Four Bad Unicorns

Siblings Frankie and Connie endure a bossy playmate to a point—and then find a way to turn the tables—in this beat-by-beat playdate of a picture book. Narrator Connie, who uses a wheelchair, describes the way Connie and Frankie, portrayed with pale skin, have of late gone “UNICORN CRAZY”—become obsessed with all things unicorn. Frankie zooms through breakfast at “top unicorn speed” so the two can play “UNICORN FARMERS! OUR BEST GAME EVER!” When neighbors Ada and Colin, portrayed with brown skin, come to play, bossy Ada takes over, insisting the group pivot to a building game (“Unicorn Palace of Wonder”) and requiring Connie “be part of the wall.” Further indignities ensue until the siblings are prompted to rebel. If the us-versus-them plotting lacks in resolution , Patterson’s wash-filled line drawings accurately channel childhood exuberance, energy—and happily focused interest. Ages 4–9. (Mar.)