Pip Bartlett's Guide to Unicorn Training

Pip Bartlett #2

by Jackson Pearce, Maggie Stiefvater

From bestselling authors Maggie Stiefvater and Jackson Pearce comes the second installment in a series bursting with magical creatures, whimsical adventures, and quirky illustrations.

Now that the mystery of the exploding Fuzzles has been solved, it's up to Pip and Tomas to save their town from another magical troublemaker . . . the Unicorn.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Audiobook, Urban Fantasy

Audio CD

First published February 28, 2017

About the author

I am not very active on Goodreads-- this is largely a placeholder account! Therefore, I do not read Goodreads mail. If you want to get in touch with me, please go here: CONTACT ME!


Jackson Pearce currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with a slightly cross-eyed cat and a lot of secondhand furniture. She recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and a minor in Philosophy and currently works for a software company even though she auditioned for the circus (she juggled and twirled fire batons, but they still didn’t want her). Other jobs she’s had include obituaries writer, biker bar waitress, and receptionist.

Jackson began writing when she got angry that the school librarian couldn’t tell her of a book that contained a smart girl, horses, baby animals, and magic. Her solution was to write the book herself when she was twelve. Her parents thought it was cute at first, but have grown steadily more concerned for her ever since.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this better than the first book. There is a bit of a mystery and the show horse (well, show unicorns) aspect was interesting. I liked that the feelings of the animals were taken into consideration, and that the "bad guy" had a good reason for doing what he/she did but was still held accountable for his/her actions. I felt the humor was a little less annoying (though, at times, I did feel like there was a bit too much poking fun at Regent Maximus' anxiety -- I know the overarching theme was about compassion and encouragement, but I am probably just sensitive to it as I am prone to anxiety myself so it was challenging to find the humor myself).

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the amazing Pip Bartlett series. This time, Pip and her best friend, Tomas, find themselves at a magical creature show, which includes an unicorn exhibition. And things are personal, as one of the unicorns being shown is their beloved Regent Maximus, who is, of course, terrified of performing.

I've been reading these stories to my daughters, eight-year-old twins, and they are some of our all-time favorites. They love spunky Pip, who can talk to magical creatures; Tomas, who is allergic to all magical creatures; Pip's aunt and cousin; and all the adventures they go on. Every book has illustrations from Jeffrey Higgleston's Guide to Magical Creatures--Pip's bible, so to speak, which she adds to every time she encounters a new creature. They love the pictures and all the amazing imaginary creatures--even creating their own entries. I enjoy how the book brings out their creativity and that it's one that holds all of our attention. The stories are sweet and funny, focusing on family and friendship, but with lots of fascinating creatures and escapades too. What's not to love?

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[Mohsen M.B · Rating 3 out of 5]

داستان از کتاب اول انسجام بیشتری داشت
و حالت داستان‌های معمایی به خودش گرفت
شاید خواننده بزرگسال به وسط کتاب نرسیده پایانش رو حدس بزنه
اما قطعا برای بچه‌ها جذابیت بیشتری داره

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so into these Pip Bartlett books. It’s such a fun n series. This one is like the 4H fair for magical creatures with a mystery to be solved of course! We have a Regent Maximus in all his terrified grandeur entered in the Triple Trident Unicorn Competition and this time he’s showing all the baby unicorns his tips on everyday survival. That’s not all though. There is a unicorn tail thief on the loose so it’s up to Pip and Tomás to figure out who the culprit is before Regent Maximus has one more thing to fear.

[Joseph Leskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very good–not my favorite book ever, but some parts were so funny that I accidentally must give it a full five stars. So, yes, this book can consider itself appreciated.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

In which we go to the COUNTY FAIR. Magical version.

I totally loved all the magical creatures. Especially the police with the sea slug. And also the baby unicorns.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. The beginning was quite slow but after that I found it very enjoyable to read.

[Weinlachgummi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Einhornzähmen leicht gemacht ist der zweite Band der Reihe Pip Bartlett und die magischen Tiere. Man kann die Bücher auch unabhängig voneinander lesen, da man für Band 2 kaum Vorwissen braucht. Aber ich würde euch empfehlen, auch Band eins zu lesen, da er genauso süß und witzig ist wie Band zwei.

