I am not usually a big fan of Sparkle and Lucy, but there was something about A Unicorn Named Sparkle and the Perfect Valentine that “got me.” And I do not know how Amy Young did it, but they
made me like Valentines Day. They made me want to make Valentines for all my friends right now and not wait until February. However, I do not want to make them in the special way Lucy makes hers (or not just the way she does them), but how Sparkle makes theirs, too.
Now this book is coming out at an odd time, in late November/early December 2021. But in time for you to get it for February 2022 and to practice Sparkle’s special way. Which is, doing the best you can, even if you cannot write (as Sparkle is unable to do) and need to make a unique poem on your heart from your heart. The results of both Lucy’s and Sparkle’s valentines are as cute and sweet as they are funny. The idea of friendship knowing how to “read the images/words” even if they do not know what they say, is a delightful treat.
The illustrations of Young are classic them. Sparkle is that goat-like unicorn, Lucy a perky and happy young child. The colors are sweet, not overwhelming but not faded. And you know how much sparkle there is in Sparkle’s sparkle droppings!
Also, while I am not going to count Valenslime as a read book (as I only read a few pages in an excerpt) but I want to mention it to y’all. I got a good idea of the tone, but I am not totally sure how humorous vs. serious it will be; therefore, I will say this book is adorable looking. It had bold colors and goopy slime delightfully illustrated by Ashley Belote all over. Scientists of all ages will want to read Joy Keller’s picture book. Due in mid-late November 2021.
