Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon

by Sandra Nickel, Aimée Sicuro (illustrator)

A pigeon that has trouble homing in the usual way has a unique ability that ends up guiding his lost flock in this sweet tale about following your instincts.

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. Sandra Nickel’s charming tale, paired with Aimée Sicuro’s endearing illustrations, celebrates the different ways that folks of all feathers navigate the world.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Birds, Childrens, Nature, Fiction, Fantasy

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Sandra Nickel is an award-winning author of picture books. She holds a Master of Fine Arts and has presented workshops on writing for children and young adults throughout Europe and the United States. She is honored to be the winner of a Christopher Award, the winner of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Crystal Kite Award, a finalist for the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction for Younger Readers, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection honoree, and a Charlotte Huck Award Recommended author.

Reviews

[Kate Hosford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the elegance, humor and important message of this book. Seven is a pigeon who is different from the other pigeons right from the beginning. While most pigeons are born in pairs, he is born alone. ("There is only one," the flock whispered. "There is only one.") Throughout the book, Seven continues to defy expectations by having interests that are a bit different from the rest of the flock. Jasmine, lilies, rose petals, the nutty smell of rice, and the honey scent of butterfly bushes- all of these wonderful scents distract the young pigeon who is supposed to be learning how to fly home in the most efficient way possible. Even his loving parents are baffled. How will Seven ever learn to fit in? The flock takes every opportunity to gossip about him, reminding each other that he was, after all, different right from the beginning. But when fog makes it impossible for the flock to navigate properly, it is Seven and his incredible sense of smell that save the day. The gorgeous and expressive multi-media illustrations perfectly compliment the lovely rhythmic prose. Readers will fall in love with Seven, who is so completely himself.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll be in seventh heaven reading this delightful story about a bird who doesn't fit in with the rest of the flock. He is a strange bird, the flock is always whispering."He doesn't nest, He doesn't flock He doesn't home." Seven always strays from the flock and doesn't fly strait home because he is always distracted by delightful smells. They make him feel warm and safe. He tires to be like other pigeons, but he never feels at home. In the end it is Seven's unique talents that help the flock and he is finally celebrated for his differences. The artwork is simply stunning. Children who are neurodivergent or simply don't conform to expectations will love this charming story that celebrates someone who is different. This book would be great for any child who feels different. It would also make a great way to teach kids that kids who act differently from them are still special. Neurodivergent kids or any child with a disability need to feel accepted for who they are before they too can soar.

[Ms. Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my! The flock is whispering their disapproval. Seven's behavior is very un-pigeon like. He doesn't nest. He doesn't flock. He doesn't home! As the flock continues their gossiping, even Seven's father is wringing his wings. Then comes the big flight. A once a year celebration where the flock homes together! What could be better? Except, Seven can't join in the fun because he doesn't even feel like part of the flock. What happens next turns out to be a different kind of celebration. A celebration of how differences can be strengths.
This tender story is for anyone who has felt like maybe they didn't belong. Maybe they didn't quite fit. And isn't that any one of us at one time or another? Read Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon, by Sandra Nickel, and find your way home to a place of belonging.

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven is a pigeon that is a singleton (a rarity for pigeons). Seven is also different from his flock because he loves smells and follows his nose when exploring his neighborhood.

When Seven’s dad teaches him to home (finding his way home by landmarks and instinct), Seven keeps getting distracted by the scents.

But Seven’s talent takes center stage when his flock is caught in a storm and can’t see landmarks and get all turned around.

I really liked the illustrations in this way.

[Larissa Theule · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely story. <3

[Dorothy Pensky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along with Stella Luna this delightful picture book shows that being different can be an asset. Beautiful illustrations and lyrical text. Highly recommend

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

SEVEN: A Most Remarkable Pigeon by Sandra Nickel is a lovely, lyrical story about a unique pigeon who doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the flock. ‘He doesn’t nest. He doesn’t flock. He doesn’t home.’ Seven is very un-pigeon-like. Rather than collecting straw for the nest, gobbling crumbs, and staying with the flock, he prefers to follow the delightful smells of jasmine, roses, the nutty scent of rice, and pine.