Das Design ist wieder richtig toll. Das Cover hat den gleichen Stil wie Band eins. Die Seiten haben dieses Mal passend zur Coverfarbe Pinke Elemente, richtig toll. Außerdem gibt es wieder ganz viele Zeichnungen von Maggie Stiefvater. Und auch wieder Beschreibungen der Unterschiedlichen magischen Tiere. Auf manchen Seiten findet man einen Felsenschein, um Pip zu zitieren, sie sind braun und klumpig und haben die Form eines haarigen Toasters. Also verdammt niedlich. Die Schrift ist groß gehalten und die Empfehlung ab 8 Jahren kann ich unterschreiben. Bedenkliche Szenen konnte ich keine finden.

Der Titel Einhornzähmen leicht gemacht verrät schon um welches magische Tier es hier hauptsächlich geht. Pip hilft den Sommer über bei ihrer Tante in der Tierklinik aus und dort in der nähe gibt es einen großen Wettbewerb, in dem unter anderen auch ein Turnier für Einhörner stattfindet. Regent Maximus soll dort aufdrehten. Doch leider hat das Einhorn immer noch vor allem Angst. Sei es die Farbe Blau oder Holz. Deswegen entpuppt es sich als gar nicht so einfach, ihn auf das Turnier vorzubereiten.

Pip muss dies aber nicht alleine machen, denn Thomas hilft ihr. Thomas ist fast so toll wie die magischen Tiere. Den Thomas ist gegen fast alles allergisch. Deswegen hat er auch immer alles Mögliche für den Notfall dabei. Was auch wirklich nötig ist, da er sonst anfängt zu leuchten, ihm blubber Blasen aus dem Mund kommen oder die Haare abstehen, alles ganz normale allergische Reaktionen auf die unterschiedlichen magischen Tiere. Die magischen Tiere sind so süß. Allgemein ist das ganze Buch einfach süß. Wenn man sich die Szenen wirklich bildhaft vorstellt, hat man ein tolles Kopfkino. Bei einer Szene habe ich sogar Tränen gelacht, weil sie einfach so witzig war.

Aber das Buch ist nicht nur süß und witzig. Es versteckt auch ein paar schöne Botschaften. Dass Menschen manchmal aus guten Gründen das falsche machen, es aber trotzdem noch Falsch bleibt. Man seine Ängste überwinden kann und das alleine schon der Versuch sehr mutig ist. Und auch, dass es für jeden Topf seinen Deckel gibt, oder eher für jedes Kind ein magisches Tier, das zu einem passt.

Mein Fazit:
Ich habe Tränen gelacht und fast einen Zuckerschock bekommt, so süß fand ich einzelne Szenen.
Wie gerne würde ich auch in einer Welt mit solch magischen Tieren leben.
Die Geschichte ist nicht nur etwas für Kinder ab 8 Jahren, sondern auch für Erwachsene.
Die Charaktere, menschlich wie tierisch sind so liebevoll gezeichnet.

[Sleepover137 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the cuteness of the stories and how quick they are to read :-)

[Jessica - How Jessica Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute!

[Erin Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun installment of this middle grade series. I like the characters here.

[Dinnu Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and a fast read! My favourite character is most definitely Regent Maximus! 🦄

[Victoria G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute books, I read them accidentally while I was on a Maggie Stiefvater book crawl ❤️ I like both Pip and Tomas, adorable characters with grit, and personality.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Pip Bartlett's series and this one is, once again, about unicorns. But also about other creatures of course, it is just that the focus is unicorns and a certain thief who is stealing tails (oh noes!). Oh and Regent makes a comeback.

Before I start with the good I want to say that I took 0.5 stars off the rating because of the cover. I loved the previous cover, and I was hoping that this would be a series with all the covers like this. So shiny! But alas, we got this cover for this book and now I have a first book with a gorgeous cover, and a second book with, *cough**cough* this cover. :| I am just not happy when covers get changed. I don't like mismatched covers, it just looks bleh on my shelves.

Now for all the good, as there is A LOT of good in this book.

For instance The Triple Trident, I just want to go there so badly. It sounds terrific. With all sorts of shows for magical creatures, stalls with an assortment of items, and you can also just walk around to see all the animals in their pens (well, if they are visible, some of them tend to go invisible, which is also funny as you see floating collars/harnesses). I can imagine myself getting lost all day and have a great time. Just like Pip.

