Reviewed by Antonella Townsend
Let’s face it, with the title, My Unicorn Farts Glitter, this big pink, glittery book is assured of success. Among many others, grandparents will buy it to delight grandchildren with added bonus of annoying fussy parents. There is little point in asking young children what they think about it – they will all love it!
So, is there a message within its beautifully illustrated colourful pages? Yes, it is actually a pro and con list of having a grotty little brother, who throughout the book is clad in a cute unicorn outfit, his identity only revealed on the last page. Each pro or con is illustrated by bold, bright coloured drawings, glitter everywhere, in a double page spread. Visually very appealing! The text, which appears in wavy lines, differing sizes and colours, and, of course, abundant glitter, connects attention to the words, so encouraging early reading. This book is hard to resist, it is a kind of early reading ‘whodunit’.
Suzanne Barton has a masters degree in screenwriting and producing, she is currently the editor of Melbourne magazine. Barton, born in Zimbabwe, comes from a family of authors, English teachers and illustrators. She published her first picture book, Meeka, along with illustrator Anil Tortop.
Shannon Horsfall is an author and illustrator based in Australia, but, apparently, living in a fairyland – a perfect location for her talented work. She has published three picture books, Was Not Me!, Nomax! and Dear Santa.
My Unicorn Farts Glitter a delightful book, that illustrates there is always an ‘up-side’, just have to look for it!
My Unicorn Farts Glitter
By Suzanne Barton & Shannon Horsfall
(2019)
Hachette Children’s Books
ISBN: Hardback – 9780734418692 $24.99
ISBN: e-Book – 9780734418715 $21.99