Dag, the unicorn, is devoted to order. It shows in his neat attire. It shows in his measured speech. It defines his careful, structured view of the world. Nick, by contrast, is a bear powered by noise, disruption, and cheerful mayhem. Their friendship is unexpected from the start. When Nick invites Dag to visit, good intentions collide with very different ideas of fun. Nick tries hard to entertain and include his guest. The results are disastrous. Dag is stunned by Nick’s lifestyle and unsettled by the chaos surrounding him. The question at the heart of the story is simple and resonant: can two opposites find common ground and truly understand one another?

How to Host a Unicorn: A Tale of Hospitality and Manners, by Sara Causey, belongs to a thoughtful corner of illustrated children’s literature. It tells a charming story while also offering clear moral guidance. The book is especially well-suited to readers aged ten and up, inviting them to engage with its richer social moments and emotional depth in ways that older children are well-equipped to appreciate.

The illustrations carry much of the emotional weight. Dag’s expressions are especially effective, capturing his anxiety and confusion with precision and humor. The artwork also delivers several memorable set pieces, each escalating Nick’s attempts at hospitality. Every effort to improve the situation only compounds the disorder, pushing the narrative forward with visual energy and comedic tension.

Causey’s message is clear and handled with care. Not everyone experiences the same activities as enjoyable. That difference deserves respect. Dag and Nick represent contrasting personalities, neither wrong nor superior. Friendship, the book suggests, requires compromise and empathy. Shared experiences must feel safe and pleasant for everyone involved.

At its core, How to Host a Unicorn is a story about inclusion. It presents that idea in a way that feels accessible and sincere. It is also a lesson worth learning early. Taken to heart, it has the potential to shape kinder interactions well beyond the page.

Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FXYGMZHX