Families who loved Pip Bartlett's Guide to Unicorn Training by Jackson Pearce often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is facing a new challenge that feels far too big, or when they are struggling with a performance-related anxiety that makes them want to hide. While the story features a whimsical world of magical animals and a mystery about competition sabotage, its heart lies in Pip's patient relationship with Regent Maximus, a unicorn who is literally afraid of everything. It is a fantastic choice for kids who feel like 'the shy one' and need to see that bravery doesn't mean being fearless, it means finding a way through the fear. This middle-grade chapter book is appropriate for ages 8 to 12, balancing humor and high-stakes adventure with deep empathy. Parents will appreciate how it validates anxiety while providing a roadmap for gentle persistence and creative problem-solving.
