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Thelma the Unicorn #1
Thelma the Unicorn
From the best-selling author of Pig the Pug comes this joyful book about learning to love who you are... even if you don't have sparkles.
32 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2015
About the author
Aaron Blabey
225 books867 followersAaron is an Australian author of children's books and artist who until the mid-2000s was also an actor. His award winning picture books include Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley, The Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon and the best-selling Pig the Pug.
In the field of acting, he is probably best known for his lead roles in two television dramedies, 1994's The Damnation of Harvey McHugh, for which he won an Australian Film Institute Award, and 2003's CrashBurn, before retiring from performance in 2005.
In the field of acting, he is probably best known for his lead roles in two television dramedies, 1994's The Damnation of Harvey McHugh, for which he won an Australian Film Institute Award, and 2003's CrashBurn, before retiring from performance in 2005.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
January 8, 2020
5 stars!
Delightful pictures accompany this fabulously fun book that teaches children to be happy with who they are. My children love this! Highly recommend!
Delightful pictures accompany this fabulously fun book that teaches children to be happy with who they are. My children love this! Highly recommend!
September 17, 2017
Another book proudly brought to you by ...
🦄 Unicorn Month! 🦄
Thelma the horse desperately wants to be a unicorn and doesn't believe her best friend when he tells her she's perfect just the way she is. Between a carrot tied to her nose and a fortuitous near miss with a truck loaded conveniently with pink paint and glitter, all of Thelma's dreams come true. Or so she thinks. It's not much fun keeping up the facade of being someone you're not.
This is a sweet book about accepting and loving yourself for who you are. A recommendation from one of my favourite librarians, I love the message of this book. The illustrations are lovely and I particularly liked Thelma's best friend, Otis. You can't help but love someone who loves you just the way you are.
🦄 Unicorn Month! 🦄
Thelma the horse desperately wants to be a unicorn and doesn't believe her best friend when he tells her she's perfect just the way she is. Between a carrot tied to her nose and a fortuitous near miss with a truck loaded conveniently with pink paint and glitter, all of Thelma's dreams come true. Or so she thinks. It's not much fun keeping up the facade of being someone you're not.
This is a sweet book about accepting and loving yourself for who you are. A recommendation from one of my favourite librarians, I love the message of this book. The illustrations are lovely and I particularly liked Thelma's best friend, Otis. You can't help but love someone who loves you just the way you are.
March 31, 2019
Grandson and nanna read.
In a world of YouTube Kardashian-like children that are saturating the world of the net and our babies minds, this story is fantastic. It helps our children understand that the best thing you can ever be is you, and how nice it is to be with the people who care about who you truly are, not what you have or can give them.
And my grandson's last word - I like Thelma because Thelma is my best fwiend.
You got it, T.
In a world of YouTube Kardashian-like children that are saturating the world of the net and our babies minds, this story is fantastic. It helps our children understand that the best thing you can ever be is you, and how nice it is to be with the people who care about who you truly are, not what you have or can give them.
And my grandson's last word - I like Thelma because Thelma is my best fwiend.
You got it, T.
February 2, 2021
I didn’t realize that Aaron Blabey had written this at first. No wonder it was so fun and creative!
Blabey is the author of our beloved Bad Guys series. His characters are so recognizable for kids. The ones they love to see over and over.
What better than a unicorn named Thelma for this one? She wasn’t just any other unicorn, though, because she was really smart and knew who she was at heart.
Loved the rhymes and thought they brought it together in a nice little bow. Great story.
Blabey is the author of our beloved Bad Guys series. His characters are so recognizable for kids. The ones they love to see over and over.
What better than a unicorn named Thelma for this one? She wasn’t just any other unicorn, though, because she was really smart and knew who she was at heart.
Loved the rhymes and thought they brought it together in a nice little bow. Great story.
