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Sugarlump and the Unicorn
The unicorn has a silver horn,
Her eyes are bright and blue,
And when she hears a horse's wish
She can make that wish come true.
Sugarlump the rocking horse longs for adventure. But when a magical unicorn grants his wish, he soon discovers there's no match for the fun of playing with playing with children. Is it too late to change his mind?
'an absolute delight to read aloud' - Daily Mail
Her eyes are bright and blue,
And when she hears a horse's wish
She can make that wish come true.
Sugarlump the rocking horse longs for adventure. But when a magical unicorn grants his wish, he soon discovers there's no match for the fun of playing with playing with children. Is it too late to change his mind?
'an absolute delight to read aloud' - Daily Mail
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
12 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Julia Donaldson
1,223 books1,900 followersGrowing up
I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).
Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.
I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.
Busking and books
Before Malcolm and I had our three sons we used to go busking together and I would write special songs for each country; the best one was in Italian about pasta.
The busking led to a career in singing and songwriting, mainly for children’s television. I became an expert at writing to order on such subjects as guinea pigs, window-cleaning and horrible smells. “We want a song about throwing crumpled-up wrapping paper into the bin” was a typical request from the BBC.
I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs.
One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.
My real breakthrough was THE GRUFFALO, again illustrated by Axel. We work separately - he’s in London and I’m in Glasgow - but he sends me letters with lovely funny pictures on the envelopes.
I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books.
Funnily enough, I find it harder to write not in verse, though I feel I am now getting the hang of it! My novel THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES is going to be made into a film by the same team who made the Harry Potter movies, and I have written three books of stories about the anarchic PRINCESS MIRROR-BELLE who appears from the mirror and disrupts the life of an otherwise ordinary eight-year-old. I have just finished writing a novel for teenagers.
When I’m not writing I am often performing, at book festivals and in theatres. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. When Malcolm can take time off from the hospital he and his guitar come too. and it feels as if we’ve come full circle - back to busking.
I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).
Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.
I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.
Busking and books
Before Malcolm and I had our three sons we used to go busking together and I would write special songs for each country; the best one was in Italian about pasta.
The busking led to a career in singing and songwriting, mainly for children’s television. I became an expert at writing to order on such subjects as guinea pigs, window-cleaning and horrible smells. “We want a song about throwing crumpled-up wrapping paper into the bin” was a typical request from the BBC.
I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs.
One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.
My real breakthrough was THE GRUFFALO, again illustrated by Axel. We work separately - he’s in London and I’m in Glasgow - but he sends me letters with lovely funny pictures on the envelopes.
I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books.
Funnily enough, I find it harder to write not in verse, though I feel I am now getting the hang of it! My novel THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES is going to be made into a film by the same team who made the Harry Potter movies, and I have written three books of stories about the anarchic PRINCESS MIRROR-BELLE who appears from the mirror and disrupts the life of an otherwise ordinary eight-year-old. I have just finished writing a novel for teenagers.
When I’m not writing I am often performing, at book festivals and in theatres. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. When Malcolm can take time off from the hospital he and his guitar come too. and it feels as if we’ve come full circle - back to busking.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews
September 7, 2021
A very enjoyable children’s book
February 28, 2022
Sweet little story in a colorful and pretty children's book. 🦄
March 4, 2017
Cute little story about a unicorn who grants wishes. My children loved it.
March 26, 2022
Could a rocking horse have terrific adventures if only he were a real horse? Well, Sugarlump certainly can!
Sugarlump, who is initially quite happy being a rocking horse for the children thinking 'This is the life for me', but when the children are out at school he dreams of being out in the big wide world. And once Sugarlump finds out that when, with a flash of her eyes and a toss of her mane, a unicorn appears and grants her a wish, she jumps at the opportunity of doing something else.
She begins by being a farmer's horse but quickly moves on to other activities because she fancies a change. She does move on but some of the activities lack excitement and glamour and do not live up to the fun of playing with the children. So she asks the unicorn to transport her back to her original role in life.
