Unicorn Princesses 1

March 1, 2017

Gr 2-4-In the first two titles of this series, unicorn enthusiast Cressida Jenkins magically travels to the Rainbow Realm to help seven unicorn princess sisters restore order to their kingdom. Both stories begin with Ernest the wizard-lizard of Rainbow Realm miscasting spells, which creates problems for the humanoid cacti, flame-bites, dunes, rocks, and foxes of the Glitter Canyon and Thunder Peaks. Cressida helps them sort out their conflicts and resolve them simply with kind words and helpful actions. Detailed, visually descriptive language stands in contrast to the basic plots of these two tales. Appealing black-and-white mixed media interior illustrations complement the text. VERDICT This new series may be enjoyed by a niche audience of young unicorn enthusiasts. However, most readers will find it lacking in depth and dimension.-Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2018
In these chapter-book fantasies, unicorn-believer Cressida visits the Rainbow Realm, a magical land ruled by unicorn princesses, where the human girl saves the day during various royal crises (e.g., she helps Princess Sunbeam restore her magical powers in Shine). The simple language, plentiful illustrations, and themes of teamwork and believing have appeal, but some plot points feel forced and conflicts are wrapped up a little too tidily.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

June 15, 2017
A unicorn-loving girl goes to a magical world to help a unicorn princess. When wizard-lizard Ernest botches a spell, he accidentally causes one of the unicorn royals, Princess Sunbeam, to lose her magic yellow sapphire, which is the source of her powers. The only way to reverse the spell is for a human girl to venture to the Rainbow Realm, find the gemstone, and return it--with a catch: only those who believe in unicorns can see them. All this information comes in the first chapter through not-so-graceful exposition. Luckily for the Rainbow Realm, unicorn-obsessed Cressida Jenkins (who has straight, dark hair but is otherwise racially ambiguous) finds the magical key dropped by Sunbeam while Sunbeam was searching for a girl to help, bringing them together and Cressida to the Rainbow Realm. After more exposition about the unicorn princesses and their magical roles (Sunbeam's is to provide sunlight), and a not-so-nice joke about malodorous human boys, Cressida and Sunbeam head to the desert Glitter Canyon, where they converse with talking sand dunes and cacti (who are in a feud). Between the clunky exposition, precious prose, and flimsy characterization, this comes across as just so much cotton candy. Sequel Flash's Dash publishes simultaneously. Standard-issue girlie wish fulfillment. (Fantasy. 6-9)

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