Tico and the Golden Wings - Paperback

by Leo Lionni (Author), Leo Lionni (Illustrator)

A classic fable encouraging generosity and individuality, from four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni.

Tico, a little bird born without wings, is one day granted his dearest wish. But the wings he gets are made of gold and his bird friends turn against him. "You think you are better than we are," they say. What Tico does with his golden feathers--and the important lesson he learns--is a fable that children will take to their hearts.

Front Jacket

All Tico the wingless bird wants is a pair of golden wings to carry him up over the mountaintops. But when Tico's wish is granted, none of his friends will talk to him. What's so wrong with being different? Tico wonders all alone. One day Tico helps a crying man by giving him one of his golden feathers. A black feather appears in its place. Each day he gives a feather away to someone in need until his golden wings are as black as India ink. When Tico returns to his friends, they are all relieved to see him. "Now you are just like us," they say. But Tico knows there is more to him than the color of his wings.

Back Jacket

From master storyteller and artist Leo Lionni, here's the hope-filled tale of a little bird born without wings who is one day granted his dearest wish.

A NOTE TO PARENTS AND TEACHERS

The fun continues after the story is finished! As part of the Dragonfly Difference, we've included two pages of activities inspired by this story. We hope you'll enjoy them with a child after reading this Dragonfly Book.

Dragonfly's Feather Fun

Tico is granted a shimmering pair of golden wings. You can make your own beautiful golden feather with just a few supplies.

You'll need:
-- some old newspapers
-- yellow construction paper
-- scissors
-- glue
-- gold glitter

1. Spread the newspapers over your work area. This could get messy!

2. Have an adult help you cut a long feather shape out of the yellow paper.

3. Carefully cut little slits all along the edges of your feather with an adult's help.

4. Have an adult help you pour a little glue onto your feather. Then carefully sprinkle gold glitter over the glue. Shake off the extra glitter onto the newspapers.

5. Hang your golden feather in a special place for everyone to see!

Dragonfly's Helping Hand

You may not have golden wings, but you can still help other people! You might:
-- Clean your room without being asked.
-- Draw a picture for someone who lives far away.
-- Tell a story to a younger sibling or friend.
-- Ask an adult to help you collect cans or newspapers for recycling.

Dragonfly's Read and Remember

1. How do the birds treat Tico when he gets golden wings? Why?

2. Why does Tico give away his golden feathers?

3. How do the birds treat Tico after his wings turn black?

4. Why does Tico stillfeel different than his friends at the end of the story?

5. How are you different from your friends or family members?

Dragonfly Dreams

The wishingbird in this story gives Tico golden wings. Imagine that the wishingbird granted you one wish. What would you wish for? Why? On a separate piece of paper, draw a picture of your wish coming true. Then think about ways you can try to help make it happen!

Author Biography

Leo Lionni, an internationally known designer, illustrator, and graphic artist, was born in Holland and lived in Italy until he came to the United States in 1939. He was the recipient of the 1984 American Institute of Graphic Arts Gold Medal and was honored posthumously in 2007 with the Society of Illustrators' Lifetime Achievement Award. His picture books are distinguished by their enduring moral themes, graphic simplicity and brilliant use of collage, and include four Caldecott Honor Books: Inch by Inch, Frederick, Swimmy, and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse. Hailed as "a master of the simple fable" by the Chicago Tribune, he died in 1999 at the age of 89.