Manolo & the Unicorn
By: Jackie Azúa Kramer & Jonah Kramer
Illustrated by: Zach Manbeck
Published: April 18, 2023a
Publisher: Cameron Kids
Fiction
I’m sharing this one a little before the publishing date because tomorrow, Sunday, April 9, is National Unicorn Day. It’s a perfect day for those who love all things unicorns, but like this book, it is also a day to remember the magic of imagination and that it’s okay to believe in your dreams.
Manolo is excited when his teacher shares that tomorrow is the Wild Animal Parade and the class can dress up as their favorite wild animal. Kids exclaim that they will be dressing up as koalas, peacocks, and lions. Manolo excitedly announces that he will be a unicorn. Manolo loves unicorns and keeps a daily journal about his quest to spot a unicorn on his way to and from school. Unfortunately, Manolo’s announcement is met with jeers, snickers, and teasing from the other students and Manolo’s walk home is sad. That night, Manolo has the most amazing dream.
“A unicorn will only reveal itself to those who are pure of heart.
Unicorns live in a secret place by a waterfall.
And one strand of a unicorn’s tail is as strong as iron.”
The next day, Manolo has the most amazing costume that stuns his classmates into silence. Once he gives his speech all about unicorns, the class responds excitedly with questions and Manolo never walks home with his head down again.
This magical story includes beautiful illustrations of unicorns and children and a magical meeting with a unicorn. The authors and illustrator both hope to create stories that reflect children who maybe don’t see themselves in other children’s books and remind them it is ok to keep dreaming of magical places and things. I loved this special story because I was also a child who loved unicorns. I have even kept a few of my favorite unicorn items in our home today.
Jackie Azúa Kramer is an award-winning children’s book author whose books include Dorothy & Herbert: An Ordinary Couple and Their Extraordinary Collection of Art, published by Cameron Kids. Her hopes are to write stories that reflect who children see in the mirror and what they see out of their windows. She lives with her family in Long Island, New York. To learn more, visit her website, HERE.
Jonah Kramer is a New York City-based actor, singer, dancer, and now children’s book author. He has traveled as a performer both nationally and internationally. He is delighted to coauthor his first book with his amazing mom.
Zach Manbeck is a children’s book author and illustrator who loves to create stories that advocate for characters that haven’t yet had a chance to live in books. He lives in Philadelphia. To learn more, visit his website, HERE.
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Book Review, Children's books, fiction, imagination, Jackie Azúa Kramer, Jonah Kramer, unicorn, Zach Manbeck