Google+

Manolo and the Unicorn -- New Picture Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today we are sharing the third (of four) picture books that were released this week. It delves into the magic all around us and especially in the world of children. It also is about dreaming, believing in oneself and so much more! The book is Manolo and the Unicorn by Jackie Azua Kramer and Johnah Kramer and illustrated by Zach Manbeck. It is recommended for ages 5 to 7. To go along with the book there is a unicorn craft round-up as well!


From the Publisher:

A story about seeing and believing wholeheartedly in the extraordinary—unicorns and oneself.

To Manolo the world is a magical place—a place where he searches for the most magical creature of all: a unicorn. Manolo loves unicorns. When the Wild Animal Parade is announced at school, and Manolo declares that he will come as his favorite animal, his classmates say there is no such thing as unicorns, making the world feel ordinary. That is, until Manolo meets a real unicorn—wild and graceful—and discovers that the world is truly extraordinary.


From Me:

Do you remember when the world was magical? Or perhaps you remember seeing your child(ren) experience the magic of the world? A time when there was something to believe in like the Tooth Fairy or Santa Claus. Or maybe it was dragons or fairies. And just perhaps it was, like Manolo, unicorns. Manolo believes in unicorns and unicorns are his favorite animal. This believe helps him see magic all around him. He does things like feed rabbits dandelions and listen to the frogs because the world is magical. Then at school he is told his dream of seeing a unicorn is impossible. The kids tell him that unicorns do not exist and that boys don't like unicorns. (Yup, there is a gender stereotype in this book.) Manolo is devastated. The magic around him disappears, and the world seems ordinary. 


While in his despair a unicorn appears and takes Manolo for an adventure. The next morning he awakens with the gift from the unicorn in his hands. He gets busy making his costume for the parade. When his teacher asks Manolo to tell the class about unicorns, he is full of information and the kids are in awe. 

I love how this book shares the magic of childhood and its beliefs. I also love that it is a boy who believes in unicorns and loves them. The backgrounds are at times blurry giving the aura of dreams and magic. The illustrations are beautiful and fun. The story shares about a boy and his dream as well as how mean other kids can be. Plus how resilient kids can be as well. It also is about believing in oneself, and Manolo learns this at a young age. 



Craft Round-Up

The obvious thing to go with this book is a unicorn craft. I gathered some from other bloggers to share with you. Enjoy!

Paper Based Unicorn Crafts


1) Easy Zentangle Art for Kids from Messy Little Monster

2) Printable Unicorn I Spy Game from Next Comes L

3) Editable Unicorn (Sight Word) Board Game from Fun Learning for Kids

4) Unicorn Party Placemat from Growing Play

5) How to Draw a Unicorn from Growing Play

6) Unicorn Templates from Mombrite

7) Handprint Unicorn Craft from Simple Everyday Mom

8) Spanish Color By Number Unicorn Printables from Lorena and Lennox Bilingual Beginnings

9) Unicorn Matching Game from Homeschool of 1

10) Unicorn Toilet Paper Roll Craft from Fun Money Mom

11) Unicorn Toilet Paper Roll Craft from Simple Everyday Mom

12) Easy Origami Unicorns from Pink Stripey Socks

13) Unicorn Rainbow Puppet from Simple Everyday Mom

14) DIY Unicorn Valentine (Card) Box from Mombrite

15) Unicorn Bookmark Craft from Fun Money Mom


Non-Paper Based Unicorn Crafts

1) Unicorn Craft from Living Life and Learning

2) Unicorn Mason Jar Night Light from Crafts by Amanda

3) Unicorn Patch for Pillow or Bag

4) Unicorn Air Dry Clay Bowl from Messy Little Monster

5) DIY Unicorn Pencil Holder from Crafts on Sea

6) DIY Unicorn Horn Bath Bombs from Dollar Crafter

7) Unicorn Play Dough from Fun-A-Day

8) Unicorn Slime from Fun-A-Day

9) Unicorn Playdough Mat Printables from Homeschool Share