Uni the Unicorn in the Real World

Uni the Unicorn #3

by Paris Rosenthal, Brigette Barrager (Illustrator)

Uni the Unicorn, the only unicorn who believes kids are real, slides down a double rainbow to visit friends on earth.

Uni the Unicorn visits her best friend in the real world. Now everyone will know that unicorns exist, and that Uni is real after all.

But when the little girl introduces Uni to her family and friends, they can't see the unicorn.

Then, with the power of believing and Uni's magic horn, one little boy begins to see something. And then all the kids begin to believe in magic. And as the real world grows brighter and brighter, all kinds of other magical creatures appear, ending the book with the most dazzling array of imaginary creatures.

Paris Rosenthal, the daughter of the late Amy Krouse Rosenthal, wrote this as a tribute to her mom.

Genres: Picture Books, Unicorns, Fantasy, Childrens, Juvenile, Storytime, Fairy Tales

36 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2021

About the author

Paris Rosenthal is the coauthor of two New York Times bestselling picture books, Dear Girl (with her mother, Amy Krouse Rosenthal) and Dear Boy (with her father, Jason Rosenthal), along with Dear Baby and Dear Teacher. A graduate of Quest University, in British Columbia, Canada, she now lives and works in New York City.

Reviews

[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/Picture Book
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are magnificent...everything you could possibly desire in a book about a magical unicorn. But I didn't love the story. It was really predictable and not super interesting.

[skcocnaH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gets 4 stars because I love love LOVE the illustrations. I didn’t care at all for the story though— it was way too convenient, even for a children’s book!

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uni the Unicorn and her little girl return in this third picture book devoted to their adventures, following upon Uni the Unicorn and Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True . Sliding down a double rainbow from There to Here, they find themselves in the "real" world—the world where the little girl lives. But although eager to introduce her magical friend to her parents and friends, the girl is dismayed to discover that they can't see Uni, due to the fact that they just don't believe in unicorns. It takes a rainbow spark from Uni's horn to help one little boy to believe and then see, and soon the girl's other friends have opened their eyes as well...

The first two books about Uni and her little girl were written by prolific picture book author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who sadly passed away in 2017. In Uni the Unicorn in the Real World, Rosenthal's daughter, Paris Rosenthal, who previously collaborated with her mother on Dear Girl,: A Celebration of Wonderful, Smart, Beautiful You!, picks up her mother's mantel, and continues the series alongside original illustrator, Brigette Barrager. Although sequels and continuations by other authors aren't always successful, I thought this was a sweet little book, one featuring a heartwarming story about the importance of belief, and how it can make the world a magical place. As in the previous titles, the artwork is lovely, with a beautiful color palette and adorable characters. I think my favorite scene, visually, was the one in which the girl's friends are encountering all kinds of magical creatures, from unicorns to dragons, fairies to winged horses. There is a very nice fold-out page at the end as well, featuring Uni and her girl riding the rainbow. Recommended to fans of Uni and her girl, and to all picture book readers who believe in unicorns and other fantastical creatures.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not easy, being a little girl. This book may help some of the dreamier kids.

There are some VERY cool plot twists in this book. Very cool, at least, if you're four years old!

As described here on Goodreads, by our faithful blurber:

Uni the Unicorn, the only unicorn who believes kids are real, slides down a double rainbow to visit friends on earth.

Uni the Unicorn visits her best friend in the real world. Now everyone will know that unicorns exist, and that Uni is real after all.

And that's when the problems start, if you can imagine such a thing.

Clearly, this book is meant to help very young readers feel MANY IMPORTANT EMOTIONS. There are also the brightest-brighest colors.

More power to those readers.

FIVE STARS for bringing comfort to little girls, real little girls, whose adjustment to human life may take them a while.

But when the little girl introduces Uni to her family and friends, they can't see the unicorn.

[Tayler K · Rating 3 out of 5]

So colorful!!!
Gosh, I could just wallpaper my room with the outer space rainbow endpapers!

Very simple story but should be a cute book for young unicorn fans.

Written by the daughter of the author of the first two Uni books.

