Life Without Nico Hardcover – Picture Book, April 1, 2016

Maia and Nico are best friends. They love playing together. But then one day, Nico’s family announce that they are moving across the world. When Nico leaves, Maia is left with an empty feeling inside. The emptiness gets bigger and bigger, not allowing her to play with other kids. But things get better as time passes. Maia finds a kitten, learns to play the piano, and makes a new friend at school. Soon it is time for Nico to return. At first, Maia is scared that things will be different, but soon she discovers that Nico once again fills the emptiness for her.This story told from the point of view of the person left behind when someone moves away is a nice change of perspective from most picture books about moving. Originally published in Mexico, this picture book captures the progress of emotions that come from losing a close friend. The empty feeling is beautifully portrayed in the story and then the gentle change to meeting new people and finding new hobbies is shown with delicacy.Olea’s illustrations are striking. I particularly appreciate the way he incorporates the empty feeling visually on the page, shadows cast by other objects but that also speak to the emotions that Maia is feeling right then. Characters in the book have skin of wildly different colors that show various but indistinct races. The result is a book of shadows, light and rich color.A lovely book on moving and grief, this picture book is one worth sharing. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

In our global and mobile society, moving and having to make new friends is more common. In this story about friendship, Nico moves far away to a different country and Maia is bereft. She is depressed. I remember when my son lost his best friend at school who moved. He was heartbroken and cried.Maia is resilient though and makes a new friend, a little red-headed girl. She also finds a new passion: playing the piano. And she makes friends with a cat.When she learns Nico is returning, she wonders how she will have time for him. But true friendship lasts she discovers when Nico comes back to her life.This is a good story to read and discuss at home or in a class about friendship. It will help those who move, or have lost friends due to moving. It gives hope.

This is a wonderful book about friendship. Maia and Nico are best friends. They do everything together until Nico has to move to Australia for a while. Maia misses Nico. She's very sad, but then she meets a cat, makes a new friend, and starts playing the piano. When Nico returns, Maia is worried she won't have room for him in her life. But of course she does. There's always room for more friends.This book was simple but powerful. I loved the illustrations and the descriptions of Maia's feelings. This book is excellent for older children, ages 5-8 probably. Anyone who's lost a friend or worried about making new friends would appreciate this book. It's very well written.[...]

This is a lovely book for children facing either a move of their own or a move of a friend. It does a wonderful job of validating the strength of the emotions felt and also explains the stages of grief in a very child-friendly way. It's really very well done.I also appreciated the rather unexpected multicultural nature of the book. I'm not exactly sure why Nico is blue, but that's ok. The children seem to live in South America and Nico's family moves to Australia for a time. As an American family living abroad, I found this refreshing, and I know my kids will notice and appreciate it too.I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, and I can honestly say that I highly recommend this beautiful picture book!

I've had a few students have to deal with a friend moving away and really feeling devastated by the loss. This is a sweet story that validates these circumstances and feelings. It also shows you can fill the void in your heart by making a new friend and finding hobbies. I don't have too many books on this subject so I am glad I found it. This will also be a great resource to teach The Zones of Regulation. Great find!

I was so happy when I read the end of this book as both of my daughters experienced the same heartbreak of a best friend moving away but unlike Nico, their friends did not return.This thoughtful picture book written by Andrea Maturana and illustrated by Francisco Javier Olea, explores emotions that many children experience at some point in their life.Published by Kids Can Press.#PB #friendship

Life Without Nico can relate to anyone, not just children, that have lost one of their best friends before. Many people have that friend that just clicks with them better than anyone else, and this story shows the true heartbreak that happens if they ever have to leave. Read til the end though for a happy twist.

I loved this book! The first time I read it to little ones, I cried. What a beautiful way to help children understand the complicated emotions we experience when someone we love moves away.