Little Unicorn Is Shy

February 15, 2020
Preschool-G In this series, when a unicorn is overcome by feeling angry, sad, scared, or shy, its sumptuous forelock, mane, and tail change color. What's really helpful for children about this display, as well as the writing itself, is that the unicorns are not totally identified by the emotion, which is situational and manageable. The book starts by linking the appealingly tubby creatures to kids by saying that unicorns feel all kinds of emotions, just like you. Here, Little Unicorn is in a situation that makes him feel shy?his birthday. Various triggers?the whole class singing Happy Birthday, the baker handing Little Unicorn a lollipop, and a party with family and friends?lead to Little Unicorn feeling embarrassed, shy, and many other emotions all at once. The simple line drawings focus on Little Unicorn himself as he responds in the different scenes. The solution here is a breathing exercise?this time, one in which Little Unicorn combines special breathing with imagination. A good mix of unicorn charm and empowering advice.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)