But when a fog rolls in on the flocks’ big flight, Seven uses his unique love of scents to get them all home safely.
The art by Aimee Sicuro is dreamy, whimsical, and delightful. Included is back matter with interesting facts about pigeons. I 100% recommend this heartwarming story for all ages. A must-read!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to Sandra Nickel for choosing to write a book starring a pigeon, as the poor birds usually get a bad rap. Nickel has penned a lovely, lyrical ode to the quiet power of being "different" in a world that seems to want everyone to be the same. For parents of children who march to their own drum, in whatever way, and for the children themselves who may feel out of step with their "flock," this sweet tale will be a balm and an inspiration. The illustrations are gorgeously done in washes of pastel color, with many images from a bird's-eye view. A thoroughly original and engaging take on the universal childhood topic of fitting in...or not. Bonus points for the fascinating pigeon facts included at the very end.

[Henry Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books soars just like its namesake. As with all of Sandra Nickel's books written with such intuition for children, even adults learn things they never knew. The story of Seven is heartwarming on its most literal level, but also contains life lessons that will inspire every youthful reader. There are Sevens everywhere, but the illustrator brilliantly homed our hero in France.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pigeon born in unusual circumstances becomes a leader.

[Lauren Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about celebrating differences and embracing our unique strengths. Perfect for those times when we feel that we don’t fit in with “the flock”. I love the opportunities for discussing our senses and sensory differences. I also appreciated the factual information about pigeons both embedded in the story and expanded upon in the back matter. As always, Aimée Sicuro’s illustrations are captivating. My child enjoyed this story and immediately asked to read it again!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embracing differences and celebrating strengths.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

In brief, the story features a singleton hatchling pigeon in a nest that almost always holds two eggs. Parent pigeons DO tend faithfully to the young, they DO urge flocking and close contact with other pigeons, they DO work with young prior to migration to prepare them for successful travel. This little loner was named SEVEN because pigeons consider seven a lucky name (obviously storytelling) but this tidbit is used as a device to share the fact that SEVEN thousand miles is the longest recorded route a pigeon has return to its home. Seven, the pigeon, has a remarkable sense of smell, particular preferences, and doesn't mind going its own way.

The story allows SEVEN to rise to the hero role due to environmental circumstances paired with its own warmly-embraced talents, despite outside pressures. The story itself incorporates facts within a delightful and charming account of a character that encourages independence and individuality, that appreciates differences, that celebrates multiple ways to solve problems, and that encourages empathy and acceptance. The illustrations allow readers to enjoy both a fictionalized, semi-personified pigeon while viewing information about pigeons through visual narrative and scenes.

SEVEN will work well for many ages, with multiple layers about science, group dynamics, individual identity and development, and patterns of the environment and nature. Pigeons are the urban birds that young people are most likely to interact with, and that's because they are versions of domesticated birds that are now considered wild but deeply adjusted to (and sometimes dependent on) human interaction. This book is a way to make pigeon science and their specialized talents more available to young readers. It also invites discussions about individual differences and respect for those differences. That's a lovely combination.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigeons mate for life, and when they are born, there are usually two eggs. But when Seven came along, there was only one egg. His parents were sad, but focused all their love on Seven and training him to be the best pigeon.

Seven is named after a record-setting journey when one pigeon flew over seven thousand miles from France to Vietnam to find its way home. Seven’s dad isn’t so sure Seven would be able to find his way home. Instead of gathering straw for the nest, Seven liked to gather flower petals. Instead of eating bread crumbs on the ground, Seven liked to eat tasty grains of rice. Seven was often made fun of by others in the flock. So, instead, Seven decided to do what his dad wanted him to do, but it made him very sad. He missed the scent of the flowers, rice, and trees.

Kids will identify with Seven in how he feels left out because he likes different things from what the other pigeons do. The illustrations show a sad Seven when the rest of the flock teases him, but a happy pigeon when he smells the beautiful peach trees. When something happens and Seven must step up to help the flock, everyone will be grateful that Seven did things a little differently.

