Book Name: What’s the Point of Kiki
Author: Nandita da Cunha
Illustrator: Rishita Loitongbam
Publisher: Niyogi Books
Type: Paperback
Length: 28 pages
Recommended Age Group: 5-8 years
What happens when an unexpected visitor arrives at your doorstep and decides to stay? This heartwarming tale follows young Nisha and Kiki, an injured crow who comes into her life and completely changes her world!
When Kiki crash-lands at Nisha’s home, injured and vulnerable, luck is on the crow’s side—Nisha’s mom happens to be a vet! Ma immediately springs into action, providing tender care to nurse Kiki back to health. But here’s where the real story begins: Kiki’s “visit” extends well beyond recovery, and Nisha finds herself watching her mom’s attention being lavished on this unusual houseguest.
Unlike a typical pet, Kiki demands special care. Nisha struggles watching Ma pour so much love and energy into the crow—love that she feels should be hers alone. The story doesn’t shy away from these difficult emotions. Instead, it beautifully portrays Nisha’s growing frustration as she tries everything in her power to get Kiki to leave.
But then something shifts…
What Your Child Will Learn:
Nandita has masterfully woven in themes that make this book an incredible conversation starter:
- Accepting someone unique: Kiki isn’t a conventional pet, and learning to appreciate what makes her special mirrors real-life situations our children face
- Sharing love and attention: Perfect for families with a new sibling on the way or recently arrived! Nisha’s jealousy of Ma’s divided attention is so relatable
- How feelings evolve with time: The book shows that initial resistance can transform into genuine affection through patience and open hearts
- The universal language of love: Demonstrating how compassion and kindness can bridge any gap
Rishita’s artwork deserves its own special mention! Every page is a visual feast that brings the narrative to vivid life. My toddler, who doesn’t yet understand the deeper meaning of the story, begs for repeated readings purely because of these stunning illustrations.
Nisha’s emotions are so masterfully portrayed throughout. And the scenes showing Ma’s loving interactions with Kiki? Absolutely hilarious! My daughter giggles uncontrollably at certain pages, especially watching how Ma dotes on this crow.
This story became even more precious to our family in an unexpected way. After reading it, my dad (who was visiting) sat down with my daughter and shared a memory even I had never heard before. He told her about the time he rescued a crow tangled in string at a park—how he carefully, slowly freed the bird while it remained remarkably calm and trusting in his hands.
Watching three generations connect over this shared theme of compassion for others made this book infinitely more meaningful. It sparked a family conversation about kindness, rescue, and the special bond between humans and animals that we’ll treasure forever.
This isn’t just a book—it’s a bridge to important discussions, a mirror for complex childhood emotions, and a reminder that love has the power to expand rather than divide.
If you enjoyed this review and wish to be a part of Nisha & Kiki’s situation, you can order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Abha is a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the author via kbc.
