It's Okay to Be a Unicorn! by Jason Tharp
Published by Imprint on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1250311322
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

The town of Hoofington has a strict “No Unicorns” policy, but little do they know, there’s one in their midst. Cornelius J. Sparklesteed is known for his wonderfully unique hats, but the truth is that they’re there to cover his horn. When he’s given the opportunity to perform the final act at the annual Hoofapalooza, Cornelius decides to come out as the unicorn he really is.

The concept behind this book — be who you are — is a good one, but the execution misses the mark. The setting, all the associated puns and attempts at humor feel forced and like a distraction from the overall message. This isn’t a new theme in picture books and others (eg: Sweety; I Am Enough; or Julián is a Mermaid) just execute it more successfully. The cartoonish, highly colored illustrations are perfectly appropriate for the tone of the book. Best for kids 3 and up simply because there’s a fair amount of text on each page.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME