for Your Iris. Everyone needs one person who "gets" their brand of weird. If you haven't found yours yet, keep drawing your feelings anyway.
- Embrace the Abstract. You don't need to be "good" at drawing to express an emotion. Niko’s art is basically scribbles and shapes, but they carry more weight than a perfect portrait of a bird.
Basically, the next time you see something that doesn't make sense at first glance, don't ask where the face is. Just look for the warm.
Next Steps for You
Check out your local library or an independent bookstore to find a physical copy of Niko Draws a Feeling. Reading it on a screen is fine, but seeing the texture of Simone Shin’s illustrations on paper really brings Niko’s abstract world to life. If you're an educator, consider using the "Niko method" for a classroom art session focused on emotions rather than objects.