Pip is still an amazing girl, and I love her ability to speak to animals/magical creatures. Not only because she could talk, but also because, through her, you heard what the creatures were saying even if they weren't talking to her. From Heeeeeeeeeeyyyyys, to OMG, my mane is so fabulous, I am fabulous.
Plus I love how brave she is, and how much she cares for her friends. At times she is annoyed with Tomas, but at most times she really cares about him and often saves him, just like he saves her.
I wish we had seen more edits to the guide, now they were all in her head, but I would have liked her add some of her own information to it. I am sure that one day that guide will be bursting with new and updated tips and that it will be one of the best guides in the world.
She was also really dedicated to Regent, she tried to help him out (even if to the world it meant she was a girl talking to animals), and while I would have given up and just raged, she kept on going, and kept believing in him.

As I said in my review for the previous book, it would be fun to add an allergy section to the guide. Again this time we saw some amazing new allergies pop up. I especially found the glowing lamp one very intriguing to see.

Also this time I was a bit annoyed with Tomas, not only for his allergies, but also because of his fears for a lot of things. But, also like last time, I was amazed that he kept on going. He didn't let some allergies stop him from going The Triple Trident, even if he knew he could potentially just die from an overload of allergies.
I was also tearing up a bit when x and y happened and I was so happy for him. He definitely deserves it, something in his life that doesn't kill him and that will love him, just as much as Tomas will love it. Awww!

There is also a dash of mystery when a tail cutter appears! I had a lot of fun trying to figure out who it could be, I had several suspects and one by one I could cross them off my list until there was just one more suspect left. I won't tell you who it was, duh. I did feel sorry for the unicorns, it takes a long time to grow back a tail, and those creatures just rely on their beauty so much.

Regent was pretty annoying in this one. Pretty much like how he was in the previous one. At times it was hilarious, but at times I was also shaking my head. Being afraid is one thing, but like this? Overkill.

I am still hoping for a Pip edited real version of the Guide. *crosses fingers*

All in all, I really enjoyed this book, I laughed my butt off quite a few times, and I would highly recommend it to everyone!
I hope this series will go on for a long time to come.

Review first posted https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Horsegirl275 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable, and I love how original the magical creatures are!

[BookChic Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series from Pearce and Stiefvater- they make a great team and the books are so cute and fun. They clearly have a good time coming up with the different magical creatures in this world they've created. Pip and Tomas have yet another mystery to solve this time around- trying to figure out who is cutting off unicorn tails from all the show unicorns. I still particularly enjoy whenever Regent Maximus is on the page; his scenes never fail to make me laugh. While I didn't get to see the illustrations this time around, as I was reading an e-galley, I remember how great they were from the first book. I definitely recommend this series if you're looking for a fun, light read.

[Michelle Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this series. As someone who works with animals, it's great to see a series that is teaching kids what we call "animal sense," things like when Pip checks that the startled unicorn she's with isn't going to rush the door when she opens it for someone else and paying attention to what works best for that specific species or individual and using that knowledge to set them up for success. Pip is a great role model for how to treat animals. The book is peppered with subtle good advice about how to act around animals. It also touches a bit on the economic factors of saving an endangered species, but in a way that is entirely accessible for this age range.

I highly recommend it!

[Sarah Swan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pip Bartlett’s Guide to Unicorn Training
Jackson Pearce and Maggie Stiefvater
Illustrated by Maggie Stiefvater
Pip Bartlett is spending the summer with her Aunt Emma at the Cloverton Clinic for Magical Creatures. She loves talking with the animals, though no-one else realizes she understands what the animals are saying. Aunt Emma and her daughter, Callie, and Pip are going to the Triple Trident magical animal show and their neighbor, Tomas, is going with them. Tomas is allergic to just about everything, but that doesn’t stop him from going places. Callie, being a prissy teenager, is less than thrilled with going. But the fun really ramps up when their friend Mr. Henshaw’s Show Unicorn gets a case of jangling nerves and won’t settle down for anyone. That is until Pip takes the Unicorn, Regent Maximus, into a paddock filled with baby unicorns. He begins to calm down as he tells the young ones all the trials and terrors that await them. They become his adoring entourage. It’s a cute story and will certainly get the reader giggling. Frequently, a page in the book will be taken up by a description of some magical creature, with an amusing drawing. The glimmerbeast subspecies called a rockshine, which turns invisible when frightened, is the first illustration. It looks rather like a deranged sheep. The story progresses with lots of mishaps to Regent Maximus and other creatures, but in the end, Regent Maximus wins the Triple Trident championship. Even though the creatures are all mythical, the story can be used as a way discuss animal anatomy and ways to calm scared creatures.
BIBLIO: 2017, Scholastic Press/Scholastic Inc. Ages 8 to 12, $9.99.
REVIEWER: Sarah Maury Swan
FORMAT: Middle-Reader
ISBN: 978-0-545-70929-3

