Welcome to unicorn school

PreS-Gr 1--This rhyming story about a little blue unicorn, Rocky, who has a successful first day at school will be reassuring to parents and children. In his excitement for the beginning of school, Rocky rises before his mom and brother. He makes his lunch and dresses himself without any help, but with a lot of mess! After this whirlwind of activity, Rocky confesses to his mom that he feels "a little stressed." She assures him that he can overcome any challenges and that her love for him, as evidenced by the heart sewn on his sweater, will also help him face his self-doubt. With these reassurances, Rocky rushes into the classroom and works furiously on his art project. However, when Rocky accidentally rips his artwork, he wonders if he will be asked to leave school. At that moment, he makes his first friend, a shy unicorn girl named Sparks who is feeling insecure and turns to Rocky for support. Together, they navigate the remaining activities with smiles, and Rocky ends the day by giving Sparks a heart as a reminder of his support. Vivid, childlike illustrations depict anthropomorphized unicorns with big heads whose coats come in a variety of colors. The unicorns live in little storybook cottages, either perched in trees or on the ground. VERDICT A sweet reminder that although school might initially appear to be challenging, with the support of parents and friends, learning will be fun.--Sally A. James

A young unicorn puts a positive spin on a stressful first day of school. Rocky, a blue unicorn with a spiky mane and yellow horn, is anxious about starting school. Even his mother has some "big feelings on this very special day." She sews a heart on his sweater's sleeve for him to stroke when he's feeling worried. Rocky wants to do his best. Although the day starts well, Rocky trips and rips his drawing. Embarrassed, he sits by himself at recess, fretting that he'll be asked to leave school. Then he meets Sparks, who's worried she's "not so good at school." The heart on his sleeve is proof that Rocky's mother believes in him, so Rocky decides to pay it forward and believe in Sparks. They form a team and face school together. "When Sparks is feeling nervous, / Rocky reminds her that she shines, / and when Rocky is unsteady, / Sparks helps him feel just fine." At the end of the day, the two are best friends. The book's brightly colored cartoon illustrations add joy and energy to the story. Careful readers will note a rainbow of some sort on each spread. Several unicorns wear glasses, and one unicorn parent uses a wheelchair. The text is upbeat and reassuring, though adults may want to preread due to some unusual word order. An uplifting school tale with plenty of heart. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.