Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great by Bob Shea

Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary) their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. “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.Īnd if readers learn a lesson about humility along the way? That’s just the icing on Unicorn’s flaming birthday cakes.Īll the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.Įach spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. But his narcissism and lack of respect for other people’s space and boundaries mean he tromps (sometimes literally) all over his peers.

His friends’ reactions don’t faze him in the slightest: “Why are you drawn like that?” a pig speculates metafictively. 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. 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). 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. 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.

Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great by Bob Shea