Dragon vs. Unicorn: Friends or Frenemies?

Gr 1-3–Hoover’s latest graphic novel is a unique early reader with an interactive plot-your-own-story element that is sure to be a hit with reluctant readers. The book features two best friends, Dragon and Unicorn, in three stories as they navigate friendship conflict in a way that allows the reader to choose the character’s next move. The text is accessible in its length and vocabulary. The plot incorporates social-emotional learning, providing an opportunity for readers to experience the results of different choices in a way that inspires empathy. The characters work through interpersonal conflicts and explore friendship and communication. Wiley’s digitally rendered illustrations are playful, combining bold colors and lines for the two characters, who are set against pastel backgrounds. This makes Dragon and Unicorn stand out, especially in their movements and facial expressions, which are essential to the social-emotional aspects of the book. The two characters contrast each other, and their expressions can be clearly understood despite not being human. Due to the plot-your-own-story format, this will work best in print.