Artist Nicholai Khan, a resident of Bayside, can now add another accomplishment to his resume – children’s author.
This year, Khan came out with his first children’s book, Nicho the Tiger. Even as a child, Khan said that he always designed books.
Khan remembered a third grade assignment he was given to do a book report. Being from Trinidad, he said he didn’t know what one was and instead thought he had to read a book, reinterpret it and create another book, which is what he did. He said that he has been drawing the tiger, in particular, since childhood, and that he grew up with the character.
The push to finally do the book came after Khan met fellow artist Justin Munoc, who ended up helping him create the book.
“What I couldn’t do digitally Justin definitely filled in because I wanted a certain kind of look for the children’s book,” Khan said. “Justin was the only person I knew who could bring my vision to life.”
As readers follow the story of the tiger Nicho, they are shown how to be open to the idea of being positive regardless of the circumstances, Khan said.
“The book is mainly about teaching kids to follow their hearts and their dreams,” said Khan, who wrote the storyline along with illustrating the book.
Khan said that everything done with the book was to enhance the children’s perception of reality. He said this included using vibrant colors, having an energetic story and making the figures look alive.
The book, which Khan intends to be a series, came out in January.
“It felt like living a childhood dream,” he said. “It felt like something that was supposed to happen, happened.”
Along with the book, Khan said that he has been working on merchandise related to it. He said a toy is coming out soon, and stamps, mugs and booklets have been designed. He also said he is creating therapy equipment for children.
“Things in our society need improvement, and I’m trying to fill those needs, especially for children,” Khan said. “I’ve learned that if you can change something about a child’s life then you’ve really done something special for somebody.”
Khan said that doing the book is “much more humbling” than some of his work as a painter.
“One makes me feel like a really, really good artist,” he said. “This one makes me feel accomplished as a person.”
Khan has already started the next book in the Nicho the Tiger series and said that he is “going to take this character all the way.” He also plans on doing another story that will center around the character Jnus. It will be a future-based story about the journey of the boy, who connects all the other characters.
While doing his work as a children’s author, Khan still remains active with his artwork, and has his work on display in various places, including restaurants and galleries in Manhattan.
For more information on Nicho the Tiger, visit www.nichothetiger.com
