Unicorns 101 by Cale Atkinson

Abstract

Reviewed by: Unicorns 101 by Cale Atkinson Kate Quealy-Gainer, Assistant Editor Atkinson, Cale Unicorns 101; written and illus. by Cale Atkinson. Doubleday, 2019 [32p] Library ed. ISBN 978-1-9848-3037-1 $20.99 Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-9848-3036-4 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-9848-3038-8 $10.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 2-4 Unicorns—sure, we love those glittery, mystical creatures, but what do we actually know about them (besides that they are most assuredly the best of the magical beasts)? Well, Professors Glitter Pants, Sprinkle Steed, Star Hoof, and Sugar Beard are here to give readers a brief but comprehensive overview of their species, Betterthan horsicus. Ten informative sections lay out the facts behind everything from unicorn diet and digestion (they poop cupcakes) to history’s most famous unicorns (Jolly Fancyhooves was the first to wear clothes, while Monsieur Bonbon was the first to speak French); to their social behaviors (most conflicts are solved by the ancient ritual of the dance-off). A candy-colored palette accompanies this cornucopia (also the name of a group of unicorns) of tidbits, and our bug-eyed, horned academics happily guide readers through what is, despite its not so real subject, an accessibly realistic layout of a traditional nonfiction book. While it’s unlikely to earn readers an A on a science reports, this delightfully tongue-in-cheek crash course in all things unicorn will especially find love among fans of Simpson’s Phoebe and Her Unicorn series (BCCB 10/14, etc.). Copyright © 2019 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois