Unicorn Diaries: Bo's magical new friend by Rebecca Elliott

Back in the day, when Scholastic was first starting its Branches line and I reviewed Owl Diaries, I was skeptical. Sure, the illustrations were colorful, but would any kid really get into it? Several years (and a LOT of Owl Diaries) later and I admit the error of my ways. This time, when Rebecca Elliott released a new series, about unicorns no less, I bought 4 copies of each title to start with.

Rainbow Tinseltail, Bo for short, is a teal-green plaid unicorn with rainbow horn and a curly pink, star-studded tail. Bo lives in a magical forest with the other unicorns, who appear on a full moon. Each unicorn has a special power; Bo is able to grant wishes. When Sunny, the newest unicorn appears, he doesn't know his power and Bo, who wants a best friend as well as to earn a special patch, befriends Sunny while trying to get him to make a wish to know what his power is.

After various mild adventures, Sunny and Bo fall out over Bo's efforts to get Sunny to use a wish, but they become friends again and Sunny eventually figures out his power on his own. It isn't, as I expected, something lame like "making people laugh" which I expected after the story's plethora of sweetness.

Like Owl Diaries, the story is bright and colorful, with lots of rainbow hues, pink and sparkling touches, and things like cloud sleeping and Unipods. However, it's also more sophisticated than one might expect. The unicorns are both male and female, and their powers are not particularly stereotypical. Bo is never given a specific gender; Sunny, Jed, and Monty appear to be male and Nutmeg, Scarlett, and Piper female. Jed can change the weather, Monty can change his size. Nutmeg can fly, Piper can heal, and Scarlett can find useful things. Their teacher is a mustached unicorn, Mr. Rumptwinkle.

The plot of friendship is more than just "be nice to others." It delves into learning and growing at your own pace and how Sunny wants to find his unicorn power on his own.

Verdict: This has all the bright colors that unicorn fans will love, as well as a simple but thoughtful message. Whether or not you have Owl Diary fans, you are sure to have Unicorn Diary fans, so buy in bulk!

ISBN: 9781338323320; Published December 2019 by Scholastic; Purchased four copies for the library