Sugarlump and the Unicorn
on Goodreads (586)
What’s inside...
Sugarlump the rocking horse longs to see the world, and a magical unicorn grants his wish. But after exploring the busy farm, the racecourse, and the circus, Sugarlump learns to be careful what he wishes for and realizes that the children’s love back at home is more important than any adventure. Fortunately, the unicorn has one last wish to grant to make Sugarlump’s dream truly come true.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Sugarlump felt when he transformed each time, and why?
What do you think is the importance of being happy with who we are?
If you could have the unicorn grant you a wish, what would you wish for and why?
How did the friendships Sugarlump made affect his journey in the story?
What did you learn from the unicorn's magic and choices Sugarlump made?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Sugarlump’s transformations. Discuss the value of contentment and being true to oneself. Use the book’s vibrant illustrations to delve deeper into the story, asking your child to describe what they see and how it relates to the story. Highlight the role of friendship and kindness throughout Sugarlump’s adventures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Sugarlump, the rocking horse, learns to adapt and appreciate various life experiences when a unicorn grants his wishes to explore different lifestyles. Throughout the story, Sugarlump changes roles from a farm horse to a racehorse, realizing the value in each phase.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes in their own lives, understanding that each phase holds its own value and lessons, whether it's moving to a new place, changing schools, or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: After experiencing various adventures, Sugarlump learns to appreciate his original life and the joy it brought him as a beloved rocking horse. His journey teaches him to be grateful for what he has.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to practice gratitude for their own circumstances and to find happiness in their current situation rather than always seeking something different.
Example Lesson: The Power of Wishing and Dreaming Big
Explanation: Sugarlump's journey begins with his wishes to lead different lives, showing how dreams can open new paths. While not all wishes led to satisfaction, the act of dreaming big was crucial for his self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to dream big and realize that while all dreams may not lead directly to happiness, the act of aspiring for more is a growth experience in itself.
Example Lesson: Learning Through Experience
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, each of Sugarlump's transformations teaches him something new about himself and the world, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in learning.
Real-World Application: This highlights for children the importance of trying new things and learning from both positive and negative experiences, cultivating a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: Contentment
Explanation: Ultimately, Sugarlump realizes that happiness doesn’t come from constant changes or seeking new experiences, but from a state of contentment with one's existence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of finding joy in the simplicity and constancy of life, promoting a sense of inner peace and satisfaction.