The Return of Thelma the Unicorn

Thelma the Unicorn #2

by Aaron Blabey

Thelma the Unicorn is back and more fabulous than ever!
The whole wide world was overjoyed!
Her fans all went berserk.
But this time Thelma had her friend
and that's what made it work.

The world misses its favorite unicorn, but Thelma is reluctant to don her horn and sparkles again. However, with the support of her best friend Otis, she realizes the importance of spreading love and joy -- no matter what people think.

Bestselling author Aaron Blabey's sweet and funny follow-up to Thelma the Unicorn will have young readers cheering for Thelma and Otis as they learn to love who they are... even if they don't have sparkles.

Genres: Picture Books, Unicorns, Childrens, Friendship, Fantasy, Animals, Storytime

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Aaron is an Australian author of children's books and artist who until the mid-2000s was also an actor. His award winning picture books include Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley, The Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon and the best-selling Pig the Pug.

In the field of acting, he is probably best known for his lead roles in two television dramedies, 1994's The Damnation of Harvey McHugh, for which he won an Australian Film Institute Award, and 2003's CrashBurn, before retiring from performance in 2005.

Reviews

[Lindsay L · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

A super cute sequel for Thelma the Unicorn! 🦄

[Chance Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking forward to the sequel in which Thelma learns her unicorn-loving boyfriend Otis is gay.

[Ioana · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://ciobanuldeazi.home.blog/2025/...

[IvyInThePages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yeah

[Bridget Neace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't like it as much as the original, but still a sweet story. And, according to our copy, Netflix is going to turn Thelma's story into an animated musical, so here's hoping that happens!

[Aneesa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Still trying to get rid of the first one, this one comes home from the library

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Thelma felt a little shocked. In fact, she felt quite torn. You see, she’d made the whole world sad—WE MISSED OUR UNICORN!

Premise/plot: Thelma, our heroine, returns to “being” a unicorn, returns to the spotlight, in Blabey’s sequel. This time Thelma has the support of a very good friend, Otis.

My thoughts: I have not read the first book. (If I have it was so forgettable that I don’t remember doing so.) I enjoyed this one. I enjoyed Thelma and Otis. I thought the rhyming worked well. Did I love it? I would not go that far. Unicorns aren’t quite my thing. I thought it was cute and enjoyable. Little ones that do love all things unicorn will find it super appealing.

Text:3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Total: 7/10

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Aaron Blabey's books, in fact I;ve read them so often I know them off by heart. The return of Thelma unicorn is a one that little girls and older ones too will love. Funny, lyrical musings paired with fabulous illustrations. This is definitely a must buy for Christmas.

[Carolyn, Ur Local Carrot Stick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super cute sequel to Thelma the Unicorn. And, yes, Otis and Thelma are right, the world NEEDS unicorns.

[Charlotte van Walraven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute, very clever, and very true - the world does need unicorns. Really loved the illustrations as well.

[Diana Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are wonderful! So light and fun! The story is so cute in that it is good to have a friend along on life's adventures!

[Amy (Lost in a Good Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was published on Lost in a Good Book

This is a great sequel because not only does it address Thelma’s ongoing desire to still be a unicorn and the apprehension she has given her experience last time, but it also solves the question about what the rest of the world did when their favourite unicorn suddenly vanished off the face of the earth.

Otis is back being Thelma’s number one fan and he is a great sounding board for what Thelma should do. He has a bigger role in this one and he is adorable in his love and affection for Thelma.

The argument Blabey makes is an interesting one. What did it matter that she wasn’t a real unicorn? She made people happy and isn’t making people happy a good thing? He balances it out though and Thelma has learnt from her past experiences because while she is scared, Otis grounds her and she remembers to also be herself, they can love her for being her.

Blabley great rhymes are back and I love how he uses the pages and the illustrations to work together in telling the story. There’s anticipation and suspense as you turn the pages, and the rhyming makes sense and with the right rhythm can be read with a nice flow.

The illustrations are big and bold with a lot of full pages and colour that stand out. There’s a few small, fun details too which are nice in the background. One thing Blabey can’t seem to decide on is whether Otis and Thelma wear clothes because seeing it switch from page to page is hilarious.

