The Children’s Book Review | March 11, 2014
Story by Bob Shea; Illustrated by Bob Shea
Age Range: 2-6
Hardcover: 40 Pages
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Books (June 25, 2013)
What to expect: Animals, Color, Sarcastic Humor
A beautifully illustrated, sarcastic tale of interspecies rivalry and friendship.
It isn’t easy being a Goat, especially when the new kid at school happens to be a Unicorn. Everything the Goat can do, the Unicorn can do better. Goat rides a bicycle, but Unicorn can fly; Goat decides to make marshmallow squares, then Unicorn makes it rain cupcakes; and when the Goat is showing off his break dancing moves at a talent contest, the Unicorn interrupts it all…by sliding in on a rainbow!
But it isn’t all rainbows for the Unicorn. Take that signature horn of his. Turns out, it’s not so very good for playing soccer. In fact, he deflates the ball every time he goes in for a header (unlike the goat, whose curved horns are perfect). Even Goat’s cloven hooves impress the Unicorn, who finds himself suddenly unhappy with his “stupid regular hooves.” In the end, Goat and Unicorn decide to combine their powers of uniqueness, becoming fast friends.
Bob Shea has created a fun story, whose use of sarcasm is a refreshing twist on the sometimes cloying language of books about friendship and individuality. The visuals are the real star here, however, from the choice of font, to the charmingly drawn animals whose faces are remarkably expressive. This is a great book for any child who likes animals – especially imaginary ones who bake.
Add this book to your collection: Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great
About the Author-Illustrator
Bob Shea (www.bobshea.com) is the author-illustrator of four Dinosaur vs. books, and many other picture books, including I’m a Shark (Balzer and Bray). He also wrote Big Plans, illustrated by Lane Smith. Dinosaur was inspired by his son, Ryan. Bob is an eager and talented promoter of his books. He has his own graphic design company and lives in Connecticut.
Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great, by Bob Shea, was reviewed by Trevor Laurence Jockims.