However, things have changed while she has been pursuing other things and things are not quite as they were, so, after some consideratiion as to what is best, she arranges for the unicorn to transport her to something that will continue to satisfy her desire to have fun with children ...
Sugarlump, who is initially quite happy being a rocking horse for the children thinking 'This is the life for me', but when the children are out at school he dreams of being out in the big wide world. And once Sugarlump finds out that when, with a flash of her eyes and a toss of her mane, a unicorn appears and grants her a wish, she jumps at the opportunity of doing something else.
She begins by being a farmer's horse but quickly moves on to other activities because she fancies a change. She does move on but some of the activities lack excitement and glamour and do not live up to the fun of playing with the children. So she asks the unicorn to transport her back to her original role in life.
However, things have changed while she has been pursuing other things and things are not quite as they were, so, after some consideratiion as to what is best, she arranges for the unicorn to transport her to something that will continue to satisfy her desire to have fun with children ...
May 18, 2015
This is another enchanting tale told in rhyme from the creator of The Gruffalo. Sugarlump is a rocking horse and loves playing. But when the children are at school, he wishes he could trot in the outside world. A magic unicorn grants his wish, but there's always something else to wish for. Will Sugarlump ever be content?
An original story with good illustrations. There's even an appearance by a mermaid from one of Julia Donaldson's other books.
An original story with good illustrations. There's even an appearance by a mermaid from one of Julia Donaldson's other books.
December 5, 2013
Julia Donaldson never disappoints me. Another rhythmic gem about a horse called Sugarlump who keeps wishing for a different life. Unicorn grants her wishes but she is always dissatisfied. An enjoyable, fun book with a tinge of sadness and awash with glitter.
April 23, 2015
Awww, another heartwarming Julia Donaldson tale and truly, there is glitter on every page but never overdone.
A story of finding one's place that closest to the heart may take a little wishing, a unicorn to grant the wishes and a few changes along the way.
Lovely, really lovely.
A story of finding one's place that closest to the heart may take a little wishing, a unicorn to grant the wishes and a few changes along the way.
Lovely, really lovely.
December 10, 2018
Don't like the way it legitimises circuses with animals especially after the mermaid book where we know the ringmaster is unkind.
January 4, 2021
When I picked up this book from the library, I already knew it would become a favourite of my kids. There is a horse, a unicorn, a farm scene, a mermaid, a merry-go-round and loads of glitter. What can go wrong? My 1 year-old + especially loves the touch-and-feel texture of the glittery parts.
The story follows the interaction between a rocking horse Sugarlump and a unicorn that kept granting Sugarlump’s wishes by turning it into a different “type” of horse whenever Sugarlump feels discontent with his life. Sugarlump wished that he could be out in the big wide world, so the unicorn “pawed the ground and tossed her mane”, and “flashes her eyes of blue”; and upon turning around seven times, Sugarlump becomes a farmer’s horse. The kids’ eyes brighten up seeing the farm illustrations. It is a scene from my four-year-old’s boy other favourite “What The Ladybird Heard” series. We saw the familiar sheep with “real” wool, the prize cow, the farmer, and of course, our lovely ladybird!
When the loads became too heavy, Sugarlump wanted to gallop free, so the unicorn turned him into a racing horse. And of course, as expected, life became too tough and Sugarlump wished he could dance. So the unicorn turned him into a circus horse. “Ohh, the pictures! That’s from “the Singing Mermaid” book!” Shouted my 4 year-old in excitement. Those who have read the “Singing Mermaid” would know that Sugarlump would not love the circus for long (even the Mermaid had escaped in that other book), so the unicorn turned Sugarlump back into a rocking horse.
(Spoiler alert) This is the sad part. Sugarlump was left in the attic because the boy and girl had both grown up and forgot about their favourite toy. Came the controversial line “I wish I had never been born!”, which generated quite some negative feedbacks and reviews about this book, although my kids have never commented about this line, and neither do I think the line would have caused any negative thoughts in their little brains.
The unicorn ended up turning Sugarlump into a fairground horse on a carousel, where Sugarlump was apparently happy and exclaimed “this is the life for me”. The kids love the ending, but secretly, I doubt that Sugarlump would be happy for long.