I did think it was a bit "that escalated quickly" when we went from 'maybe this sudden rainbow does mean unicorns' to 'every single magical creature appeared' and "the power of believing spread across the Real World". But, hey, it's magic for kids. *shrug*

Also I guess we were trying to be progressive by having the Dad wash dishes in an apron? But mom next to him on the cellphone the whole time gave off such Karen/Miranda Priestly vibes, ugh.

[Jeremy · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a bit ironic that a book that preaches the power of imagination, completely fails to demonstrate any imagination whatsoever. The story seemed almost AI generated, utterly devoid of magic or original thought. This book is an old plough horse the publisher has fitted with a carrot, so they can sell it as a Unicorn.

Disclaimer: The illustrations are quite good, but I'm so annoyed at the story I can't get past it. Brigette Barrager this is not your fault!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uni visits the real world to see what life is like there. She and the little girl meet the family and play in the park with friends. As expected, no one can see Uni until another child starts to believe. After that, the friends not only see Uni but other magical creatures as well.
Colorful illustrations emphasize the wonder of stretching the imagination.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable. Lovely illustrations as always. It was really cool to see Uni in our "real" world and I'm glad Uni got to experience that! I want more books! I love Uni so much!

SPOILERS AHEAD:

It was really interesting and cool to see how not everybody was able to see Uni. Felt like that was cleverly done.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uni is visiting the little girl and the little girl wants to introduce Uni to her friends and family. While the two friends have a marvelous time together, it doesn't seem anyone else can see Uni. Will anyone other than the girl see her?

A cute addition to the Uni stories. The illustrations are as bright and cheerful as ever. The flood of new fantasy creatures is fun, and the message is nice.

[Lacy | literary_lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the next book in this series! These books are cute, and I think I enjoy each subsequent one better than the one before.

This book had a good message that EVERYONE belonged! I love that. This is a cute, fun, colorful series that’s great for school-ages kids.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are so cute in Uni the Unicorn books. My nieces love the bright colors, even though the stories sometimes go over their heads. I think it's sweet to see the series continuing with Amy Rosenthal's daughter--what a sweet way to remember a great author!

[Ayah Abdul-Rauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This trilogy is fire. Love the illustrations as well. The turning point in this volume could have been better. I think it would be more interesting if just some of her friends saw Uni by the end instead if everyone, but still good stuff

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uni comes to the real world with his friend. She is so excited for her family and friends to meet Uni, but when they do, they can't see Uni! Will they ever come to believe?

I loved the illustrations and colors.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uni the Unicorn is back in this new narrative tale written by Amy Rosenthal's daughter Paris. This story celebrates the power of believing as the young girl tries to help us see Uni her magical unicorn. Good book for fans of unicorns and previous readers of Uni tales.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uni the unicorn, makes a wish to discover if little girls really exist and a little makes a with to discover if unicorns exist. These two wishes collide, causing a double rainbow and a bridge into the real world. As the two become fast friends, will they convince family and friends what they see?

[Daisy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very magical enchanting story about a little girl trying to convince her friends about a unicorn. I loved the part where it mentioned that the unicorn "believes that little children DO exist."
Story is paired beautifully with colorful and vibrant illustrations.

[Shani · Rating 3 out of 5]

A journey through reconnecting with imagination and magic.

[Michelle Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. While it is a simple and even predictable story, I think some of my younger readers are going to love it! Gorgeous illustrations.

[kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

barf

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very warm fuzzy book about believing in magic.

[Alicia Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

For: unicorn lovers; readers looking for a sweet whimsical book.

Possible red flags: being mad fun of by your friends.

[Maryana · Rating 3 out of 5]

read in McNally Jackson w/ Lena <3

[Shannon McLean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illustrations are gorgeous!

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the artwork in the Uni the Unicorn series, so pretty. This book is about the power of believing.

[Jessie Weaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations are gorgeous, but this book doesn't make a lick of sense. Ha. Not sure what it's trying to accomplish.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art 5 stars
Story 3 stars

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty and cheery illustrations. There isn't much of a storyline, but it's more about having fun moments and being open to imagination.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entering the “real world” isn’t quite as charming for this series, but the illustrations are still undeniable stunners.

[Diana Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So magical. I loved it!!!