Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert

August 15, 2018
This story's protagonist is extremely serious about her favorite subject: Every waking moment is spent conducting research about and training the 17 unicorns in her midst.From a stuffed rabbit with a carrot held on by a headband and a toy ambulance outfitted with a toothbrush to a baby sibling with a cone tied to their bald dome, everything in Sophie's orbit becomes a captive student unicorn. Leading by example, the earnest girl in oversized spectacles lectures her unicorns on how to stalk food with a bow and arrow and how to avoid balloons, all the while managing horn regrowth. Soon, the willing playmates notice an actual unicorn, first spotted carrying a rainbow suitcase and strolling in the cotton-candy and candy-cane forest on the title page. The silent creature sits in on the classes, wide-eyed and observant, but Sophie is too absorbed in her mission to notice. White backgrounds showcase the individual and joint activities of the lively figures as the understated, first-person narrative unfolds. Okstad creates depth and energy by foregrounding solid colors and placing pastel patterns, floating shapes, and architectural details outlined in thin black lines in the background. Sophie has black hair, and she and her toddler sib are paper-white.From the sparkling shower of confetti on the book cover to the high-octane antics of an obsessed fan in a flower-petal tutu, this imaginative tale of a unicorn (non)sighting will appeal to the legions of fellow enthusiasts. (Picture book. 4-6)

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November 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 1-Sophie Johnson is a self-proclaimed unicorn expert. The "unicorns" in her care include her baby brother, dog, and stuffed animals. Sophie teaches them about magic, finding food, and other important facts, like pointy unicorn horns can puncture balloons. The cover alone will make it a popular choice for public libraries. Above a drawing of Sophie and one of her unicorns are sparkles including gold colored ones that capturing the magical feeling of this title. Inside, the brightly colored cartoon art is charming. The text and illustrations complement each other. For example, with the text "Sometimes my unicorns lose their horns," the illustrations show her dog digging in the backyard. VERDICT A excellent choice for storytime collections. The visual appeal and imaginative story line will appeal to many.-Robin Sofge, Prince William Public Library System, VA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2018
Preschool-G If there's one thing young Sophie Johnson knows, it's unicorns. And sharing her home with them ( I think I have 17 at the moment, she relates) takes commitment, care, and guidance. After gathering her unicorn menagerie, all clad in the horns she's made?including her little brother, in tiny cone hat; toys wearing toothbrushes; even a rabbit in special carrot horn ?activities can begin, with lessons in performing magic, finding food, and avoiding potential hazards ( Balloons! ), among others. Of course, things can get chaotic ( I try to explain that magic is more important than mess, but I don't think Mom understands ) and occasionally horns need replacing. Eventually, though, the day comes to a close, with a self-congratulatory sentiment and a well-earned snack. Expressive, blue-bespectacled Sophie's matter-of-fact narrative contrasts humorously with the animated, vibrant, and scribbly-lined illustrations depicting what's actually happening. Readers are sure to be particularly charmed by the appearance of a portly, rainbow-maned unicorn, who manages to earn the attention of everyone but Sophie. An entertaining story, touched with whimsy, that unicorn aficionados especially will enjoy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)