I like the book because it is glittery, magical, fun, well-written, rhymes and flows well in the usual Julia Donaldson’s style. I do wonder however whether all horses would end up sad and unhappy like Sugarlump because no role seemed to be perfect (seeing Sugarlump’s track record, I think he is going to get dizzy and bored soon turning round and round at the same merry-go-round, listening to the same old music).
If I were the unicorn, I probably would turn Sugarlump into a wild feee Mongolian horse that gallops without restraint. Or I might turn him into a police horse, keeping the society in order and peace, covering the ground for search-and-rescue operations. I think Sugarlump might find this life more challenging and meaningful.
Overall, I wish Sugarlump can be a more “positive” horse that sees good thing in what he has, but I understand this is just a children book for some fun and magical touch. My kids (and I believe many other kids too) love the book, so I guess it has achieved its aim.
The story follows the interaction between a rocking horse Sugarlump and a unicorn that kept granting Sugarlump’s wishes by turning it into a different “type” of horse whenever Sugarlump feels discontent with his life. Sugarlump wished that he could be out in the big wide world, so the unicorn “pawed the ground and tossed her mane”, and “flashes her eyes of blue”; and upon turning around seven times, Sugarlump becomes a farmer’s horse. The kids’ eyes brighten up seeing the farm illustrations. It is a scene from my four-year-old’s boy other favourite “What The Ladybird Heard” series. We saw the familiar sheep with “real” wool, the prize cow, the farmer, and of course, our lovely ladybird!
When the loads became too heavy, Sugarlump wanted to gallop free, so the unicorn turned him into a racing horse. And of course, as expected, life became too tough and Sugarlump wished he could dance. So the unicorn turned him into a circus horse. “Ohh, the pictures! That’s from “the Singing Mermaid” book!” Shouted my 4 year-old in excitement. Those who have read the “Singing Mermaid” would know that Sugarlump would not love the circus for long (even the Mermaid had escaped in that other book), so the unicorn turned Sugarlump back into a rocking horse.
(Spoiler alert) This is the sad part. Sugarlump was left in the attic because the boy and girl had both grown up and forgot about their favourite toy. Came the controversial line “I wish I had never been born!”, which generated quite some negative feedbacks and reviews about this book, although my kids have never commented about this line, and neither do I think the line would have caused any negative thoughts in their little brains.
The unicorn ended up turning Sugarlump into a fairground horse on a carousel, where Sugarlump was apparently happy and exclaimed “this is the life for me”. The kids love the ending, but secretly, I doubt that Sugarlump would be happy for long.
I like the book because it is glittery, magical, fun, well-written, rhymes and flows well in the usual Julia Donaldson’s style. I do wonder however whether all horses would end up sad and unhappy like Sugarlump because no role seemed to be perfect (seeing Sugarlump’s track record, I think he is going to get dizzy and bored soon turning round and round at the same merry-go-round, listening to the same old music).
If I were the unicorn, I probably would turn Sugarlump into a wild feee Mongolian horse that gallops without restraint. Or I might turn him into a police horse, keeping the society in order and peace, covering the ground for search-and-rescue operations. I think Sugarlump might find this life more challenging and meaningful.
Overall, I wish Sugarlump can be a more “positive” horse that sees good thing in what he has, but I understand this is just a children book for some fun and magical touch. My kids (and I believe many other kids too) love the book, so I guess it has achieved its aim.
September 6, 2019
A story of a rocking horse called Sugarlump and a magical unicorn who grants Sugarlump's wishes to be out in the big wide world. After his wishes are granted, Sugarlump realises in the end that he just wants to be with the children.
This book has a poetic style with rhyming and repeated phrases, engaging the children with the story. The illustrations also show characters from other Julia Donaldson books.
This book has a poetic style with rhyming and repeated phrases, engaging the children with the story. The illustrations also show characters from other Julia Donaldson books.
