The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris
Published by Random House Children's Books on 2024
ISBN: 0593571886
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Shawn Harris’ newest picture book is, The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn, with his renowned illustration style using heavily textured, and colorful oil pastels. Our main character is an uncharacteristically small unicorn who lives in a large palace with his large unicorn brother and sister. Because our (unnamed) teeny-weeny unicorn is so small, he is often the target of criticism from his family members. He runs off into the palace lawn in despair and accidentally damages a tiny gnome’s car. The gnome is furious and demands compensation. Luckily, the palace has loads of gold and the gnome is content. It ends with a hopeful quote saying, “We are all teeny-weeny. We are all giant. And we are all just the right size.”

This story started off unique and enchanting, but quickly lost charm and had remarks that set a harsh tone towards the middle of the story. Fans of Harris’ dry humor might really enjoy this type of dialogue, but it feels geared towards ages 5 and older. I give the story 3 stars, particularly for Harris’ illustrations and creativity with language, but this one leans a little too far into the bizarre.

Reviewed By Argia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath