Niki Rose and the First Day’s Luck

Niki Rose and the First Day’s Luck is the first volume in a heartfelt children’s series by renowned Iranian author Fariba Kalhor. The story follows ten-year-old Niki, who is facing a major life challenge: moving to a new home and starting at a new school. This change brings feelings of loneliness and emotional pressure—but with the help of her talking diary, Niki begins to find her way.

Told from a first-person perspective, the narrative captures the vivid, complex inner world of children, making it easy for young readers to connect with Niki’s anxiety, embarrassment, and hope. The diary serves as a tool of emotional expression and self-discovery, gently introducing the idea that writing can help children better understand and accept their feelings.

At its heart, the book explores friendship and adapting to change. Niki learns that making new friends takes courage, creativity, and patience—offering children insight into personal growth through life’s transitions.

With expressive illustrations by Vida Karimi, the book invites children into Niki’s world, enriching the text and deepening emotional connection.
Published by Ofoq’s children’s imprint Fandogh, the Niki Rose series is a warm, empathetic guide for young readers—and a valuable resource for parents and teachers helping children navigate new experiences.

Niki Rose Saves a Friendship
Written by Fariba Kalhor | Illustrated by Vida Karimi | Ages 8+

Niki Rose and the Violent Fight is the second volume in Fariba Kalhor’s beloved series, chronicling ten-year-old Niki’s new challenge: how to handle conflict and preserve her friendships at school. With warmth and insight, Kalhor guides young readers through difficult emotions and teaches them how to respond when faced with unpleasant or aggressive behavior.

A story about schoolyard conflicts
This installment explores the theme of school violence and peaceful conflict resolution. When one of Niki’s classmates starts acting aggressively, she must figure out how to deal with the situation thoughtfully. Through Niki’s journey, the author encourages children to approach relational problems with empathy, critical thinking, and open dialogue.

The power of writing
Niki’s talking diary remains a key part of the story. It helps her reflect, name her feelings, and come up with creative solutions to the problems she faces. The diary serves as a safe emotional space, guiding Niki toward more effective and mature responses to everyday challenges.

Like the first book, The Violent Fight features detailed, expressive illustrations by Vida Karimi, which bring the characters and their emotional experiences to life and help young readers connect more deeply with the story.

Why read the Niki Redcheek series?
This book supports children in understanding violence, peaceful problem-solving, and the value of friendship. It’s perfect for shared reading between children, parents, and teachers, offering opportunities for discussions about emotions and social behavior.

Published by Ofoq’s Fandogh imprint, this engaging and thought-provoking story also provides adults with tools to better support children. It reminds us that children’s aggression can often stem from misunderstandings or emotional needs—and that storytelling can be a powerful way to teach empathy and peaceful communication.