September 19, 2023
I read this book to my children yesterday and they loved it, it’s a really lovely story and easy to understand (they are only little). The illustrations are beautiful too. The only reason I give this a 4 star rather than 5, was the line along the lines of “I wish I hadn’t been born”, as I felt this was a little sad/unnecessary, so didn’t read that to my children. It’s not a line I want them repeating!! Apart from that, we loved it.
December 7, 2020
This is a lovely end of day story for young children. It is about a horse could sugar lump as she goes on a journey to try different activities but soon decides they are not who she wants to be.
The language is simple and has a song like flow to the storyline. The illustrations are bright and colourful and engaging for children.
The language is simple and has a song like flow to the storyline. The illustrations are bright and colourful and engaging for children.
May 9, 2021
Published in 2013, 'Sugarlump and the Unicorn' is a magical tale of a rocking horse transformed into a real horse by a unicorn, all told in a charming rhyming style with excellent illustrations. Children should enjoy it - I've certainly had the chance to read it to a 5-year-old, and she loved it.
July 8, 2021
Sugarlump is not as memorable as Julia Donaldson's other characters (e.g. Zogg, the Gruffalo) but the storytelling is as good as her other books. Beautiful illustrations by Lydia Monks and I love the glitter on the page. I feel this book is aimed more at girls rather than being unisex.
4 stars.
4 stars.
October 22, 2018
Mojoj djeci pomogla da se vise igraju jer ak se ne igraju sa igrackama zavrsit ce na tavanu i skupit ce se paucina po njima. Non stop se igraju da ne dodju pauci 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2019
Wow. This book definitely does not disappoint. I found myself singing rather than reading the rhymes. Such a beautiful book and story.
August 13, 2019
Very 👎👎👎👎👎
October 22, 2019
I liked it because the boys and girls went to school and the unicorn was their favourite toy.
January 4, 2020
Me and my daughter read this together and we both loved it. Am sure it's one she will keep picking up time and time again
February 21, 2020
Beautiful book by Julia Donaldson.
The story of a unicorn whose wishing came true but discovered she loved being back home with all the children.
The story of a unicorn whose wishing came true but discovered she loved being back home with all the children.
November 13, 2021
Šećerko i jednoroga (croatian version) is a witty and funny kids book in Julia's peculiar style...so much family fun!
December 17, 2022
I love the simple rhyming and the unicorn fulfills every wish Sugarlump has. Even at the end she has something lovely in store for him
September 22, 2023
I liked it because the rocking horse was able to be what it wanted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2016
“Sugarlump and the Unicorn” is another brilliant children’s book from the author of the world famous “Gruffalo”, Julia Donaldson. Written in Donaldson’s charming poetic style and beautifully illustrated with vibrant drawings and glitter on every page means this book will appeal to young girls and those who are still young at heart!
Sugarlump is a rocking horse in a family home, but he wants so much more from life than to be simply spending his days no longer being played with as the children are at school. Who should grant this wish, but a magical unicorn and so the adventures begin for Sugarlump. Initially, Sugarlump enjoys his new and exciting life, but as time passes Sugarlump becomes tired of his new lifestyle and wishes for things to be different. Each time Sugarlump has his wish granted by the unicorn and the result is always the same, Sugarlump is never satisfied with his lot and always wants more for himself. Eventually, Sugarlump is fed up with of all the changes and just wants to go home, but time has passed and the children have grown up and flown the nest. There is no use for the rocking horse anymore and Sugarlump regrets his existence. The clever unicorn has another idea, but you will have to read the book to find out what it is and discover whether Sugarlump is ever satisfied with his life!
There are many ideas that children can take away from this book, such as never giving up on your dreams or trying until you reach your goal, but also that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and you have to appreciate what you have.
I think it is an ideal book for shared reading as there is so much the book offers in material to talk about with children aside from the pictures.
This book is sure to become a firm favourite on your bookshelf!
