Sapphire's Special Power

February 1, 2021

Gr 2-4-In Twilight, Say Cheese! readers meet the shy Twilight on her first day at Unicorn University, a school that her entire family has attended before her. Not only is she nervous about her first day-and the traditional class picture she and her new classmates will need to plan and pose for-but she's also struggling to control an emergent special power that renders her invisible. Published simultaneously is Sapphire's Special Power, which finds Twilight's classmate Sapphire searching for her own unique power, and everyone at Unicorn University eagerly anticipating a visit from the illustrious Fairy Green, who is on her way to the annual Fairy Gathering. Both titles feature likable protagonists working to fit in and find their places in the magical setting of the school; the stories are largely sunny in tone and focus on friendship, empathy, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-acceptance. While the series title and cover design are sure to attract younger readers, some of the vocabulary may prove challenging (e.g., quizzically, askew, enthusiastically, refracted). VERDICT Unremarkable but likely to please fans of unicorns and other series such as Daisy Meadows's various fairy collections.-Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elem. Sch., Elkins Park, PA

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