Did you know that every April 9th, the United States celebrates National Unicorn Day? As long-beloved staples of children’s literature, this is a perfect time for kids to pull out their unicorn books and enjoy some fantastic adventure with the classic mythological creatures. But what if unicorns don’t particularly tickle their fancy? Well, maybe they just haven’t found the right unicorn book yet. In that spirit, we’ve collected some of our favorite unsung, underappreciated, and unconventional unicorn books that prove there’s a unicorn story for every young reader to enjoy.
The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris
Unicorns are typically majestic, awe-inspiring creatures… but not this one. No, the teeny-weeny unicorn is a laughingstock, a creature of diminutive size living in a palace built for much larger creatures (for instance, his older siblings often use him in place of a pawn during their chess games). After one snarky remark too many, the teeny-weeny unicorn runs off into the tall grass surrounding his palace, where he encounters a furious gnome even smaller than him. At the gnome’s insistence that the tiny unicorn has smashed her car, the teeny-weeny unicorn balks — he’s much too small to have done something so destructive! An adorable and clever tale of perspective, this read will leave readers with the message that, big or small, we’re all just the right size.
Nerdycorn by Andrew Root, Illustrated by Erin Kraan
In the magical land of unicorns, there are rainbows to leap spectacularly over and waterfalls to splash majestically through, but Fern has always been different. She prefers to build robots, conduct chemistry experiments, code computer programs, and read science textbooks and manuals. Fern is proud of who she is: in addition to being smart, she is also a good friend who always tries to help others. However, the other unicorns make fun of Fern and call her “Nerdycorn.” Hurt, Fern goes on strike, refusing to help them with their technical issues and mechanical problems anymore. Soon, the other unicorns begin to realize how important Fern’s knowledge — and her generous spirit — is to all of them. But is it too late to make amends? A sweet reminder of the importance of kindness and contrition, as well as the power to be found in being “different” and forgiving those who’ve earned it.
Unicorns Are The Worst! by Alex Willan
Life has been disastrous for the goblin narrator since the meadow next door was taken over by (ugh!) unicorns. All their prancing and glitter and harp music is utterly unbearable to the serious and studious goblin, who prefers to spend his days quietly learning spells and sorting ingredients. And don’t get him started on the tea parties, the ones they never even INVITE him to — not that he’d want to go anyway! Yet, when the goblin finds himself in a jam, he might be surprised at how useful those silly unicorn traits can be and why he should know not to judge a book by its cover. A nice way to show that there is value in our differences and that we shouldn’t judge the interests of others simply because they don’t align with our own, this title also kicks off a hilarious series that similarly explores misconceptions about dragons, yetis, elves, and mermaids.
It’s Okay To Be A Unicorn! by Jason Tharp
The town of Hoofington is populated entirely by equines: horses, ponies, but NOT unicorns, who are the subject of vicious rumors. Cornelius, a citizen of Hoofington, is a talented hatmaker; in fact, he’s positively never seen in public without one of his signature hat creations. Hoofington’s townsfolk are all a-tizzy, preparing for the yearly Hoofapalooza, an enormous festival of food and fun. Every year, the festival is capped off by a performance of epic proportions, and this year, Cornelius has been tapped to put on the show. He’s excited but also nervous; you see, Cornelius has a secret, and it may change his life in Hoofington forever. A clear allegory for marginalized people living in the closet (LGBTQ+ in particular), this sweet yet impactful tale of how rumors, hearsay, and preconceived notions can hurt our closest friends and neighbors ends with a triumphant celebration of community support that will make readers cheer.
Layla, the Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish with Jerdine Nolen, Illustrated by Jessica Gibson
A clever and meaningful picture book reimagining of Tiffany Haddish’s self-proclaimed “last black unicorn” identity, this tale begins with Layla, a beautiful black unicorn with a coily mane and tail who loves to spend her days exploring the woods. Layla is nervous about her first day attending school at Unicornia, and while her troll guardian assures her that she is ready, Layla is swiftly met by judgment from her classmates. The pastel-colored unicorns judge her appearance, “woodsy” background, and lack of knowledge about their games. When the class gets lost in the Fiddle Dee Deep Forest, however, Layla steps up to prove that differences and unique talents are often the things that make a group stronger. A fantastic examination of finding pride in one’s identity and a valuable affirmation of the beauty of Blackness.
Kevin the Unicorn: It’s Not All Rainbows by Jessika von Innerebner
“When you’re a unicorn, every day is filled with MAGICAL AWESOMENESS!” That’s the protocol in the magical land where Kevin the Unicorn lives, anyway: the social expectation is that unicorns should always be happy, spread positivity and fun without ceasing, and sparkle like their lives depend on it. So, the morning that Kevin wakes up on the wrong side of the bed — well, technically, the floor — he is struggling to maintain a cheery attitude, a struggle that only gets worse as his day does. Can he keep his cool and continue to follow the unicorn code of conduct, or will he melt down… yet perhaps inspire others to loosen their reins a bit too? Silly and goofy, this title nevertheless imparts a worthwhile message on the perils of perfectionism and how having a bad day is perfectly normal — as is supporting friends through theirs.
Invasion of the Unicorns by David Biedrzycki
An adorable little unicorn plushie? Or a top-secret alien agent bent on world domination? Bubble07 has successfully infiltrated the home of some unsuspecting Earthlings and can begin its observations of the human species. The Earthling Dog is suspicious, but Bubble07 is resourceful. However, what the alien was not prepared for were unusual Earthling activities such as camping, show-and-tell, and birthday parties. By Day 50 of its log entries, the spy begins to wonder if it’s losing objectivity, especially after experiencing snow days, bedtime story cuddles, and providing comfort to its sick owner. A sly, subversive, and hilarious tale that is both a satire of and a love letter to the beloved comfort toy, this story will have little readers rolling with laughter while wishing for an alien unicorn of their own.
Manolo and the Unicorn by Jackie Azúa Kramer and Jonah Kramer, Illustrated by Zach Manbeck
Manolo believes in the magic that surrounds us and longs to one day meet his favorite animal: a unicorn. The young boy is positively enchanted by their wild grace and mystique, so when he and his fellow students are called to don a costume of their favorite animal in the next day’s Wild Animal Parade, Manolo proudly announces that he will be a unicorn. In response, several students snicker while informing their peer that not only are boys not supposed to like unicorns, such creatures don’t exist. Disillusioned, Manolo feels as though the world is entirely less magical, until an unexpected visitor arrives to lead him on a journey of discovery. Believer or not, readers of all ages will be spellbound by this understated yet rich tale of finding (and making) magic in a cynical world.
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
Kelp was born under the ocean but isn’t quite like the other narwhals: his tusk isn’t as long, and he’s not a strong swimmer. Still, he loves his home and his friends, who always make him feel safe and loved. But one day, a strong current sweeps Kelp away from his home. He ends up near an island, where he sees a fabulous creature that looks just like him! He learns that the animal is called a unicorn, and he is one too! The unicorns welcome him gladly and teach him more about being a unicorn. Yet, while Kelp is happy to be with unicorns like him, he misses his narwhal friends in the ocean. Kelp is caught between two worlds — which should he choose? Kelp’s experiences with the narwhals and unicorns can be read as a touching allegory for intersectionality, with his connection to each group bringing them closer together. It’s a great way to show children that with supportive friends and family, being different can be just another part of what makes someone special.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy these unconventional unicorn tales and that they inspire a new perspective of our favorite mythological equines. Happy reading!
To learn more about Unicorns Are the Worst! author and illustrator Alex Willan, check out his exclusive one-on-one interview with Bookstr.
For all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