A page at the end of the book includes facts about pigeons, including a paragraph about Seven’s special flight home. Really beautiful illustrations alongside a sweet story of a special bird combine to make this a great summer read. You could also look up homing pigeons on the internet with your child and learn more about their special skills.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much more than just an ordinary city bird, Seven will help young readers understand that what others see as odd might just end up saving the day. “Pigeons arrive in twos” the book’s opening line reads, but the main character is a singleton and thus different from the start. To make up for his inauspicious beginning, his parents give him a name considered lucky among pigeons: Seven, a tribute to one famous bird’s 7,000 mile, cross-continental trek. His unique obsession with smell further differentiates him from the flock; while other birds stick with the ordinary, Seven fills his nest with sweet smelling rose petals (instead of twigs) and loves the scent of butterfly bushes and peach trees. “He doesn’t nest. He doesn’t flock,” the other pigeons mutter. Seven does reluctantly agree to conform, but during a fogged-in Big Flight, his large group loses its bearings and has to depend on Seven’s remarkable sensorial memory to guide them home. Sicuro sets the story in a vaguely, classical European city, filled with diverse people. Her lovely watercolor illustrations feature cute but realistic pigeons that many city kids will recognize, with their gray and black markings and iridescent throats. A concluding note at the back of the book offers some fascinating pigeon trivia. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Kelly Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven Stars for Seven, the Ferdinand of the Pigeon World!
I love this book! Kids love this book! Be prepared to hear "Read Seven again, again!"
Sandra Nickel's deftly told, humorous, heartful story of Seven, a pigeon who unflappably, to paraphrase Fleetwood Mac, go his own way, and Aimée Sicuro' peachy, purply color washed pin and ink-ish art, are infused with such old-world charm one can almost hear "La Vie en Rose" playing as the pages turn.
Beginning with his start, as the lone egg in a made-for-two nest, Seven (short for 7000, the longest distance a pigeon is known to have flown) wings his way into a our hearts.
Unlike the other pigeons, who follow the leader, Seven follows his nose to ever more tantalizing treats to eat, flowers to enjoy, sights to behold. Seven's non-conformity baffles his parents and sticks in the craw of the other pigeons. Through it all, however, Seven remains unflappable. And in the end, by trusting his nose and following his heart, Seven shows all the pigeons--and us readers too--the way home.

[Kate Peridot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven – a most charming story!

This delightful picture book stars a bird we see everywhere but rarely celebrate: the humble pigeon. The hero, Seven, is no ordinary pigeon much to the confusion of the other pigeons.
The clever setup - that pigeons normally lay two eggs - creates a recurring theme of pairing that runs throughout the story. The pigeons’ repeated lines add charm and a strong sense of flock identity.
Seven tries earnestly to be a “good pigeon,” but he experiences the world differently. Author Sandra Nickel gently and thoughtfully shows us that a differently wired brain is a gift that is wonderful in itself and supports a community.
Aimée Sicuro’s bright, expressive watercolour illustrations perfectly complement the story’s sensory-rich language, capturing both the whimsy and emotional heart of Seven’s journey.

A lovely end note offers insight into the inspiration behind the story and shares fascinating facts about real-life pigeons, adding an extra layer of depth for curious readers.

[HELEN ZAX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigeons usually hatch in pairs, become part of a flock, and know how to find their way home. But Seven is a different kind of pigeon. He hatched from an egg that wasn’t one of a pair. And he’s far more interested in dreamy smells like jasmine and rose than in being part of the flock or learning to home. But one special day, Seven’s differences prove just how remarkable he is.

In lyrical language dotted with refrains (“There was only one.” and “Seven couldn’t help himself.”) that repeat at just the right moment, Nickel shows with great subtlety that the ways in which we are different offer the most wonderful possibilities for greatness. Sicuro’s illustrations are both charming and gorgeous. From endpapers that show Seven soaring through a pastel sky to sweeping spreads from a birds-eye view, Sicuro’s lovely work is the perfect complement to Nickel’s beautiful story. Terrific backmatter offers lots of interesting facts about pigeons.

[Hillary Homzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven Reasons Why I Love Seven by Sandra Nickel and Illustrated by Aimee Sicuro

1. A nonconforming fledgling who doesn’t always fly straight and is beautifully attuned to the wonders of… well, I won’t spoil it. You’ll have to read to find out.
2. STEM facts are woven into the story with lyricism and ease—plus there’s rich, informative back matter. I learned so much without even realizing I was learning.
3. The illustrations are endearing, expressive, and occasionally jaw-dropping. Some of those close-ups? Stunning. Oh, and did I mention it’s set in Paris?
4. Subtle, thoughtful gender representation that celebrates individuality and nonconformity.
5. This book doesn't shy away from showing the real emotional toll of hiding your true self to fit in. I felt this deeply.
6. Two words: Pigeon Pandemonium. You simply have to witness it for yourself.
7. And finally, the heart. This story soars with a finale that’s both joyful and deeply affirming. It lifted me right up.

