Book Review: Adventures of Unicorn and Friends

Reviewed by Audrey Davis

A heartfelt collection of positivity

Anabelle the unicorn does not feel accepted by the other unicorns around her. She feels excluded because of her appearance—her horn having not grown straight—and yet she is brimming with optimism. 

When she comes across Hampton the hedgehog lost in the woods one day, the two become fast friends and connect over their worries and desires for the future and how they can help others. 

“Never underestimate what you can do, […] and the differences you can make.”

Dr. Jonas Rockhold presents us with a moving collection of three stories about Anabelle, Hampton, and those they meet and help, particularly at Christine’s animal refuge. It is important for children to learn that stress and difficult situations do not have to be conquered alone; sometimes, one may need support, and simply talking to a friend can be the important reminder that someone cares and is listening. 

The illustrations in this book are active, colorful, and plentiful. The stories do a great job driving home the strong message of positivity and finding one’s place in the world. As humans (or unicorns or hedgehogs), our differences and uniqueness are both part of life; they make us who we are and should be accepted and appreciated. 

“As the two friends talked, they understood how friends need to take care of each other. No two people have the same needs; we must adapt to what we need and what our friends require.”

At times, the language and concepts discussed can seem a little lofty or difficult for children ten and under to comprehend fully on their own. The word “conducive,” the idea of fulfillment in life, the loss of a spouse, financial hardship, and securing money from an investor to name a few.

Additionally, some of the characters’ dialogue, such as extended greetings or repeated intentions, can slow down the stories. Many of the book’s messages happen in the characters’ self-realizations and reflections. Discussions surrounding death also happen in a few instances, but death is never explicitly stated or introduced with the intention of normalization. These stories put priority on providing the reader with memorable affirmations of positivity rather than showing these concepts through a plot-line.

Even so, these stories provide a wholesome message for children to keep in mind as they begin to come into their own and explore the world and their place within it. “Be positive, because each day brings new challenges and new opportunities.”

Readers can definitely expect cute, vibrant pictures and an overwhelmingly positive message of caring, listening, learning about others. Children deserve optimistic encouragement surrounding the future and how they interact with others, and these stories set excellent examples of good values and positive mentalities to foster.

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