Published: 2020
Author: Jason Tharp
Genres: Picture Books, Unicorns, Childrens, LGBT, Storytime, Animals, Banned Books, Fantasy, Self Esteem, Humor
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades PreK-2
Number of Stars: 5-Stars
Goodreads Link: It’s Okay to Be a Unicorn!
Triggers: None
Review By: Molly Clark
Publisher’s Summary
Cornelius J. Sparklesteed is known among all the other horses in Hoofington for his beautiful and creative handmade hats. But Cornelius is hiding a secret under his own tall, pointy hat: He’s really a unicorn.
Hoofington is a friendly place, but its horses pass on lots of mean rumors about unicorns. When Cornelius is chosen to perform for this year’s Hoofapalooza, will he find the courage to show everyone his unicorniness?
Review
I broke one of my cardinal rules of librarianship and read this book to a class before reading it myself. I was showing them a box of new books that had just arrived and they begged me to read this one. I mean, who can resist that cover? And it’s a unicorn story after all!
The author tries too hard with horse puns, making the story a little clunky for reading aloud. Aside from that, this is a delightful tale about hiding your true self in order to fit in until you build up the courage to show who you really are. The horses of Hoofington openly hate unicorns, but they love Cornelius and respect his advice. Will they still love Cornelius when they find out he’s a unicorn?
The abundant use of rainbow colors makes it clear that the author is not just talking about unicorns here, which makes this a fine addition to an elementary library. Honestly, I think all ages would enjoy this reminder that it’s ok to be your true self.
Classroom & Curricular Connections
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) / Self-Esteem: This picture book is a fantastic resource for helping lower elementary students explore themes of self-acceptance, identity, and the courage to show one’s true self. It handles the idea of masking who you are to fit into a community and the anxiety of social acceptance in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
- Inclusion / Community: The text can be used in classrooms to discuss how communities build prejudices based on “mean rumors” and how meeting or knowing individuals can dismantle those preconceptions.
- Activity Idea: Pair the reading of this book with a creative hat-making craft. Similar to Cornelius’s creative handmade hats, students can design their own paper crowns or pointed party hats decorated with drawings, stickers, and colors that express their unique personalities and favorite things. Have students wear their hats to celebrate their individuality during a classroom or library parade.
Diversity & Representation:
The book supports LGBTQ+ and diversity representation metaphorically through Cornelius’s struggle with hiding his true “unicorniness” and the prominent, intentional use of rainbow-colored illustrations. It serves as a highly accessible, positive, and affirming story about coming out, being proud of who you are, and demanding acceptance from your peers.
Readalikes
- It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr
- Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds
- Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea
- Llama Glamarama by Simon James Green
- Oddbird by Derek Desierto
- Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey
