Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon

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Author(s)

Sandra Nickel

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Aimee Sicuro

Publisher

Candlewick

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

May 06, 2025

ISBN

978-1536235197

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A young pigeon shows that the ways in which we are different can also be the ways in which we become heroes.

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.

Editor review

1 review

Embracing Differences as Strengths

May 07, 2025 (Updated: June 04, 2026)

Overall rating

4.5

Plot

4.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Seven is a little different from the other pigeons, first of all, he was born alone instead of in the usual pair pigeons come in. Seven would rather have his nest made of rose petals, and drift from the flock to follow the scent of rice, while the others are happy to eat crumbs at the park. Seven can’t home (find his way home from wherever he is using landmarks), because he is distracted by the scent of peaches, evergreens, and honey. Seven’s flock is now on a journey with the rest of his flock, and fog has rolled in, so the others can’t see where they need to go. Seven’s sense of smell might be able to help them find their home, though.

What I Liked: This book opens by introducing you to Seven, who is a pigeon that was born alone instead of the pair that pigeons typically come in. This book teaches children various facts about pigeons interestingly and engagingly, such as how they spend their days as well as their homing skills. Children will be fascinated by the pigeons in this story, as these are creatures that they interact with regularly.

The illustrations throughout the book are realistic and capture expressions quite well. It's fun to read and see how Seven changes throughout the story from a young and inexperienced pigeon to one with a bit more confidence in himself. It's also intriguing to see how the other pigeons first engage with Seven because of his differences and how this shifts when he can use these differences to their advantage.

Final Verdict: Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon is a fantastic story about how our differences can also be our strengths. This is a great book for children ages 4 and up who are learning about differences or who love animals. This book teaches the importance of embracing who you are, even if others still have yet to understand you.