If you’ve been paying attention to pop culture recently, you’ve probably noticed that unicorns are having a bit of a moment. From unicorn birthday cakes to rainbow-coloured, unicorn-inspired hair, it seems like there are signs of these majestic, mythical creatures everywhere you look. And it’s no surprise that people are captivated by the awesomeness of unicorns — one look at CBC Kids’ own Gary the Unicorn and you’ll see just how fun (and huggable!) these colourful creatures can be. Jump on the bandwagon and celebrate all things sparkly and magical with these fabulous children’s books for little unicorn fans.

That’s Not My Unicorn (By Fiona Watt)

This sensory book is the perfect way to introduce the magic of unicorns to your baby or toddler. The 50th title in the That’s Not My… series, this sturdy board book features different textures on each page, so little fingers can explore a unicorn’s soft ears, bumpy hooves and, of course, sparkly horn. Ages 0 to 2. 

A Unicorn Named Sparkle (By Amy Young)

When a little girl named Lucy orders a unicorn for 25 cents, she can’t help but imagine what her new pet will be like. She plans to call him Sparkle and take him to show and tell at school. But when her “unicorn” finally arrives in the mail, he’s not exactly what Lucy expected — he has long ears, smells funny and looks suspiciously like a goat. While Lucy isn’t a big fan of Sparkle’s antics at first, she eventually grows to love him, fleas and all. Ages 2 to 6.

Thelma the Unicorn (By Aaron Blabey)

Thelma is a horse who wishes that she was a unicorn. Her best friend, Otis, likes her just the way she is, but Thelma is sure that life would be way better as a pink, glittery unicorn. When a twist of fate grants Thelma her wish, she can’t believe her good luck! The fame, the adoration — it seems great at first, but it isn’t long before Thelma starts missing her old life and realizes that sometimes the best thing you can be is yourself. Ages 3 to 8

Uni the Unicorn (Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Illustrated by Brigette Barrager)

Uni is a lot like other unicorns, complete with golden hooves and a swirly horn. But unlike the other unicorns, Uni believes that little girls really exist, and imagines what it might be like to have a little girl as a best friend. This sweet twist on the theme of believing in magic is sure to capture your little one’s attention. If your wee one is a fan, be sure to catch the sequel: Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True. Ages 4 to 8.

You Don’t Want a Unicorn (Written by Ame Dyckman, Illustrated by Liz Climo)

Unicorns are all about sparkles and magic and rainbows, right? Well — maybe not! In this quirky book by Ame Dyckman we find out all the reasons that wishing for a pet unicorn is a bad idea. Paired with colourful illustrations by Liz Climo, this book will have your kiddos laughing at all the title unicorn’s hilarious antics, from shedding glitter everywhere to burping rainbows. Ages 4 to 8.

Not Quite Narwhal (By Jessie Sima)

Kelp lives deep in the ocean with the rest of the unicorns, but he doesn’t quite fit in. He isn’t a great swimmer, and he doesn’t much care for the taste of squid. When a strong current sweeps Kelp to the surface of the water, he ventures onto land and discovers that he’s not a narwhal at all — he’s a unicorn! But will he have to leave his ocean friends behind to live on land forever? With its sweet storyline and beautiful illustrations by Jessie Sima, this book is the perfect addition to your wee one’s library of bedtime stories. Ages 4 to 8.

Phoebe and Her Unicorn (By Dana Simpson)

When a fourth-grader named Phoebe accidentally saves a unicorn, she is granted one wish. Phoebe wishes for the unicorn — named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils — to be her best friend. So begins a delightfully clever comic book series full of wit and sarcasm that chronicles Phoebe and Marigold’s awesome adventures. This one is perfect for older kids, especially those who are working to develop a love of reading. Ages 8 to 12.