[Elizabeth Bedia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and important! Readers of all ages will fall in love with Seven, a pigeon who from the very beginning flies and fancies things a bit different from the flock. Seven has an affinity for scents such as jasmine, roses, and pine, that the others in the flock find odd. But in the end, Seven’s unique love of scents is what saves the day. Aimee Sicuro’s beautifully vivid illustrations pair perfectly with Sandra Nickel’s lovely lyrical prose. Effortlessly woven throughout are facts about pigeon that add an extra layer to the already beautiful story. It is a poignant homage to those who don’t always follow the flock. The backmatter expands on the interesting facts about pigeons. SEVEN is a beautiful modern take similar to classic children's stories such as THE STORY OF FERDINAND. A must read for everyone!

[Dorothy Harolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin…In so many — dare I say most — books I have read that have a character who is different to others, they are bullied, or made to change. But what about accepting who they are and loving them for their quirks, their unique talents and ways of viewing the world?

Seven is an incredible story. And what gorgeous illustrations oh my — I can’t wait to see my favorite pigeons at the park tomorrow. We should all be kinder to pigeons — they are intelligent, sweet creatures.

Thank you Sandra for bringing this wonderful story to my life.

[Hilda Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven is a pigeon who was born alone, pigeons are always in pairs. For this, his parents decide to name him Seven, because it is considered a lucky number. Seven is unlike the rest of the pigeons, he's always distracted and smelling his surroundings. And as always the flock always makes comments about Seven being an only egg and not a pair.
This picture book has a beautiful message! I love the information that the author provided at the end of the book, it is informative but not overwhelming.

I highly recommend this book.

[Kevin Magpoc · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title caught my eye as it made me expect one of those "based on an actual animal who made a difference" type of stories, but it as far as I can see a fiction picture book. It is appreciated, though, that Actual Pigeon Facts are used as elements in the story, so at least we get to learn about pigeons in the general sense. In the end, I'm just not sure how I feel about the overall moral of the story, which reminds me a bit too much of a certain other beloved storybook animal who can fly and helps the rest of his kind despite his differences.

[Kristine Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH, this book is beautiful in the storyline and the illustrations and the setting (Paris!). Mon coeur! The message of its okay to be different and follow your own path (in a somewhat Rudolph-the-Red-Nosed-Reindeer way) comes through loud and delightfully clear way.

I read it digitally on my iPad with the 5yo granddaughter, and we both agreed this is one to have and hold and love in print. I'll absolutely be buying the hardcover -- but will it be a Christmas present for my grands or one I keep at Mimi's house? Decisions, decisions.

[Paulette Bogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven couldn't help himself!
A lovely story about fitting in and, more importantly, not fitting in. Little Seven was different from the rest of the flock. His parents tried to get him to conform and fit in, but he was different. In the end, his uniqueness comes in handy!
I loved learning about pigeons and their habits! Every time Nickel writes a book, I feel like it's a little gem of knowledge and poetry added to my life.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

👧🏻reviews: While reading this I was thinking of Central Park and the pigeons. So Seven, the young pigeon, has his own unique personality that other pigeons didn’t understand him. This story is simply Ugly Duckling on steroids version. Seven is a quirky but interesting one and since he is different apart from his flock, his “uniqueness” helped his flock maneuvered out of the way. I love Seven despite being an underdog and the graphics are stunning.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pigeon is not like other pigeons and likes to smell, and taste it's way around it's home. The other Pigeon's don't like that he doesn't act "normal" and of course try to make him conform. Then the pigeon flock get's lost and he uses his specialness to help them. I was hoping there was more to the idea that being different is ok, and special, and there was that in the story. Just wish it had been more directly addressed. Otherwise it was cute and interesting tidbits about pigeons.

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born and bred in New York and I absolutely love pigeons! Thrilled to discover a brand-new release featuring one (many) whimsical, stunning pigeons. Double thrilled to see that Aimee Sicuro created the artwork. How I love her illustrations! One of my very favorite 2025 titles and one that children will want to have read to again and again.

[Patricia Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale about following your heart and playing to your strengths despite pressure from peers. Nickel's text and Sicuro's art work beautifully together and will have kids sniffing the air to see if they can compete with Seven's remarkable sense of smell. An uplifting addition to your library!

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that SEVEN evolved when author Sandra Nickel asked herself, “wouldn’t it be great to have more books where different ones stay different and that’s okay?” Sandra Nickel has written such a book, in highlighting the life of a pigeon who grows more different each day. This sweet book gives readers young and old a fresh perspective, as well as encouragement to embrace who we are.