March 8, 2020
I picked this up to read with one of my kids (the pink addict) and looking at the cover I expected to hate it (the bulging eyes - the alligator mouth), but I loved the story. Never judge a book by its cover or hideous art work! :)
January 26, 2021
What a great book! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Who would not want to read a book with the following tag line?:
I, right along with my students, laughed at both the words and illustrations of Aaron Blabey. The joy this book brings does not get in the way of the message. It actually helps to bring it home.
Before last week, there were soooo many times that I walked past this book, at my local Barnes & Noble. I am so glad that I gave it a chance this time. This is definitely not your typical unicorn book. Loving and accepting oneself is a message that we often need to be reminded of, regardless of our ages.
Read it for yourself. You will not be disappointed. ⭐️🌈
Who would not want to read a book with the following tag line?:
A joyful book about learning to love who you are...even if you don’t have sparkles.
I, right along with my students, laughed at both the words and illustrations of Aaron Blabey. The joy this book brings does not get in the way of the message. It actually helps to bring it home.
Before last week, there were soooo many times that I walked past this book, at my local Barnes & Noble. I am so glad that I gave it a chance this time. This is definitely not your typical unicorn book. Loving and accepting oneself is a message that we often need to be reminded of, regardless of our ages.
Read it for yourself. You will not be disappointed. ⭐️🌈
August 21, 2018
Great story about self acceptance. My nephew loved this story about a pony who wanted to be a unicorn. With the aid of a trusty carrot stuck to her forehead and an accident involving a truckload of pink paint and glitter, Thelma got her wish. But was it a dream come true?...
June 26, 2018
Gotta teach kids the dangers of fame early these days.
September 8, 2021
Another delightful and gorgeous story from Aaron Blabey. Rhythms and sparkles, Thelma the horse discovers that she makes a fabulous unicorn but the fame gets a bit much. Loved it :)
November 2, 2017
A bit simplistic I'd say. The overall message, that fame can be a curse as well as a blessing, is obviously true. Having said that, I dislike how the trappings of fame are inordinately feminised (or possibly Queer) and the negative consequences, people saying terrible things to you in an anonymous noticeboard fashion, depicted as being inevitable. That's part of the problem -- we can have the web we want! It's not a requirement of fame. It's not a requirement of feminine fame!
In addition, I'd say that the "be yourself" message is likewise not sophisticated. The only thing we know about Thelma is that she wants to be a unicorn. She becomes a unicorn. People are mean to her about being a unicorn. She is put off from being a unicorn. This is a message about how people are prevented from living life the way they want to by intimidation online not about being some innate true self
Not for me I'd say.
In addition, I'd say that the "be yourself" message is likewise not sophisticated. The only thing we know about Thelma is that she wants to be a unicorn. She becomes a unicorn. People are mean to her about being a unicorn. She is put off from being a unicorn. This is a message about how people are prevented from living life the way they want to by intimidation online not about being some innate true self
Not for me I'd say.
May 9, 2015
Well the theme is not a new one: trying to be one's own self.
However, I enjoyed the p.o.v of the illustrations.
However, I enjoyed the p.o.v of the illustrations.
December 19, 2018
What a lovely story! A must read for all kids.
April 2, 2019
A little pony named Thelma wishes that she were special in this humorous picture-book from Australian author/artist Aaron Blabey. Then a stray carrot, some pink paint and a dose of glitter leave her transformed, and her career as a unicorn begins. Fame and fortune have their perks, but they also have their drawbacks, and soon Thelma is longing for her home paddock, and the company of he longtime friend Otis...
With an entertaining story told in rhyming verse - "Thelma felt a little sad. / In fact, she felt forlorn. / You see, she wished with all her heart / to be a unicorn" - and bright, colorful illustrations, Thelma the Unicorn would make for an engaging read-aloud selection. Its central message, about accepting ourselves for who we are, never overwhelms the humorous story, with its zany, madcap sense of adventure. Recommended to young would-be unicorns, and to anyone with a taste for picture-books with a quirky sense of humor.
