A Unicorn Named Sparkle and the Perfect Valentine (A Unicorn Named Sparkle #5)

by Amy Young (Author) Amy Young (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

The fifth book in A Unicorn Named Sparkle series is about finding out there's no perfect way to say I love you.

Lucy and a unicorn named Sparkle are back for another funny and sweet adventure. Valentine's Day is when you tell the people in your life how much you love them. There's no one Sparkle loves more than Lucy. He decides to make her the perfect valentine. Except, instead of hands, Sparkle has hooves. He can't write and he can't cut. So how is he going to show Lucy that he loves her best of all?

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Kirkus

The story’s message of self-acceptance is perfectly suited for young readers whose creative visions don’t yet match their abilities. A sweet and funny Valentine’s Day read.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-Lucy and Sparkle are preparing for a Valentine's party. While Lucy is busy making valentines that will tell each of her friends at the party what she loves about them, Sparkle sneaks off with art supplies to make his own card for Lucy. But the beautiful card he imagines is a lot harder for a unicorn to execute. He painstakingly cuts out a heart with his horn, makes a hoof mark for each of the things he loves about Lucy, and dips his horn into paint to add a "squiggly line" for a poem. Sparkle is pleased with his card, until he sees the beautiful ones on display at the party. Teary-eyed, Sparkle tosses his in the trash. But Lucy finds it, declares it "perfect," and shares the card she has made for Sparkle as well. Sparkle transitions from bowed dejection to recognition that he is loved as he and Lucy look into each other's eyes and eventually share a hug. The watercolor-and-ink cartoon illustrations delightfully depict brown-skinned Lucy, with her spiraling black curls, and her goatlike companion. Readers whose skills do not yet meet their expectations will resonate with Sparkle's experience. VERDICT The message that one need not be perfect to be loved is an excellent one to share during Valentine's Day story hours.

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes



Amy Young
Amy Young was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and though she trained and practiced as a lawyer, she has always wanted to be an artist. She is the author and illustrator of several picture books including A Unicorn Named Sparkle, A New Friend for Sparkle, A Unicorn Named Sparkle's First Christmas, and A Unicorn Named Sparkle and the Pumpkin Monster. She lives in Spring Lake, Michigan, with her husband.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780374314224
Lexile Measure
450
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Publication date
December 14, 2021
Series
A Unicorn Named Sparkle
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV002270 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical
JUV017070 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Valentine's Day
Library of Congress categories
Unicorns
Valentines
Goats

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