Parents' Guide to Tico and the Golden Wings

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Common Sense Media Review

Patricia Tauzer By Patricia Tauzer , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 4+

Elegant fable of generosity & independent spirit.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 4+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

Tico is a bird who was born with no wings. When his wish for a pair of golden wings is finally granted, his envious friends want nothing to do with him. Then, by helping others, he earns his real wings and also the friendship of his fellow birds.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

TICO AND THE GOLDEN WINGS, like the many other remarkable fables by Leo Lionni, is a book to enjoy and savor both for its artwork and its story. First issued in 1964, this new version has an even more elegant look than the original. Against a glossy white background, Tico's wings are printed in gold metallic. Together with the shiny black print and graceful green, veined leaves, the cover alone promises a journey into a book full of beautifully simple yet intricate illustrations. The fable itself is simple yet intricate, and offers a valuable lesson: "We are all different. Each for his own memories, and his own invisible golden dreams."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the little bird and his dream. What was wrong with wishing for golden wings? What lesson did Tico learn as he began giving his golden feathers to people who needed them more than he did?

Book Details

  • Author : Leo Lionni
  • Illustrator : Leo Lionni
  • Genre : Picture Book
  • Book type : Fiction
  • Publisher : Knopf
  • Publication date : August 11, 2007
  • Number of pages : 32
  • Last updated : September 3, 2015

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