Unicorns *Not* Wanted offers a fun response to the current cultural obsession with unicorns. I really enjoyed the playful art style and the silliness of how the unicorn and pug disguised themselves in an effort to try to be included in the book. I’m joking, of course, but it’s certainly a continuing trend that shows no signs of slowing down and that’s why I decided to write a book set in the wild west, where you definitely won’t find any unicorns… or will you? Powdered unicorn horn' was sold in pharmacies in London until 1741 as an elixir for aches, pains and ailments. Until someone worked out it was actually narwhal horn. No unicorns were harmed in the making of this elixir. Phew.

The story didn’t change much from sketchbook thumbnails, to first draft and onto book form. I did have a great editorial team at Happy Yak though - Sarah Chapman and Emily Pither - they helped smooth the edges and make it into something a little more cinematic. My initial draft existed in an abstract world, where unicorns stood on rainbows with little sense of environment. Sarah and Emily steered it into a much more Wild West themed space, which I’m really pleased about. If you are a liar, it is said a unicorn will pierce you through the heart with its horn, which is blunter than it looks, so this would not be a particularly fun way to go. So what will happen to the story, when a unicorn and pug won’t do what the author wants them to? In Unicorn NOT Wanted, we find out the answer to that through colorful illustrations and a funny, sweet story of friendship and compromise. The unicorn and his pug friend are full of life and energy, creativity and persistence. It’s a crazy story that will offer kids humor, color, and giggles. The added bonus with this super fun read was...the word play and the use of exclamatory statements! It made the story that much more entertaining.

Keep in touch

Children's books are saturated by unicorn right now! It' ok though - this book is absolutely 100% not about unicorns. Unicorns aren't allowed, or pugs! The author has made sure by setting the story in The Wild West. No unicorns (or pugs) live in The Wild West do they?! Well you'd think not but there's a dynamic duo waiting to scupper the authors plans. Unicorn and pug are desperate to be in the story and they do their very best to disguise themselves. However, the author isn't fooled and tries to remove the pair from the story. The last thing to fall into place was the title and the cover, which had multiple alternatives. Thankfully the team at Happy Yak hit upon the wanted poster theme, which was a brilliant idea.

On Tuesday, it rebuffed the Scots Conservative leader, saying: “We appreciate and accept that everyone has differing views on drag queens but believe our fun, lively and joyous celebration of reading and self-expression is a suitable way to encourage confidence in our young readers.” Blunt keeps telling them that this is a book that does not have a unicorn. But the unicorn and pug will not be stopped. They will do anything it takes to be in the book. Well, almost anything.I had a great time making this book with Happy Yak and can’t wait to start my next author book with them very soon.