With an entertaining story told in rhyming verse - "Thelma felt a little sad. / In fact, she felt forlorn. / You see, she wished with all her heart / to be a unicorn" - and bright, colorful illustrations, Thelma the Unicorn would make for an engaging read-aloud selection. Its central message, about accepting ourselves for who we are, never overwhelms the humorous story, with its zany, madcap sense of adventure. Recommended to young would-be unicorns, and to anyone with a taste for picture-books with a quirky sense of humor.
March 10, 2018
The theme of learning to accept yourself and embrace your own strengths rather than trying to be someone else is a familiar one, but it will still resonate with young readers while providing tangible evidence as to why this is the case. Thelma is a pony who has always longed to be much more than she is. In particular, she thinks it would be cool to be a unicorn. When she puts a carrot on her head and happens to be nearby when a truck splashes her with paint and glitter, she seizes the moment and becomes a star. At first, it seems that all of her dreams have come true, but she quickly starts to see the dark side of fame with fans constantly seeking her attention, and others actually being mean to her. Eventually, to no surprise, she decides to leave it all behind and return to the field where she was reared and her friend Otis who has accepted her as she was all along. The illustrations, created with acrylics and pens and pencils, are attractive, especially because they contain so many crowd scenes and allow readers to see Thelma's personality all the way through the book's pages. This one is ideal for reading aloud and then discussing the importance of embracing oneself and not pandering to what others want one to be. It's also interesting to note that Thelma only seems to be a unicorn. She really isn't one, which raises the question of how easily so many individuals are fooled by what they think they see in the world around them.
November 22, 2020
Featured in grandma reads session.
A choice to read for my grandgirl who requested something about unicorns. She enjoyed it. The fellows seemed to as well, as the story is not exclusive to gender roles - you are ok just as you are, and usually what you have is far more valuable to your comfort and happiness than you give it credit for - so that green grass. . . .can get pretty brown when it is not viewed from your side of the fence!
A good read, cute artwork. Even better message!
A choice to read for my grandgirl who requested something about unicorns. She enjoyed it. The fellows seemed to as well, as the story is not exclusive to gender roles - you are ok just as you are, and usually what you have is far more valuable to your comfort and happiness than you give it credit for - so that green grass. . . .can get pretty brown when it is not viewed from your side of the fence!
A good read, cute artwork. Even better message!
August 17, 2019
A pretty simple story about wishes gone awry and the terrible aspects of fame. Mostly I just spent the whole book wishing I was listening to a better version of the same thing, Johnny Cash's Teenage Queen
April 4, 2018
A fun story about a pony who wants to be a unicorn and, by a strange coincidence, falls into the life of a pink unicorn.
Cool and funky illustrations. Great for young children.
Cool and funky illustrations. Great for young children.
April 10, 2019
Kind of funny about a unicorn that has to deal with the pressures of fame.
September 23, 2015
This book just came in at work and I'd never seen it before, we got a sneak peek at a publishers event and I had a sneaky read of it today, it's a gorgeous looking children's picture book by Aaron Blabey about being yourself.
Thelma the Unicorn was once Thelma the Pony and all her life she'd dreamed of becoming a unicorn until one day after tying a carrot to her forehead, a passing pink paint and silver glitter delivery truck driver is so struck by the unicorn he's just seen that he swerved and his delivery goes flying, turning Thelma the Pony into Thelma the pink and silver Unicorn. She becomes famous but has lots of crazy fans and the fame becomes too much for her. She begins to miss her friend Otis, who thought she was perfect all along, so she sheds her unicorn costume and returns to her farm and her friend saying she'd much prefer to be herself.
Whilst this is not a new story idea, the execution is a million times more modern than a lot of other available titles and will appeal more to the new generation of world wise children. And it's got glitter on the cover!
Thelma the Unicorn was once Thelma the Pony and all her life she'd dreamed of becoming a unicorn until one day after tying a carrot to her forehead, a passing pink paint and silver glitter delivery truck driver is so struck by the unicorn he's just seen that he swerved and his delivery goes flying, turning Thelma the Pony into Thelma the pink and silver Unicorn. She becomes famous but has lots of crazy fans and the fame becomes too much for her. She begins to miss her friend Otis, who thought she was perfect all along, so she sheds her unicorn costume and returns to her farm and her friend saying she'd much prefer to be herself.