Sugarlump is a rocking horse in a family home, but he wants so much more from life than to be simply spending his days no longer being played with as the children are at school. Who should grant this wish, but a magical unicorn and so the adventures begin for Sugarlump. Initially, Sugarlump enjoys his new and exciting life, but as time passes Sugarlump becomes tired of his new lifestyle and wishes for things to be different. Each time Sugarlump has his wish granted by the unicorn and the result is always the same, Sugarlump is never satisfied with his lot and always wants more for himself. Eventually, Sugarlump is fed up with of all the changes and just wants to go home, but time has passed and the children have grown up and flown the nest. There is no use for the rocking horse anymore and Sugarlump regrets his existence. The clever unicorn has another idea, but you will have to read the book to find out what it is and discover whether Sugarlump is ever satisfied with his life!
There are many ideas that children can take away from this book, such as never giving up on your dreams or trying until you reach your goal, but also that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and you have to appreciate what you have.
I think it is an ideal book for shared reading as there is so much the book offers in material to talk about with children aside from the pictures.
This book is sure to become a firm favourite on your bookshelf!
September 11, 2015
A magical poem book about a rocking horse who dreams to go out into the big wide world. When suddenly, a snow-white unicorn grants his wishes. Although, the working farm and the glamours circus don't quite live up to expectations and sugarplump would much rather be playing with the children at home.
This is a beautiful, well illustrated picture book. That explains to children to not take what you have for granted. Nevertheless, going on a adventure and seeking new things is great but its the small things in life, like being at home with your family that is fun. This book is aimed at key stage 1. A fantastic book to read at story time with beautiful, tactile pages for the children to touch. As the book is a poem book, I feel if read to the children a few times they could chant along with you and read with you.
The is one I have read with my niece and she can't wait to look at the pictures and feel the pages!
This is a beautiful, well illustrated picture book. That explains to children to not take what you have for granted. Nevertheless, going on a adventure and seeking new things is great but its the small things in life, like being at home with your family that is fun. This book is aimed at key stage 1. A fantastic book to read at story time with beautiful, tactile pages for the children to touch. As the book is a poem book, I feel if read to the children a few times they could chant along with you and read with you.
The is one I have read with my niece and she can't wait to look at the pictures and feel the pages!
August 24, 2016
A rocking horse gets tired of his life and wishes for grander things. Thanks to a unicorn, his wishes come true. But he quickly tires of each succeeding life he wishes for and ends up depressed, however, the unicorn knows just where he'll be happy.
This one may have gone a little too far in the grass is always greener message. At his lowest, the rocking horse actually wishes he had never been born! A bit dark for a kid's book. The unicorn doesn't grant that wish (thankfully) and instead finds a happier occupation for the rocking horse and proves he has purpose and worth, but sheesh. Despite all the sparkles and glitter, this one isn't light and fluffy. That said, I'm sure there are kids out there who need to realize that they have worth and purpose too.
This one may have gone a little too far in the grass is always greener message. At his lowest, the rocking horse actually wishes he had never been born! A bit dark for a kid's book. The unicorn doesn't grant that wish (thankfully) and instead finds a happier occupation for the rocking horse and proves he has purpose and worth, but sheesh. Despite all the sparkles and glitter, this one isn't light and fluffy. That said, I'm sure there are kids out there who need to realize that they have worth and purpose too.
August 28, 2016
I love reading Julia Donaldson books to my baby sister I love the way she makes her books all glittery and teaches thing like this book it teaches children different types of horses and I love how she makes the unicorn makes the wish I laughed at my sister when she said she wish she had a unicorn to make her wishes I never noticed that the sing mermaid and Sam sly are in the book until my sister pointed it out.
February 11, 2014
Given a solid 5 out of 5 because my 8 yo thought it was simply awesome, from the flashing blue unicorn eyes, sparkling pages, unreal, real illustrations and charming story. You just can't beat Julia Donaldson (or glitter on every page)
April 17, 2015
Another lovely story by Julia Donaldson. I have most of her stories already and find her style delicious!
A sweet story about a wooden horse trying to find a place to call home with the help of a magical unicorn. My 6-year-old loved it.
Highly recommended.
A sweet story about a wooden horse trying to find a place to call home with the help of a magical unicorn. My 6-year-old loved it.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews