Unicorns 101

by Cale Atkinson

This comedic picture book features Professors Glitter Pants, Star Hoof, and Sugar Beard (plus trusty lab assistant Pete)—the world's leading unicorn experts—as they deliver the facts, settle the mysteries, and show readers that unicorns are more than just horns and rainbows.

Genres: Picture Books, Unicorns, Fantasy, Humor, Childrens, Animals, Fiction

26 pages, Library Binding

First published September 3, 2019

About the author

Cale Atkinson is an illustrator/writer/animator currently residing in Kelowna Canada.
Believing in tea more than sleep, Cale is constantly working on numerous projects. His work can be found in children’s books, animated shorts, television, and games.

Publishers Cale has worked with include Disney Hyperion, Tundra, Simon and Schuster, Doubleday, KidsCan Press, Owl Books, Grosset & Dunlap, GreyStone, Scholastic, Pearson, and Marvel.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Canadian picture-book author and artist Cale Atkinson, creator of such winsome titles as Where Oliver Fits and Sir Simon: Super Scarer , returns to the form in this tongue-in-cheek guide to all things unicorn. Guided by Professors Glitter Pants, Sprinkle Steed, Star Hoof and Sugar Beard, the young "cornie" (AKA: unicorn fan!) will learn about everything from unicorn biology to unicorn history, the use of the horn to unicorn types. At the conclusion of the book, a graduation certificate is included, with room for the young reader/listener's name to be filled in...

Unicorns are a very popular topic right now in the world of picture-books, and Atkinson's Unicorns 101 is an entertaining addition to the growing body of work devoted to the subject. The guide-book format works very well here, and there are plenty of "facts" the keep the reader and listener amused. One of said facts - the idea that unicorns defecate cupcakes - is also contained in Ame Dyckman's humorous You Don't Want a Unicorn! , although Atkinson expands on the idea here, depicting a horrified unicorn family turning away from a sidewalk bake sale in which cupcakes are being sold. The artwork here is quite colorful, with a sense of visual humor that is well-matched to the text. Recommended to young unicorn fans with a sense of humor.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am babysitting my nieces tonight and it is the littlest turn to choose the book and she chosen this one. Unicorns 101 is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Cale Atkinson. It is a tounge-in-cheek field guide to Betterthan Horsicus or the unicorn.

The text is rather simplistic and straightforward. It is a fun and silly narrative which tells the aspects of the unicorn in a quasi-scientific manner. The illustrations are done in a frenetic cartoon art style, with the bug-eyed, bushy-maned unicorn scientists, front-and-center, which is aprops to the tone of the narrative.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. In this effervescent unicorn exposé, Atkinson introduces the four top unicorn scientists, who break down the basics of unicorn-ology. With the essential unicorn anatomy and classification charts on hand, the scientists discuss unicorn horns, diets, social behavior, varieties, and habitats.

All in all, Unicorns 101 is a wonderful children's book filled with fun and silly antics that pertains to the unicorn – my niece’s favorite animal.

[Samantha Matherne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute children’s picture book on unicorns that appeals to the scientific mindset. The pictures and descriptions made me smile.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling it now: the best book of 2020!



While I loved this book, I don't think I would use it in storytime as there is so much to look at and so much information on each page. But I think it'd be a really fun book to prompt a writing activity: write a history book for a mythical creature! Or it'd just be a fun book to do a lapsit with a younger child or a fun one for older kids to read on their own.

What was the best part? All of it. But if I have to choose I loved the unicorn disguises page and the baby unicorn.

5 out of 5 stars

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compendium of information about unicorns is delightfully hilarious. It’s chock full of important facts that are sure to please the unicorn fan club. The jacket cover even has glitter on it. In the back matter there’s a Unicorn Scientificus Diploma readers can fill in proving they are officially Unicorn Scientists. Cale Atkinson knows his stuff. According to the jacket cover, he studied under Professor Sugar Beard to earn his PhD in hornology. His knowledge shines through in the comical illustrations filled with a riot of rainbow colours.

[Christina Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Unicorns 101 course/guide will tell you everything you need to know about these magical creatures. The facts are 99.9% authoritative and are pretty well-vetted. I know this because the scientists look super official in their white lab coats! Professors Glitter Pants, Sprinkle Steed, Star Hoof, and Sugar Beard have done the research and are prepared to share their findings, debunking any myths, and dropping some serious knowledge that will prepare you to earn your very own unicorn scientist certificate. You will learn how to tell the age of a unicorn, what their legendary horns are made of, and how they settle their disputes with the ancient ritual of the dance-off! Be prepared to laugh out loud with your kiddos and beware of cute baby unicorns!

Unicorns 101 matches two of the major requests I've been getting lately in my K-5 library. The first being unicorns. "Mrs. Carter, we need more books about unicorns." The second is glitter. The glitter action on this front cover will dazzle your readers for sure! I can't wait to get a copy (or two) to add to our library. It's already on order in fact. After reading Explorers of the Wild, Where Oliver Fits, and our absolute favorite, Sir Simon Super Scarer, I have learned to simply add Cale Atkinson's books to our collection without question. And now that I have a copy of the galley in my hands, I know it will be a hit with my readers.

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute faux-nonfiction book about unicorns and the second book about unicorns to claim that they poop cupcakes so it's a fact now. Kids will love to see this book read aloud, but I would recommend using a document camera and revealing the visual punchlines as you read. There are at least 2 seek and find pages which you could leave on display as a treat for a classroom to gaze at. I wish the publisher provided some activities. Students who love work sheets *they exist* love it when the publisher produces tie-in activities. In this case coloring book pages are obvious, but a unicorn name generator would be a fun follow up activity. What about a unicorn recipe book or menu? Off the page: for a movement activity, have a unicorn dance off! I really think this book has a lot of potential, but be warned. It may not be for everybody. Students older than 10 might get hung up on the use of the word horn. Seriously juvenile, but save yourself the shame of having to read outloud words like Hornologist. Certified Hornologist.

[Abby Johnson]

Cute, colorful, funny picture book for the unicorn-obsessed. This amusing look at the "science" of unicorns examines their every aspect. Hand to fans of Mac Barnett and Adam Rex or any unicorn-obsessed kid.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not really impressed with 'Unicorns 101'. I would have given it a lower rating, but my niece enjoyed the bright colours, story, and unicorn theme. Right from the first page I was disappointed. Cale Atkinson meant to write a light-hearted book about unicorns and the 'science' surrounding them. On the first page of the book he introduced the reader to four leading unicorn researchers, Professor Glitter Pants, Professor Sprinkle Steed, Professor Star Hoof, and Professor Sugar Beard, plus their trusty lab assistant 'Pete'. All four researchers and their lab assistant happen to be male (all are wearing ties and two have facial hair). I'm not a person to really push for gender equality, but really? Not one of those researchers could have been female? We live in a time where we are really trying to promote science to young women, how hard would it have been to include ONE female unicorn researcher? Do I know this wasn't intentional? Yes. Do I know that young children still enjoy the book? Yes. But I also know that quietly, if unintentionally, the book suggests that only men can be leading researchers, and that isn't something I want to promote nor do I believe. I will admit I'm a researcher and when I showed the first page of this book to five female colleagues and asked what their first thoughts were of the book, every one of them commented that all the unicorns were male. Disappointing.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and funny; colorful cartoon illustrations.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in the style of a non-fiction book, this is hilarious.

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good except they didn't mention North Korea's unicorn lair in the "habitat and home" section. Seems like an oversight.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick and silly read. Fun read for those who want all things unicorn, and enjoy this kind of pseudo-seriousness.

There's a fantastic certificate in the back.

[skcocnaH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cute. My only complaint is that some of the pages are a bit all over the place from a graphic design perspective.

[Marcus McCollom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and cute story for the nieces

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book about the science of Unicorns! It goes into multiple facets of unicorn facts and has some fun humor! I love the diploma at the end!

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

An "all about" book about a fun and mystical topic: unicorns! Bright, very colorful, and of course, glittery - kids will enjoy this spoof on these mystical creatures!

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unicorns 101 by Cale Atkinson. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday (RandomHouse), 2019. $18. 9781984830364

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Thank goodness Cale Atkinson is here to let Professor Glitter Pants and the other Unicorn scientists teach us all about unicorns!

Atkinson’s illustrator prowess (wear your sunglasses before you look at the baby unicorn) and his wry humor abound in this highly entertaining - I mean INFORMATIVE - look at unicorns! Kids and unicorn-loving adults will all fall in love. Then go buy a copy of the Unstable Unicorns game for them too.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Bookjeannnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually give five stars when I laugh like crazy on every single page! 📚💚

[Michelle (FabBookReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Let's take a look at the picture book Unicorns 101 from Canadian author and illustrator (and animator) Cale Atkinson, who readers may recognize from popular children's titles such as Sir Simon: Super Scarer and Where Oliver Fits. In Unicorns 101, readers are treated to an expansive yet concise overview of everything unicorns. From 'What Is a Unicorn?' to 'The Horn of the Corn' and 'Unicorn Types' to 'Social Behaviors', four top unicorn scientists (and a hardworking lab assistant named Pete) navigate the surprising, sometimes shocking, sometimes rib-tickling, and plain awesome study of unicorns. As an example, here are just some of the incredible unicorn facts that readers will learn from Professors Glitter Pants, Sprinkle Steed, Star Hoof, and Sugar Beard: the scientific name for unicorns is Betterthan horsicus; young unicorns are called Candycorns; the species of unicorn we know now evolved first from amoeba-corns; unicorns solve disagreements by way of dance-offs; and, last but absolutely not least, unicorns poop...cupcakes (!). Readers will not only glean a tremendous scope of facts, but also get a rare glimpse at a baby unicorn- apparently many "people have been forever changed by the high level of cuteness" so that's why we don't often see them. A funny and adorable delight from start to finish, Unicorns 101 is everything a unicorn enthusiast could want. Readers looking for a new and fresh unicorn-centered story should absolutely check out Cale Atkinson's latest; it it packed with Atkinson's bright and adorable artwork, capturing attention with visual gags, detailed spreads, and bold 'facts and figures' that delight and interest. For fans of picture book authors and illustrators such as Bob Shea, Kate Beaton, and Ben Clanton, or titles such as You Don't Want a Unicorn!, Unicorns 101 is terrific and entertaining reading.

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ Lost that last bit of a star because it is a bit challenging as a read-aloud, but still much fun.

Guided by a set of unicorn experts, Cale Atkinson takes us through a very funny crash course in all things unicorn. I've loved his other books (Sir Simon: Super Scarer is a favorite) and this is another winner. Rather tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, with some adorable illustrations. A great one for both little ones who love unicorns (my small nieces come to mind) and those adults who have to live with that love of unicorns.

For a storytime book, it's a little more challenging. It's like a natural guide and lecture/conversation all in one, with little storyline. Makes reading it aloud for a storytime a little more challenging. However... I can totally see using this as part of a unicorn/fairy/fantasy sort of themed program. A chance for kids to come in an earn their own degree in Unicornology (a certificate helpfully provided by Atkinson in the book!).

PS - there's always a Pete isn't there? Or a Bob or a Sue - some sort of incredibly prosaic one-syllable name to round out the fantasy cast. Older joke, but always a good one.

[Laura Bontje · Rating 5 out of 5]

We stumbled upon this adorable picture book—I mean, this unicorn science textbook!—as an e-book on my library app, and I'm so glad we did!

Packed with "facts" about unicorns (scientific name: "Betterthan horsicus"), it's a little longer than some picture books (~950 words), but still short enough to make a charming bedtime read. The textbook style and the illustrations elicited plenty of giggles, and there's a picture of a baby unicorn that's every bit as cute as the book "warns" that it will be.

If you don't like bathroom humor, be aware that there are one or two scatalogical lines, but they're minimal in the scope of the book as a whole and presented as silly rather than gross. (The joke is about unicorn scat consisting of a popular dessert item instead, since the book posits that nothing about unicorns is dull or unpleasant.)

Overall, this was a lot of fun! I'm glad we found it! It worked well enough as an e-book on my phone, but I'm sure it would be even more fun to explore the whimsical illustrations in full size.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been awhile since I last looked at a book about unicorns. A complete fail for a person as unicorn-obsessed as I am, but it happens to the best of us. So, I’m jumping back in with Unicorns 101 by Cale Atkinson.

