August Picture Books Spotlight: Unicorns!

From time to time, I take special requests for themes from the young people that I visit for storytimes. Last month, I had a request for unicorn books and this month, I am so excited to deliver some really delightful titles to our storytime sites! Below are some of my favorites this year!


Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey
Author of the beloved Pig the Pug series, Blabey delivers another delightful story in rhyme! Thelma is a pony who dreams of a life in the spotlight. After a chance encounter with a paint and glitter truck, Thelma embarks on a lifestyle of the rich and famous. The illustrations are a delight as is the story itself, definitely fun for the whole family.

 

Twinkle, Twinkle Unicorn by Jeffrey Burton and illustrated by Zoe Waring
A magical take on a beloved nursery rhyme, this story gives the ability to change the words and not the vibe! This board book is so great to share with young ones as it is not only a story in rhyme, but it can be sung. Singing is a great way to begin those super important early literacy skills.

 

You Don’t Want a Unicorn by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Liz Climo
You might be thinking that having a pet unicorn would be awesome. I mean, yes, but, unicorns do not make very good pets. Unicorns are so messy and what nobody talks about is that when they get lonely, chaos ensues! This story is so much fun to share and I will forever keep it in my lineup when unicorns are a part of the theme!

 

There’s a Unicorn in Your Book by Tom Fletcher and illustrated by Greg Abbott
Unicorns love to sing and spread joy but our friend unicorn is having a hard time in this story. Through interactive prompts, young readers help unicorn overcome what is bothering him! My kiddos at home and those that I get to read to all enjoy having the ability to help read the book! The illustrations are adorable and the content teaches about anxiety, consent, and the importance of friendships!

Unicorns are Real! by Holly Hatam
Unicorns are made of magic, glitter, hugs and kisses and so much more! Learn more about unicorns in this adorably illustrated board book sure to delight young readers.

 

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
Kelp was born in the ocean among the narwhals but never quite fit in. Kelp’s tusk wasn’t long enough, he was a poor swimmer, and did not like the same food that his narwhal family loved. One day after being swept into a current, Kelp discovers a mysterious being in the distance that looks like him! This story also have gorgeous illustrations and shows the kiddos that you really can have it all sometimes!

 

Today I’ll Be a Unicorn by Dana Simpson
One day a young girl wakes up and decides that she wants to be a unicorn like her best friend! Throughout the story, the child shares just what she would do once a unicorn. The story takes a turn when a unicorn’s diet is introduced! Do you want to be a unicorn or give up your favorite food?! This story was short and adorable!

 

That’s Not my Unicorn by Fiona Watt
Meet five beautiful unicorns, one is the author’s unicorn but the other’s are not! This touch and feel book was well-received by my storytime kiddos and my daughter has loved everything that Watt has ever written!

 


Have you read any of these titles? I would love to hear about what you thought of them in the comments!

Celebrate Humbug Day with Picture Books Featuring Characters with Big Feelings

Blue book with a grumpy expression

December 21st is Humbug Day, a day to feel your feelings and allow yourself to be grumpy. As someone who loves the complexity of moody main characters, I wanted to share some of my favorites! By sharing stories of characters with big feelings, it helps children learn empathy and better understand the world around them.

Below is a short list of titles featuring characters with big feelings for you to share with the young people in your life!

 

Red cover with a character showcasing an angry face

Little Mad by Nadine Brun-Cosme and Marion Cocklico (Illustrator)  

Little One feels so upset that playtime is over that…poof! She becomes Little Mad!

In this reassuring board book about first feelings, little ones will be able to relate and learn from Little Mad as she learns how to calm down after getting upset. The perfect book for parents and little ones to share, this story proves that sometimes, when you’re feeling mad, all you need is a friend to be by your side.– provided by Goodreads.

 

a red panda, narwhal, and monkey all containing different emotions.

 

A Day Full of Feelings: Beginning Baby by Chronicle Books

New in the Beginning Baby board book Join an adorable group of animal friends for a day at school that’s full of feelings! Whether they are sad or glad, shy or excited, the friends know it’s important to express their many emotions.-provided by Goodreads.

 

 

A sad blue fish

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna (Illustrator)  

Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading “dreary wearies” isn’t really his destiny.– provided by Goodreads.

 

 

 

Blue book with a grumpy expression

A Very Cranky Book by Angela DiTerlizzi and Tony DiTerlizzi

Cranky doesn’t want to be read. He just wants you to leave him alone. After all, there are so many other things you can do–ride a bike, play a game, or draw a picture. There’s no reason for you to be bothering him! But when other books show up for story time, will Cranky change his mind?-provided by Goodreads.

 

 

 

 

Bear, bunny, and mouse holding onto an umbrella flying away.


Bruce’s Big Storm
by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce’s home is already a full house.

But when a big storm brings all his woodland neighbors knocking, he’ll have to open his door to a crowd of animals in need of shelter-whether he likes it or not. Readers will love this next installment of the uproarious, award-winning Mother Bruce series.-provided by Goodreads.

a grumpy bear with 3 geese


1 Grumpy Bruce
by Ryan T. Higgins

Long-suffering Bruce once again contends with an increasingly crowded household, this time in an original board book where young ones can count the never-ending party guests. Full of fun characters and humor, 1 Grumpy Bruce is just right for our littlest readers.-provided by Goodreads.

 

 

A blue pigeon

The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems

Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?!provided by Goodreads.

 

 

 

Large bear and a small duck.

Goodnight Already! by Jory John and Benji Davies (Illustrator)

Meet Bear. He’s exhausted. All he wants is to go to sleep. Meet Duck, Bear’s persistent next-door neighbor. All he wants is to hang out . . . with Bear.- provided by Goodreads.