There is a pop culture reference in there which I get, but it was weird, but I can see people loving it. I think it was the accompanying illustration that weirded me out more than the eye rolling reference but I can’t complain because it’s a kids book after all.

There is a nicer message in this story because Thelma gets to keep being who she loves and she has found a balance in her life with a great support system around her. Otis and Thelma are an adorable pair and Blabey beautiful skirts around whether they are just friends or have gone further. I like he left it vague and I love that he has made a story where he shows Thelma’s dreams are indeed possible with the right kind of attitude and support.

[Bel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron Blabey is the most fabulous picture book writer and artist. Both funny and somehow always emotive, his books resonate with kids and adults alike. Thelma is one of my favorite characters and I was thrilled to be able to read the digital F&G of this new book which is due out at the end of the year. Another great read, fun art and a lovely message. Fab.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Return of Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic. 2019. $15. 9781338608892

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Thelma may no longer be a unicorn, but the world seems to want her back in overwhelming numbers. Her best friend Otis convinces her to masquerade again and promises to be by her side, even through the haters.

Otis is the star of this new chapter – if Blabey continues on with more, I hope that he gets his own book.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Thelma fun from Aaron Blabey! Young kids always need to hear that they should let their real self shine, but isn’t dressing up, having fun and entertaining others great, too? This simple picture book can be read just for fun and frolic and/or the messages of friendship and never being afraid to show people who you really are.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world misses Thelma the Unicorn and wants her back. This time, with Otis's help, she brings back the unicorn and finds the balance she needs to be true to herself.
Readers will love Blabey's humorous illustrations and text.

[Ashlin Edmisten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so is this book a love story to Taylor Swift? Cause it feels like it.

Thelma can be a unicorn and be happy, wow! Otis helps her be the star she is, spread her love, and "shake" the haters.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thelma, the pony who wished to become a unicorn in the eponymously-named picture book, Thelma the Unicorn , only to discover that she missed her friend Otis and her home pasture, returns in this follow-up adventure. As the world mourns the loss of its unicorn star, Otis urges Thelma to return to her public life, and to once again become a unicorn—doing good, and spreading joy. After all, whatever the haters might say, the world needs its unicorns...

I always enjoy Australian author/illustrator Aaron Blabey's books, whether that be his picture books about that disreputable pug, Pig, or his beginning chapter-book/graphic novels about The Bad Guys , and The Return of Thelma the Unicorn was no exception. I don't think it was quite the equal of the first book, which I thought was a little more appealing, due to its message about being yourself, but it was still quite entertaining, pairing a fun and immensely readable narrative in rhyme with bright, colorful artwork that captures the humor of the story. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed the first book about Thelma.

[Brona's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Thelma, a HUGE fan. So, when I heard there was a sequel, I was rather nervous. How could Blabey possibly repeat the wonder and joy that was the original Thelma?

Fear no longer!
Thelma is back, bigger and better than ever.

After her first experience, she is still feeling stage-shy. Fear of failure and ridicule is high on her list of reasons for not going back into the limelight. But her trusty, loyal friend knows better. He tells her girl, it's time to get your sparkle back on! And with the support of her best friend, Thelma bravely goes out to conquer the world and to spread her sparkly love and joy.

Thank goodness!

Just like Thelma, we should all shake off the doubters and haters because after all, the world really does need unicorns!

[Chosei Tako Quiroz · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Se lo recomiendo…] Libro infantil para niños de seis o siete años. La segunda parte de Telma, el unicornio. La primera parte trató de Telma, una poni que quería ser unicornio y, por un accidente, aparenta ser tal; se hizo tan famosa que comenzó a tener problemas con una nueva vida que, en su interior, nunca imaginó; y escapó para regresar con quien realmente le hacía sentir bien.
¿Y ahora de qué tratará?, me preguntaba. En esta parte, todos buscan a Telma, sus fans la desean de vuelta, y ella solo regresará gracias a su amigo Otis. Aquí el mensaje no me impactó tanto como la primera, y sentí el final poco sorprendente. Pero igual deja un mensaje sobre la amistad y nunca olvidar quienes somos por dentro.

[Veronika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first Thelma story so of course I had to read this splendid sequel! And I am ever so happy that I finally did!

Thelma is back with all her greatness to the happiness of her adoring fans and this time she is not alone, Otis comes along for the ride with her. The budding romance between her and Otis is adorable and Thelma has learned not only how to be a star, but also how to ignore the haters at the same time!

This book just proves why the world needs unicorns!

I'm lowkey hoping that the author eventually writes a third book in the series because I just want more of Thelma (maybe an Otis and Thelma wedding or she eventually gets her own reality show? lol 👀)

[Madonna Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first Thelma book was about knowing who your true friends are. It was a nice story but not as special as this one.
This book is about how the power of having a friend who encourages you and how that allows you to be true to yourself ( and do amazing things). Thelma feels invincible because Otis is beside her encouraging her to be herself.
To be honest this book was amazing. Screw the bullies Thelma! Get your glitter on and shake it off Girl!!!
Love the “mornings with Helen” page. Not only for the Ellen illustration but the Otis/Thelma ship.
Love love love love this book. 🦄

[Bailie Mahuna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Return of Thelma is a cute book that shows what being you is all about. Although Thelma pretended to be a unicorn that was who she felt showed the real Thelma. Thelma ran away but everyone wanted Telma the unicorn back. They put out fliers and billboards to get Thelma back. Her friend Otis helped Thelma see that everyone accepts the real her which is Thelma the unicorn. I loved the pictures in this book it added a little humor to this story. Overall, I think this is a wonderful book for younger children.

[Kathryn (Dragon Bite Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally published on my blog, Nine Pages .

The world is sad because Thelma the Unicorn has disappeared. Otis (the donkey) convinces Thelma that the world needs her and the smiles that she brought to everyone. He offers to be her backup, to go with her on the road. “The world needs unicorns” (it’s okay to stand out) is an excellent message alongside “There’s nothing wrong with make-believe […] as long as you remember what you love and who you are.”

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

We did not realize this was a sequel book when we picked it but it works as well as a standalone. Oz loves unicorns and glitter, so it was a good choice. It's a great story about not hiding yourself and finding someone who respects you and loves you for who you are.

Please note that the dates may not be accurate as we read it during the pandemic and I didn't really keep track of what dates we read when. Some of these books we read multiple times so they will have multiple read counts. We had taken them out of the library a week before everything shut down, and were unable to get new books.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You're not phoney. You're the best. And what they miss is ... YOU."

Crowds are calling for the return of Thelma the Unicorn. But she isn't sure she wants to return. Thankfully, her friend, Otis, kept the costume and he is willing to be by Thelma's side, cheering her one And with Otis, Thelma can shake off the haters. Because, after all, the world needs unicorns.

This one will be popular with my primary girls for sure.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thelma makes her return as she dresses up yet again, as the unicorn that everyone has been missing. The sweet theme in this story is the presence of Otis, her best friend, her cheers her on, reminds her who she is, and that she doesn't necessarily have to pay much attention to the haters, or those that don't cheer her on. There's a hint of romance as Otis is not only her best friend, but also a mention of love being "in the air".

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as great as the first installment in the Thelma series, but definitely cute. Thelma has returned to her non-unicorn life. The world, however, misses her. Heeding their call, Thelma steps back into the spotlight with her beloved pal Otis. Now, whenever she meets anyone who opposes her, Thelma has her best friend to help her through it. Like I said, the first book was better, but this one also comes with a great message.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Thelma the Unicorn. A fabulous five star picture book, so I had to buy The Return of Thelma the Unicorn as soon as I saw it (a lovely surprise in the bookshop one day- I didn't know it was coming). The Return of Thelma is a worthy successor, and all Thelma's fans who have missed her will love this book too, just like the fans in the book do. I'll be giving my copy to a friend's kids.

[Shani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best line for this book "There's nothing wrong with make-believe. You can be a star... As long as you remember what you love and who you are"!!!!

The story is as funny as the first. Otis is the friend we all hope to have! Proof in this line "Girl, get your sparkle on!"

The message is sweet. The art makes it clear it's okay to be different! The world does need unicorns!