This is a comedic “non-fiction” take on unicorns. It is fairly dense as far as children's books go, and is not a book recommended for young children as much as the humor will likely not make sense to them. Kids in elementary school would likely be a good fit (or maybe an adult who never grew up *cough cough*). It had detailed drawings and graphs and the like.

The art style is consistent with the cover. So, if that is a style you like, just know that it is representative of the book.

All in all, it isn’t a horrible choice for the unicorn obsessed. Although, I will admit it isn’t the style of unicorn book that I would add to my collection (I lean into stories or beautiful illustrations more), but to each their own.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not every day you read a book by four -- count 'em 4444 -- unicorn experts. Yet here they are, in full-color illustrations:

* Professor Glitter Pants
* Professor Sprinkle Steed
* Professor Star Hoof
* Professor Sugar Beard

Delve into all the scientific facts presented by these "unicorn masterminds." (Adult readers, note the spoofy satire here, which goes above and beyond the standard for humor in a picture book.)

Here are just a few of the rigorously-measured stats about unicorns:

SIZE: Hoof to head, 30-67 hamsters tall.
HORN: 4-20 rainbow meters long
WEIGHT: 40,000 GUMMY BEARS

By the end of this tale, you will even find a diploma, just for you, as a "Unicorn Scientist." How cool is that!

FIVE STARS to out-of-this-world author and artist Cale Atkinson.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young unicorn fans may enjoy this picture book that is devoted to providing the truth about those fascinating magical creatures. Guided by the aptly-named and scholarly Professor Glitter Pants, Sprinkle Steed, Star Hoof, and Sugar Beard with help from Pete, their lab assistant, readers learn about unicorn history, habitat, and behaviors. It's all silly fun with readers even being introduced to some unusual unicorn hybrids and a baby unicorn. While I can't imagine someone past fourth grade finding the humor or subject matter appealing as it is presented, younger readers may well be charmed and even add some additional pages to this "academic" tome--tongue, er, horn, planted firmly in place. The brightly-colored images reminiscent of comic book pages will add to the book's appeal.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The clever feature of Atkinson's new book on unicorns is its organizational format. The book takes the reader on a ten part study of unicorns with each separate section focused on a different aspect of unicorns (history, habitats, social behaviors, etc.) It's main subject-specific details organizational format will make it a good mentor texts for students writing similar texts. Unicorn fans will like the book for its main subject and others will find the puns in the details. Illustrations are bold and captivating. Format makes it very accessible with a possibility of jigsawing different sections. It would have many uses in a classroom.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are any of your patrons interested in learning EVERYTHING about unicorns? This is a silly take on a course about everything you need to know about unicorns. It’s divided into sections, with each section focusing a bit on some part of a unicorn. Colorful illustrations with hidden jokes cover each page. The book ends with a unicorn scientist certification, and the author’s biography on the back flap also talks about his studies in hornology. The cover has glitter on it, giving it that extra-special touch. For your unicorn-obsessed patrons who can’t get enough.

Reviewed previously here: https://mslbookreview.org/unicorns-101/

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many young readers are enthralled with unicorns, and this fun picture book will be eagerly received. Written in the form of a nonfiction book with informational style text and boldly colored illustrations and diagrams, readers will learn all about these amazing mythical creatures! This could be a great mentor text for writers who want to describe fictional topics in an informational text style or for those that want an entertaining way to write nonfiction text. Either way, I see this as being a popular book on the shelf in a classroom or at home.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of unicorn facts and history, including famous unicorns from the past and some strange powers that unicorns have done.

This really is a random selection of facts about unicorns and how they live, usually with a two page spread on one subject, then moving on to something else on the next pages. It's a mixed bag; some of it is very funny, some is not so much, but it is all on unicorns, so if you have a die hard "corny" in your herd this may be perfect for them.

No content issues; does include an evolutionary chain for the unicorn.

[Lillian Katavitch · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has appealing pictures, that is why I picked it up. I think that the pictures in this book were great, and the book itself was adorable. But, other than reader, and learning how to read a magazine I found no educational value in this book. I also think that this book was hard to follow for children, and in order to enjoy this book, even advanced young readers would need an adult to help them get through this book.