Pre-K

Growing Reader

12 Magical Books About Unicorns for Kids

by Dena McMurdie

Background credit: BokehStore, Shutterstock

As the mother of three girls, it‘s no surprise that unicorns are a major obsession in my house. After all, there’s nothing better than a sparkly white horse with a magic horn sliding down rainbows and defending the innocent.

Whether you’re looking for a magical tale to read to your toddler or something to feed your growing reader’s imagination, here are 12 fantastic books for unicorn-obsessed boys and girls.

Unicorns Are Real!

Unicorns Are Real!

by Holly Hatam

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The littlest of littles will love this sweet board book that teaches them all about the magical world of unicorns. From what they're made of (glitter and rainbows, obviously), to their forest frolics, this books of fantastic facts will have everyone wishing they could have a unicorn of their very own.

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I’m a Unicorn

I’m a Unicorn

by Helen Yoon

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Kids love this giggle-worthy picture book about a one-horned calf that believes they are a unicorn. Doubt creeps in as they learn about the magical creatures and realize they don’t meet the qualifications. This humorous story will quickly become a storytime favorite!

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A Unicorn on a Unicycle

A Unicorn on a Unicycle

by Lynda Graham Barber, illustrated by Jordan Wray

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Warm up your index finger, because this adorable book will have you counting the wheels on vehicles, from unicycles to parade floats. Kids will love counting up to 10 and pointing out the funny animals and silliness on each page.

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There’s a Unicorn in Your Book

There’s a Unicorn in Your Book

by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Greg Abbott

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This book has more sparkles than any other title in the Who’s In Your Book? series. Help a little unicorn banish her anxiety about singing and express herself through song. Interactive elements engage young readers, while the gentle social-emotional message helps kids learn how to handle their fears.

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Little Unicorn

Little Unicorn

by Rhiannon Fielding, illustrated by Chris Chatterton

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Snuggle up with this rhyming bedtime book about a little unicorn who loves adventure. Twinkle packs as much fun as she can into the ten minutes before bed. She chases pixies and follows mysterious footprints before curling up under her favorite tree to fall asleep. Check out the rest of the Ten Minutes to Bed series for more magical bedtime fun. It has sold almost a million copies!

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Margaret’s Unicorn

Margaret’s Unicorn

by Briony May Smith

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A little girl named Margaret struggles with her family’s recent move to a new home. One day, she rescues a baby unicorn trapped in some long weeds. As she cares for the baby unicorn, their friendship helps her adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings. Beautiful artwork and a heartwarming story make this picture book a must-read for unicorn lovers of all ages!

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A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Walk Into a Book

A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Walk Into a Book

by Jonathan Fenske

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From the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor-winning author of A Pig, a Fox, and a Box comes a rib-tickling picture book that will have kids grinning from ear to ear. Zany humor and bright, expressive illustrations make this book a delight to read. If you loved The Book With No Pictures, this will be right up your alley!

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Invasion of the Unicorns

Invasion of the Unicorns

by David Biedrzycki

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He’s cute. He’s fluffy. He’s — trying to take over the world?! Special Agent Bubble07 might look innocent and magical, but he’s an undercover alien spy scoping out Earth as a potential conquest. But resisting the love and attention of a little girl proves more difficult than he expected. This funny and charming story is perfect for young unicorn lovers!

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Uni the Unicorn

Uni the Unicorn

by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Brigette Barrager

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Uni knows that little girls are real, no matter what everyone else says. This gorgeously illustrated book is about the power of imagination, friendship, and believing in your dreams. Don’t miss the delightful companion book, Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True.

RELATED: Uni the Unicorn Printables & Activities

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Unicorns 101

Unicorns 101

by Cale Atkinson

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If you're looking to really get to know unicorns, Cale Atkinson's unicorn professors are here to help! Follow Professors Glitter Pants, Sprinkle Steed, Star Hoof, and Sugar Beard as they uncover long-hidden unicorn facts! From the first unicorn to trot on Pluto to the super-fun accessory every unicorn has in their house, this book will answer all your questions and is chock-full of laughs.

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How to Be a Unicorn (LEGO)

How to Be a Unicorn (LEGO)

by Matt Huntley, illustrated by Golden Books

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LEGO gets magical in this unicorn-themed Little Golden Book! It’s about a minifigure named Sandy who doesn’t fit in with the other kids. But her unique perspective helps her solve a mystery and show everyone what she has to offer. This adorable story is perfect for children who love unicorns and LEGO bricks!

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I’m a Unicorn

I’m a Unicorn

by Mallory Loehr, illustrated by Joey Chou

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Find out how magical unicorns really are in this adorable primer for toddlers and preschoolers. The spare, simple text and soft pastel colors make this the perfect book to introduce children to the world of unicorns.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2023.