Sophie Johnson: Unicorn Expert

Introducing Sophie Johnson: self-confessed unicorn expert, mythical educator and wearer of tutus. 

     This gorgeously colourful picture book shows a day in the life of Miss Johnson, as she shows us the highs and lows of living with 17 unicorns (including her brother, dog and various teddies with their own horns, excluding the real one that just walked in....)!! 

This picture does not do this amazing front cover justice. Pls buy for yourself.

     Unfortunately, Sophie Johnson is so preoccupied with making sure her unicorns are protected, away from balloons and are well educated in magic, that she doesn't notice the real unicorn in her house! 

    I think parents/guardians/teachers/other adults will have fun reading this book with their children, as they notice the unicorn, despite Sophie remaining oblivious! It's a classic "IT'S BEHIND YOU!" situation, which is always funny. There's something really special for kids about these kind of interactive books where we know something our main character doesn't. It encourages a sense of achievement, whilst also being totes hilar. 

    The relationship between text and illustrations is a key part of a book's success, I think, because if if they don't fit together, books can be difficult to connect with. Morag Hood's text and Ella Okstad's illustrations are the perfect partnership. What is left unsaid by Hood is presented in plain sight by Okstad, which is why this simple little story has a subtle comedic tone. This is my favourite element of this book. 

    Ella Okstad is an incredible illustrator and I can't believe I have never seen her work before! Sophie's red dress is so adorable, a classic LRD (Little Red Dress), which looks like it is drawn with crayon, and at one point is teamed with a blue tutu. Sophie Johnson: Unicorn Expert? More like Sophie Johnson: Fashion Expert™. The unicorn itself is really also sweet: the startled facial expression and luscious, colourful mane are my favourite little details. 

 BUTTON RATING:

   

Has anyone else read this book? Let me know what you/your little ones think in the comments!

Bye x

Add some colour to your bookshelf and buy Sophie Johnson: Unicorn Expert at Amazon, Waterstones or WH Smith, or wherever you buy your books! 

PSA: I read recently that lower-income families get their books from places such as WH Smith, rather than Waterstones, so from now on I will also be linking this option. Not sure it will make a huge difference, but this is my small way of making sure that people know that you can buy cool books from anywhere. Also, libraries are fab.