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Thelma The Unicorn
Last updated Sunday, May 31, 2026
Author: Aaron Blabey
Date of Publication: 2017
ISBN: 1338158422
Grade Level: Kindergarten (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2026
Synopsis:
Thelma dreams of being a glamorous unicorn. Then in a rare pink and glitter-filled moment of fate, Thelma's wish comes true. She rises to instant international stardom, but at an unexpected cost. After a while, Thelma realizes that she was happier as her ordinary, sparkle-free self. So she ditches her horn, scrubs off her sparkles, and returns home, where her best friend is waiting for her with a hug.
| Note to readers: |
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Thelma the Unicorn is about the value of true friends and the perils of fame. We may want to be famous, but this
subjects us to the highs / lows of fans' expectations / disappointment. When times get tough, we need our true friends.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you want to be special? Do you want to be famous?
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What are differences between "special" and "famous?" [Special is the way we might feel because of the love and
attention of family and friends…Fame is being known or recognized by many people, who may not actually care about or
appreciate the things that make you truly special]
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Do you think that (name a famous person) can go to any of your favorite places? Or would the crowd of fans get in the
way of their enjoyment?
Vocabulary
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forlorn: sad, lonely, or abandoned
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squeal… (and) shriek: a shrill cry of surprise or joy
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swerve: rapidly change direction, to turn suddenly, possible out of control
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mad ("her fans were mad for her"): deeply infatuated or enthusiastic
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autograph: a signature from a celebrity
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ditched: got rid of
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Thelma's friend Otis thought she was perfect…Why did Thelma n-o-t feel special?
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Did tying a carrot to her nose turn Thelma into a unicorn? [No…but it was a fun and creative idea!]
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When fame came to Thelma, why did she leave her friend Otis behind?
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At first, Thelma enjoyed being famous, but then she began to feel lonely…what caused her loneliness?
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When Thelma was tired of fame, who did she want to see, where did she want to be? What did you think?
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| Special activities: |
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Make-believe, let the children take turns - "Who/What would you like to be, What would you do to become famous?" ""What if" questions: Would your friends and family still be able to visit you? What would you have to give up to be
famous?
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Have the children identify famous people or characters. What are the things you admire about them?
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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