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UNICORN IS MAYBE NOT SO GREAT AFTER ALL

Name: UNICORN IS MAYBE NOT SO GREAT AFTER ALL
Author: Bob Shea
ISBN: 978-1-368-00944-7

by Bob Shea ; illustrated by Bob Shea ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 9, 2019

And if readers learn a lesson about humility along the way? That’s just the icing on Unicorn’s flaming birthday cakes.

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Following Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great (2013), the extra-special equine is back for the first day of school, and he’s having trouble with the fact that he doesn’t stand out in the crowd.

Thinking quite highly of himself, Unicorn is confident on the first day, while best friend Goat suffers from “contractually obligated first-day jitters.” But later, their situations are reversed. Unicorn is chagrined that all anyone can focus on are “rubber bands that look like other things” (Shea skewers the decade-old Silly Bandz craze). Unicorn decides to regain the spotlight with a new, improved version of himself: He’ll be a “new-nicorn,” complete with rainbow wig and fake tail, colored contacts, “horn enhancer,” and an attitude and personality to match. His friends’ reactions don’t faze him in the slightest: “Why are you drawn like that?” a pig speculates metafictively. But his narcissism and lack of respect for other people’s space and boundaries mean he tromps (sometimes literally) all over his peers. “Go home, Unicorn!” A depressed and depressing day at home ends with the doorbell: Unicorn’s friends have missed him even though he’s “been super-annoying.” Hysterical side commentary and even funnier details in the cartoon illustrations will keep readers coming back again and again for more of Shea’s irreverent, tongue-in-cheek humor.

And if readers learn a lesson about humility along the way? That’s just the icing on Unicorn’s flaming birthday cakes. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: July 9, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-368-00944-7

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Review Posted Online: May 7, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2019

Categories:

CHILDREN'S DRAGONS & MYTHICAL CREATURES | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
BEARSUIT TURTLE MAKES A FRIEND
by Bob Shea ; illustrated by Bob Shea

- BOOK REVIEW
PIZZA FOR BIRDS
by Bob Shea ; illustrated by Bob Shea

- BOOK REVIEW
PARROTFISH HAS A SUPERPOWER
by Jill Esbaum ; illustrated by Bob Shea

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THE ARTIVIST

by Nikkolas Smith ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 5, 2023

A powerful read-aloud to share and discuss.

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In this autobiographical picture book by acclaimed “artivist” Smith, a young artist learns to use his talent for social commentary.

A Black child who loves to paint and help the community sees problems in the world that make him want to act. Aware of issues that need to be addressed—an unhoused person and someone being prevented from voting are pictured—he decides to combine his identities as an artist and as an activist, to “take ACTION with my ART,” and be an “ARTIVIST.” His art shows what is broken and what might heal it. When his painting on a city wall catches the attention of news outlets, its impact multiplies. In the second half of the story, the text describes what an artivist does while the visuals show various activist-related art, from murals to protest signs, that inspire empathy and spark change. The intimate, first-person narration draws readers right into the story, and the protagonist’s heartfelt concern for justice keeps readers engaged through the hopeful ending message. Smith’s vibrant art, full of expressive strokes and effective use of color, light, and dark, complements the text beautifully; while his words are broad and general, the images depict specific issues facing contemporary society. This expression of active love, solidarity, and compassion will resonate with and inspire readers of all ages. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A powerful read-aloud to share and discuss. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023

ISBN: 9780593619650

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Kokila

Review Posted Online: June 21, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
THE HISTORY OF WE
by Nikkolas Smith ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

- BOOK REVIEW
THAT FLAG
by Tameka Fryer Brown ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

- BOOK REVIEW
I AM RUBY BRIDGES
by Ruby Bridges ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

- PERSPECTIVES
Dispatch From the ALA Annual Meeting in Chicago

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SICK SIMON

by Dan Krall ; illustrated by Dan Krall ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 13, 2015

Though the science is not particularly solid, the message is an important one, and with the level of gross in the...

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Krall’s latest is a disgusting, tongue-in-cheek lesson in contagiousness.

Simon loves school so much that even a cold (with its attendant snotty nose) won’t keep him home. He kisses his family and boards the bus, proceeding to vomit out the window on the way: “He…had fun the whole way,” the text understates. The merest contact or proximity leads others to suddenly, and unrealistically, sport Simon’s symptoms. The week includes show-and-tell, a zoo field trip, a game of kickball and a child-free bus on Friday afternoon, all the children having finally succumbed to his illness. The three germs that have been following him around all week finally introduce themselves and high-five him for being such a “germ hero.” Horrified, Simon does his best to stop their spread, washing his hands, covering his mouth, resting and hydrating, though the same cannot be said for one classmate on Monday morning. Krall’s illustrations work in the ick factor, his Photoshopped characters sporting oozing and dripping poison-green noses as each comes into contact with Simon. Careful observers may spot the colorful germs before they introduce themselves, but even those who don’t will want to go back and try to find all their appearances.

Though the science is not particularly solid, the message is an important one, and with the level of gross in the illustrations, it is sure to get through to young audiences. (Picture book. 4-8)