A New Friend for Sparkle

May 29, 2017
Lucy and her goatish pet unicorn from A Unicorn Named Sparkle bring another friend into the mix in a sequel that recognizes that three can be a crowd. After Lucy’s friend Cole shows up for a play date, Sparkle feels like the odd unicorn out; then Lucy gets jealous as Sparkle and Cole bond over banging on a drum. With no adults around (perhaps because of all the drumming) the three work things out on their own. Young’s story covers familiar friendship-trouble terrain, but both text and art are keenly sensitive to the delicate emotions at play. Ages 4–7. Agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt.

April 15, 2017
When Cole arrives, best friends Sparkle and Lucy learn to navigate friendship as a trio.Sparkle the unicorn-goat and Lucy, his determined girl owner, return (A Unicorn Named Sparkle, 2016), this time for a play date. Jealousy rears its ugly horn when new-kid Cole and Lucy hit it off, causing Sparkle to sabotage their fun. Drumming brings the quadruped around, but then it's Lucy's turn to feel left out. Music ultimately unites the three, as they drum and dance to one another's beat. Appealing illustrations, done in pen with pastel washes of color, are warm and inviting. Expressive characters with silly poses may invoke giggles. While the first book focused on Lucy's fanciful imagination and the contrast of her expectations with reality, this story is linear and potentially the more satisfying of the two. Aside from the cover, there is no glitter and fewer rainbows, but the entertaining narrative panels enhance the playful text. Later, when Sparkle and the curly, black-haired Lucy (who has a peach complexion, a couple shades darker than blond, pale-skinned Cole's) share a cupcake, they also share a moment, realizing they can make new friends and still be best friends. A lively tale about the changing dynamics of friendship. (Picture book. 3-7)

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May 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2-Another of Young's lively adventures about a lovable goat-unicorn and his friend and owner, Lucy. Lucy's new friend Cole is coming over to play, and Sparkle has his first experience with being the odd unicorn out, leading to an action-packed playdate. The words and illustrations convey Sparkle's emotions as he watches Lucy and Cole play without him; his hurt feelings eventually result in destruction and a tantrum. Sparkle mopes after Lucy scolds him, but Cole catches his attention with a drum, and soon Cole and Sparkle strike up a lively round of song and dance. Tables have turned, and readers witness Lucy's emotional response as she sees Cole and Sparkle connecting without her. This is the perfect tale for young students as they begin to make friends, and will introduce them to the concepts of empathy and understanding and hopefully encourage kindness and conscientious behavior. VERDICT An excellent addition to any children's collection, especially where unicorns are a fan favorite and the curriculum supports social and emotional learning.-Meghan Oppelt, Whitehall School District, WI

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