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Pip Bartlett series. The first book being Pip Bartlett’s Guide to Magical Creatures. In this book, we are never told how Pip is able to talk to Magical Creatures or why there are Magical Creatures to begin with. Was this noted in the first book? Perhaps, but maybe we should not worry how or why and just enjoy the fact that unicorns and griffins DO exist, as does the Greater Rainbow Minx, and Gimmerbeasts. In case you do not know, Glimmer beasts have the ability to become invisible when stressed. The reader learns about the Magical Creatures through illustrations in the book which are excerpts from Pip’s favorite book Jeffery Higgleston’s Guide to Magical Creatures. Pip will be spending her summer at the Cloverton Clinic for Magical Creatures which is owned by her aunt Emma and cousin Callie. Emma is a Magical Creature veterinarian, but unlike Pip, she cannot understand and speak to the Magical Creatures. In fact, no one knows she has the ability to speak with them. The big event of the summer, in Cloverton, is the Triple Trident which is a prestigious yearly unicorn event. The action starts when Pip, her friends Tomas and Marisol start investigating who is trying to sabotage the event by cutting off the beautiful tales from the leading unicorns. In addition, to trying to solve the case of the stolen unicorn tales, Pip is trying to help her friends Mr. Henshaw and Regent Maximus. Mr. Henshaw is thinking he might have to sell his unicorn, Regent Maximus. Pip knows Regent Maximus is shy and kind of scared of pretty much everything, but she is determined to show both Mr. Henshaw and Regent Maximus what a great unicorn he really is. Between helping her friends, trying to catch the tail thief, and keeping her ability to speak with the Magical Creatures a secret, Pip has a very adventurous with all her friends at the Triple Trident in Colverton Ga.

[Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a Show competition for Unicorns, and Pip and Tomas' friend, Regent Maximus, their cowardly hypochondriac Unicorn buddy is entered. Purchased by Mr. Henshaw as a Show Unicorn, his personality is so skittish and fearful he's never competed, until now, and he's competing against many other shallow, narcissistic and over-confident unicorns. If he fails to show well, he will be put up for sale! Pip and Tomas, knowing this, do their best to prepare him for the competition, because despite his personality, he is a gorgeous unicorn.


Unfortunately, mischief is afoot at the competition as there is a man cutting the tails off the star competitors to "take them" out of the competition. Pip aims to solve the crime, Tomas decides to get a pet and Marisol uses baby unicorns as therapy for Regent Maximus. Like all readers, we really want this to end well, because, you had me at "baby unicorns". Awww.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Pip loves all magical creatures, especially unicorns, so she is thrilled to help her aunt at the big weekend event. The Triple Trident Unicorn Competition attracts a large gathering of animals and people. When prized unicorns mysteriously show up with their tails cut, it is up to Pip and her friend, Tomas, to solve the crime! Will they be able to find the culprit or will their favorite unicorn disappear out of fear?

The Pip Bartlett series is a delightful read for the whole family. The narrators do an excellent job of portraying each character’s personality. This book hinted at the possible future of an aquatic-themed third book, which readers will hope this happens soon.

I grew up reading mysteries and animal books. This series is like a mythical combo that is fantastic. The authors and narrators are incredible and I cannot wait to listen to the next book.

Note:
This review was first posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.

[Melinda Brasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second installment of the Pip Bartlett books. I enjoyed seeing old characters and new ones—of both the human and magical-animal varieties. The style was still fun and breezy. The guidebook entries were still delightful and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny.

I LOVED Regent Maximus' interaction with the baby unicorns. I loved Tomas' new favorite animals.

Here are more things I love in a middle grade novel (or any novel) and which this book delivers on. The story has conflict and tension not dependent on serious violence. Characters solve problems by thinking and working, not through violence. And…[SEMI SPOILER] the bad guy isn't really such a bad guy.

Overall, a very fun book.

More accurate rating: 4.5. It wasn't quite as charming as the first, but still highly enjoyable

[Memory Toast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was fun.