Whilst this is not a new story idea, the execution is a million times more modern than a lot of other available titles and will appeal more to the new generation of world wise children. And it's got glitter on the cover!
May 9, 2018
I loved the message of self-acceptance in this book. Thelma wants to be a unicorn. With the help of a strategically placed carrot, some paint, and some glitter, she manages to fool everyone into thinking she is one.
At first, it's great. She's famous and adored. But soon, Thelma realizes that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be.
I loved the way Thelma realized what was truly important and how she learned to accept herself by the end. It's a nice "the grass isn't always greener" lesson that kids (and adults) often need to be reminded of.
Source: Thank you to Big Honcho Media for sending me a copy of the book.
At first, it's great. She's famous and adored. But soon, Thelma realizes that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be.
I loved the way Thelma realized what was truly important and how she learned to accept herself by the end. It's a nice "the grass isn't always greener" lesson that kids (and adults) often need to be reminded of.
Source: Thank you to Big Honcho Media for sending me a copy of the book.
January 26, 2022
In our classroom students can't wait to see what happens to thelma the unicorn horn. Is it time? Using a book sent home by your children’s teacher place book in students lap with the cover facing up and use your finger to point out the title of the book as you read the title. Students in our classroom were assigned to follow the text of a book from top to the bottom of the page. Place Thelma the unicorn in students’ lap with the cover facing up and look at the pictures on the cover and on the first page. Point to where the story begins and ends and have students put the cover facing down and ask what happens to Thelma the unicorns carrot? Good thing we have More time..
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May 19, 2017So good
October 30, 2017
Yes, this is a little kid book, but Thelma is pretty dang awesome.
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March 24, 2026Unclear demographic of the target audience. Six-year-olds who know what the paparazzi is?
March 21, 2025
Don’t walk but run for this funny yet delightful book that is perfect for children and adults alike. This story follows Thelma, a sweet and relatable character who dreams of becoming something they are not. This book embarks on a journey of self-discovery and realization that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Thelma the Unicorn is filed with beautiful illustrations while also capturing the emotion of the character.
What makes this book different from other books is how its filled with humor, emotion, and gives a valuable life lesson to the younger audience. It sends a message to kids that its ok to be yourself. The storytelling and memorable characters make this an ideal read for the younger audiences, it brings about important conversations about self-worth and being true to who you are and most importantly loving who you are.
What makes this book different from other books is how its filled with humor, emotion, and gives a valuable life lesson to the younger audience. It sends a message to kids that its ok to be yourself. The storytelling and memorable characters make this an ideal read for the younger audiences, it brings about important conversations about self-worth and being true to who you are and most importantly loving who you are.
December 22, 2018
A rhyming tale of a pony who wishes she were better. When opportunity presents itself, she gives herself a fake horn and with a timely glitter/paint truck accident... a star is born!
Though a predictable story, it's still quite fun with great illustrations! Though no pony I know would have trouble dealing with neigh-sayers (no, I'm not sorry for the pun! ;) ).
No content issues.
February 14, 2025
A horse is unhappy with her lot in life and aspires to be a unicorn. She gets her wish and enjoys the trappings of fame, but she soon realizes that being a famous unicorn isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. All told, the story seems like a mashup of cliches—the grass isn’t greener on the other side of the fence, there’s no place like home, true friends are worth their weight in gold, be careful what you wish for—but the illustrations are pretty cute.
December 30, 2017
Awesome! Great story and awesome illustrations. I'm going to read it a few more times before returning the book to the library. I might add to my permanent collection. I wish I had prints of the swerving truck and egg splattered Thelma to hang on my wall.
January 20, 2018
Cute is a word I use way too much with regards to good children's picture books but ugh IT WAS SO CUUUUUUTE. the overarching theme about how you are great / perfect the way you are, but I also liked it's commentary on fame and fans ; )
Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews