Unicorn Is Maybe Not So Great After All

by Bob Shea, Bob Shea (Illustrator)

Overview

Unicorn's on a quest to get his groove back in this must-have companion to the kid-favorite bestseller Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great

You remember Unicorn. You know, Goat's friend? The one who can fly, make it rain cupcakes, and turn things into gold? On the first day of school, Unicorn expects to make his usual big splash. But no one pays him much attention—the other kids are much more interested in the latest trend in toys: rubber bands that look like other things. Unicorn comes up with a plan to get his mojo back, but his efforts turn out to be more annoying than impressive. Can Goat help him recover his magic, or is Unicorn destined to a life of mediocrity?

Don't miss the hilarious book that started it all, Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great by Bob Shea!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781368009447
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	07/09/2019
Series:	Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great , #2
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 10.60(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Bob Shea has written many popular books for children, including Chez Bob, Who Wet My Pants?, Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great and the Dinosaur vs. … series. He lives in Madison, Connecticut and he invites you to visit his website at bobshea.com.

Editorial Reviews

Shea's irreverent, high-energy humor is the perfect camouflage for a message about sharing the stage.

The New York Times Book Review - Maria Russo

05/20/2019

In a sequel to Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great, it’s the first day of school and Unicorn’s confidence hasn’t waned: “There’s nothing to be nervous about!” he assures his friend Goat. “Let me go first, in case there are photographers.” But his big entrance doesn’t get the reception he’d expected—his animal classmates (including some familiar faces) are distracted by other diversions, including “rubber bands that look like other things” and a poster advertising a visit from “Famous Author Bob Shea.” Unicorn hatches a plan to reinvent himself with a “sassy new look,” featuring go-go boots, a rainbow wig, and fake teeth. The garb proves more alarming than whimsical, however, and Unicorn ends up home alone sobbing in a ragged bathrobe. Luckily, true friends appreciate the real Unicorn, who, they communicate, is “MAGICAL!” just the way he is. Through his relatable, flawed hero, Shea suggests that one can be authentic and special without being a diva. Ages 3–5. (July)

Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR THE HAPPIEST BOOK EVER

*"The interactive components will have readers shaking and flipping - and most of all laughing - their ways through its pages. A wonderful rethinking of the picture book as its own character. Wacky, zany, and downright fun."— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

From the Publisher

08/01/2019

PreS-Gr 1—Unicorn is ready to start school with his friend Goat, but becomes upset when he is not the center of attention. In an attempt to win back favor, Unicorn dons a new fancy look, covers everyone in glitter, and throws flaming birthday cakes into a crowded soccer game. He is told to go home, leaving Unicorn to doubt himself and his friendships. Shea never fails to deliver and the follow-up to Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great does not disappoint. Unicorn and Goat's classmates include some familiar Shea characters, including Dinosaur and Ballet Cat, along with a humorous ice cream cone and piece of toast. Much like Unicorn, the illustrations dazzle and excite, and the text is hilarious and packed with rich vocabulary for young readers. Text and images in the margins and background are equally as engaging and funny, inviting readers to revisit the pages again and again for small details one might have missed. While Unicorn is home and depressed following his failed attempts at gaining positive attention, the pages take on a darker tone. His eyes become bloodshot and he wears a bathrobe, another example of subtle details that are among Shea's strengths. Eventually, the pages return to a cheerful palette of pastels and sparkles once readers reach the happy ending complete with a valuable lesson about friendship. VERDICT A sensational choice for any collection and a welcome addition for Shea's many fans.—Kaitlin Malixi, Kensington Health Sciences Academy, Philadelphia

School Library Journal

★ 2019-05-08
Following Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great (2013), the extra-special equine is back for the first day of school, and he's having trouble with the fact that he doesn't stand out in the crowd.

Thinking quite highly of himself, Unicorn is confident on the first day, while best friend Goat suffers from "contractually obligated first-day jitters." But later, their situations are reversed. Unicorn is chagrined that all anyone can focus on are "rubber bands that look like other things" (Shea skewers the decade-old Silly Bandz craze). Unicorn decides to regain the spotlight with a new, improved version of himself: He'll be a "new-nicorn," complete with rainbow wig and fake tail, colored contacts, "horn enhancer," and an attitude and personality to match. His friends' reactions don't faze him in the slightest: "Why are you drawn like that?" a pig speculates metafictively. But his narcissism and lack of respect for other people's space and boundaries mean he tromps (sometimes literally) all over his peers. "Go home, Unicorn!" A depressed and depressing day at home ends with the doorbell: Unicorn's friends have missed him even though he's "been super-annoying." Hysterical side commentary and even funnier details in the cartoon illustrations will keep readers coming back again and again for more of Shea's irreverent, tongue-in-cheek humor.

And if readers learn a lesson about humility along the way? That's just the icing on Unicorn's flaming birthday cakes. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews