Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert, Is a Sports Superstar

Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert

by Morag Hood, Ella Okstad (Illustrator)

The ever-oblivious Sophie Johnson returns to tackle the world of sports using her incredible athletic abilities…or so she thinks!

Sophie Johnson is a self-proclaimed expert. She knows everything about unicorns and detective work, and now she’s sure she knows everything about athletics, too. Preparing for a fun run, Sophie is so busy with her Excellent Race Plan that she doesn’t have time to listen to anyone’s advice about how to prepare—or even where to run! Can she stay on course to win gold, or will her perfect plan go sideways?

A wonderfully humorous story from the picture book dream-team, Morag Hood and Ella Okstad, this follow-up to Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert is another engaging tale about the confident young girl who is totally oblivious to what is happening around her.

Genres: Picture Books, Sports, Unicorns, Childrens, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 9, 2021

About the author

"I'm an award-winning children's book author and illustrator from Edinburgh. I love making up stories, print-making and cutting and sticking. My favourite things to draw are eyebrows.

I have an MA in Children's Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art and a BA in Costume Design from Wimbledon College of Art. I used to work in theatre, but now spend my days in my Edinburgh studio with views of the hills.

One day I will manage to write a book about my very favourite animal - the duck.

I am represented by Paul Moreton at Bell Lomax Moreton."

Reviews

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

What could possibly go wrong when a child thinks she’s so right? Read this story to find out. Sophie is not just a unicorn expert—she’s also a budding narcissist, whose fantasy world seems too fanciful, even for her pet unicorn.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the humorous illustrations in this book and Sophie's ridiculous Amelia-Bedelia-like antics, but there was a surprising lack of unicorns in this book. Unicorns were in the background, but their presence was never really addressed. I think the plot would have made better sense if Sophie was training WITH her unicorns for a big event, and per usual they were staring out at the reader with eyes that say "HELP!" and then hilarity ensues. Instead, this felt a bit random. I will still check out more Sophie Johnson books, I just hope they have more unicorns next time. (I know I don't sound like an adult after writing that sentence, but I am one! I have car payments and everything! XD)

[Danielle Robertson Robertson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sophie Johnson is probably not a good influence for your kid. She doesn't listen to her parents about exercise or nutrition or rest. She fills her grocery cart with candy and treats. She ignores signs and helpers on the day of the race, she CHEATS and WINS THE TROPHY. I'm sure this is supposed to be funny and I'm sure some will find this review a bit dramatic. Nonetheless, this girl is rewarded for cheating and ignoring help from others. I'm all for teaching Strong Independent Women to be motivated and determined, but kindness has to be there too. This book really annoyed me.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie Johnson, unicorn expert brings her humorous insight to the sports world as she prepares for a a big foot face, and possibly the longest and hardest race she's ever ran in. Ignoring her parents advice, Sophie Johnson uses her own knowledge to prepare, and only race day will tell if she's successful.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie continues to work her own way. This time she trains for and runs a fun run. Unfortunately, she doesn't pay attention and ends up winning the marathon by running the wrong way. Plenty of humor as this story unfolds. Be sure to study the illustrations to see the full story.

[Molly]

Whimsical, silly celebration of a girl who loves sports and marches to the beat of her own drummer.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor mom.

[Rob Zakowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheated in not one but two races

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ironic, but probably not the right message for kids. She doesn’t have to listen to her mom? She can eat candy and be a good athlete? Not quite the message I would want my kids to get.

[Tess Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite dissapointed. The language and images are lovely however the content is lacking, not too exciting and not much substance.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story has fun illustrations, but there is no meaningful plot or structure, and there's not even a good twist at the end.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie Johnson wins the race by taking shortcuts to the finish line.