Alex Willan also created the silly Jasper and Ollie picture books, so they're experienced in the "odd couple" friendship genre. The endpages are awash in sparkly pink and purple glitter. Turn to the title page, and a tattered-looking green goblin, in patched brown smock and hat, is gloomily sweeping a path through the glitter. The goblin is, of course, the narrator, and she explains to readers that for years she's gone about her magic work until UNICORNS move in next door! Of course unicorns are everyone's favorite, but why? There are lots of more interesting magical creatures around, like goblins!
The goblin is well on her way into her rant - and the tea parties! so many tea parties! that she is never invited to! - when she comes across another magical creature... a... dragon? Turns out unicorns aren't that bad after all and they do make good neighbors! Certainly better neighbors than a dragon!
My unicorn fans really want lots of glitter and pretty-pretty pictures. I, personally, am not a big fan, and those kinds of books only appeal to a very specific set of kids. What I like about this, from pictures to story, is that it has something for everyone! The unicorns are pretty, with lots of rainbow colors and an abundance of glitter. There's a grumpy goblin and sock slugs, a galumphing and not really very scary dragon, and lots of tongue-in-cheek humor.
Verdict: This is a unicorn book that fans and skeptics alike can enjoy. It would make a hilarious read-aloud for older students and even includes a sly lesson about not judging people by reputation or appearance. Fun for everyone!
ISBN: 9781534453838; Published September 2020 by Simon and Schuster; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library
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