Bob Raczka

Niko loves to draw his world: the ring-a-ling of the ice cream truck, the warmth of sun on his face. But no one appreciates his art. Until one day, Niko meets Iris... This imaginative and tender story explores the creative process, abstract art, friendship, and the universal desire to feel understood.

The day after Mighty Casey's strikeout, the Mudville Nine are in a crucial game when a relief pitcher--a girl--is sent in and quickly proves herself to the crowd using moves from football, tennis, and soccer.

"No one understands the abstract pictures that Niko draws until a new friend sees the thought and feeling within his shapes and forms"--