Fern is a unicorn. She is creative. She prefers building robots and coding to jumping though rainbows that shimmer or splashing in waterfalls. She likes chemistry and reading. Glitter is not her thing, but she is always a good friend and willing to lend a helping hoof to help others. Still the other unicorns tease Fern and call her a Nerdy Corn.
Andrew Root has taken the theme of bullies and being yourself on a slightly different journey in Nerdy Corn. Fern, when she is finally tired of being called names after all the things she does for the other unicorns, takes an interesting path of not helping when the others need her. Will this work to help them realize that being a “Nerdy Corn” is actually really cool?
The classic story has a modern tone to it. Part of that modern atmosphere is Erin Balzer’s cartoonish illustrations. You know the characters are unicorns, but not always a traditional looking unicorn. You see the purples, pinks, pastel blues, and lots of glittery looking things. But they are not your mother’s unicorns. They are not all “pretty pink princess majestic looking.” They are a little tubby and pony like, with fun details. And of course, Fern herself is very unique and special. With their fun mane and their glasses and all their special additions.
All ages can get a kick out of Fern and her friends. While reading one-on-one or in a group, kids will relate to the characters and laugh out loud.
