Recommended Ages: 3-8 years
You know that elated feeling you get when you strike gold? An excitement that takes over and there’s nothing you can do except share that feeling with everyone around you? That’s how I felt when I discovered Nerdycorn. It is such a gem of a book that I have already recommended it to everyone in my circle and planned birthday presents themed around it.
In this STEM picture book, we meet a unicorn named Fern who prefers chemistry, reading and coding to frolicking, splashing and sparkles. She has a strong work ethic and a strength of good character and self-esteem. She is smart, a good friend and always willing to help others. We see Fern face a social and moral dilemma as she handles being excluded and becomes frustrated with her fellow unicorns. Ultimately, Fern stays true to herself and comes to the rescue of the other unicorns in a time of need.
I love the vocabulary this book introduces, making it a natural segue to teach kids about various STEM-related things they may not have been introduced to yet. The illustrations by Erin Kraan add a whole level of imagination that readers will enjoy looking at, the little details she tucks in every page. Between the imaginative inventions and the STEM that is encouraged this book is a perfect fit for a wide age range and children’s interests, but especially the unicorn lovers.
There are so many great science experiments that you can pair with this book to inspire your child. Using a pie dish, milk, food coloring, soap and a cotton ball you can create a dancing unicorn disco party. Or make a unicorn gem dancing party by putting dried cranberries into a cup of club soda!
Amanda is a preschool teacher, mother and avid Central Park picnicker. She values community and is an advocate for families in the foster care system. One day she hopes to publish a children's book of her own. In the meantime, you can follow her Instagram, Enchanted Literacy, which encourages imagination and passion for reading.
Macaroni KID Upper West Side is the family fun go-to source for the latest and most comprehensive information in our area. Subscribe for FREE today and receive a one-year free parenting magazine subscription on us!
