Ages 3 to 6

Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great

Bob Shea

Ages 3 to 6

About this age guidance

Kirkus: 3–6; Publishers Weekly: 2–6; LibraryMom: 4 and up

The age tag follows Kirkus review. Other sources may suggest different ages. This is audience guidance, not an independent reading level.

Listed in a roundup of books about comparing and jealousy. The blogger says Goat finds Unicorn is not as happy as he looks and admires Goat too.

Goat was happy with himself until Unicorn arrived with bigger tricks and better treats. He sulks and grumbles, but a slice of goat-cheese pizza reveals that Unicorn is jealous of Goat’s hooves too. The two end up friends who imagine teaming up.

Good forJealousy

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What children see in the story

Goat stops measuring himself against Unicorn and learns that his own cloven hooves are something to be proud of, because Unicorn envies them. Unicorn has sparkly magic and Goat has his hooves. Once they see what the other has, they become friends and picture using their different powers together.

Why it’s on these shelves

Knowing yourself: Goat feels plain next to Unicorn, who rains cupcakes and turns things to gold. Then Goat learns Unicorn wishes he had cloven hooves, and Goat sees he has something good about himself too.
Different strengths: Goat has his cloven hooves and Unicorn has his sparkly magic. Once they stop comparing and start to admire each other, they become friends who picture using their different powers side by side.

Why pick it up?

The jealousy ends once each sees what the other admires; they become firm friends.

A note for parents

Name-calling is limited to one grumble by Goat ("Dopey Unicorn") and one by Unicorn about his own hooves; the book is silly and fast, so adults may want to talk about what to say instead. Goat’s cool reply about his hooves is a mild show-off moment, and it works as a joke on the reader as well.

Where this recommendation comes from

LibraryMom

Listed in a roundup of books about comparing and jealousy. The blogger says Goat finds Unicorn is not as happy as he looks and admires Goat too.

Read LibraryMom’s recommendation

Sources and review status

We have checked source descriptions and drafted the value mapping. We have not personally reviewed the full book. The value labels, situation assignments, and parent notes remain provisional.

Publisher or literacy resource · Original recommendation

Our explanation of the value fit is separate from the original reviewer’s judgment. Their inclusion here does not imply an endorsement of Stories for Growing.