Unicorns Are the Worst!

July 15, 2020
A goblin is completely unimpressed with unicorns, especially now that they're neighbors. This goblin protagonist has been living in peace for hundreds of years until unicorns "move into the meadow next door." Unicorns aren't the only magical creatures out there, the narrator reminds readers tartly. Goblins can do magic spells, like turning slugs into socks, while unicorns just frolic around and play their harps. And there's always "SO. MUCH. GLITTER!" Someone needs to be serious about the work of magic, and it isn't the unicorns. Caught up in complaining, the goblin fails to notice a pair of glowing eyes lurking in the forest. In times of great danger, unicorns prove that the things the goblin didn't like are unicorns' greatest strengths. Through humor, action, and, yes, glitter, the goblin learns not to make assumptions and judge others. The goblin's evident hurt feelings at not being invited to unicorn tea parties also convey its own subtle message. The goblin's irascible narration, conveyed largely in dialogue balloons, is delightfully funny and perfect for reading aloud. The colorful and eye-catching illustrations add to the hilarity of the text, with startling shifts in compositional perspective aiding the goblin's own perspective change. The unicorns are whimsically candy-colored while the comically noseless goblin, more practical and serious, is portrayed often in shadow or against duller backgrounds. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 62.6% of actual size.) A fun, fresh take on unicorns--oh, and goblins, too. (Picture book. 4-8)

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