Besides being a fairly adorable second installment, this book also has the distinction of having me laugh out loud. It really doesn't happen too often that I laugh aloud at a book, so I appreciated it. Granted, I could have done without someone of the bathroom humor, but all those jokes aside, it really was amusing.

Even though the book centers around unicorns, reader's get the scoop on a bunch of newly imagined magical creatures. This a book that satirizes cliches while simultaneously using them effectively, another huge point up in my book, (no pun intended).

Recommended for those looking for a light, humorous read - especially if you like animals, particularly magical ones.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

in the second installment of pip Bartlett's adventures, she's attending a state fair/ magical animal competition where the main attraction is the triple trident - for show unicorns.

I possibly liked this one even more than the first one? It was absolutely delightful as she met more animals, had a major mystery to solve and helped her friends, including the incredibly nervous unicorn to be brave and to get Tomas a rock shine as a pet.

the one thing I missed in this one was the pictures. I assume they exist but I was listening to the audiobook on my commute so I didn't get to see them. I did enjoy the change in voice actor between the main plot and the magical guide descriptions. and the main reader was stellar and sounded just like I imagined pip to sound so I definitely do recommend the audiobook.

really great series for 3-6 graders. I highly enjoy the plots, writing and characters.

[Tina Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Utterly delightful! I read the first book ages ago, so when I saw book 2 available as an audio book I immediately downloaded it.
It is so much fun! I've rarely seen a book as imaginative, funny, action-packed, and heart-warming as the Pip Bartlett series. The names and descriptions for the fantastic beasts are amazing. The narrator was very good and I laughed a lot while walking.
I loved the theme of "be and love who you are". So fitting at any time but especially during these times. And the callout to endangered species was beautifully woven into the story. As well as the consequences for actions.
I cannot wait to dive into book 3.
If you have a child 10+ who enjoys magic, adventure, animals, and taking care of friends this is the book/series for them.

[Shazza Maddog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had heard about this series but never actually saw one of the books until I happened across this one at the library. Being a sucker for most things unicorn and recognizing Maggie Stiefvater's cover art, I snatched it up.

It was a quick read for me (well, I'm decades beyond the target audience) but still simply adorable without being twee. Pip Bartlett has the enviable ability to understand magical animals and this version of Earth is jammed full of them. Besides the titled Unicorns, there are Griffons and Rockshines and Blankbirds and all other manner of beasties, some even more fantastical than others.

If I had a set of younger readers, I'd sit them down for Pip and Tomas's adventures because these two characters are a lot of fun.

[Serenity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I may have enjoyed this volume even more than the first. Pip is a fun narrator (though I kept forgetting she's a girl, maybe because I'm reading Return of the King to one of my kiddos right now and have Pippin stuck in my head) and the supporting characters are fun, as well. Regent Maximus is a total goofball and his interactions with the baby unicorns are priceless. I have a third grader who has been pestering me to finish this book so I can add it to the collection and she can read it, and I think she's going to love it.

*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

12/24/2017 ~~ Pip Bartlett is going to the Triple Trident Unicorn Competition! Think the 4-H County Fair but with magical creatures: unicorns, glimmerbeasts, dillopods, etc. Will she be able to train the biggest scaredy-horn unicorn, Regent Maximus, in time for him to successfully compete? Will she solve the mystery of who's sabotaging the other unicorns? Will she be able to help her friend find a magical beast that he's not allergic to? Give this to unicorn-crazy readers, fans of the Shelter Pet Squad books by Cynthia Lord, and kiddos ready to move beyond early chapter books.

This is a Christmas gift from me to niece ___.

[Shiloh Peacemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book. It was a great little pick me up book when I am totally stressed out. I loved how the one of the most beautiful unicorns by standards in the book was an anxious, worry wart, whiney yet scared unicorn named Regent Maximus.

I loved how Pip with her hidden secret talent (talking to mythical creatures) and Tomas, an allergy laden boy both help another mythical creature that isn't acting exactly like a typical unicorn.

I liked how the books showed that it is okay to have flaws and having flaws isn't always a bad thing either. Something that every person need to hear and remember from time to time.

[Lianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so much fun to read out loud. This one and the first are some of our family's very favorites that we've read over the past decade-ish. There were parts that made all of us laugh out loud. The chapters are the perfect length: between 10 and 20 minutes each. Maggie Stiefvater never disappoints, and the chemistry between her and Jackson Pearce is basically alchemy because these books are GOLD.