WELCOME TO UNICORN SCHOOL

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.