A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Were Riding a Bicycle

February 1, 2024
The titular characters walk into another book, with all the snarky attitude from their 2023 debut. As an off-page narrator pushes for the story advertised by the title, Unicorn, Dinosaur, and Shark wrestle for narrative control, protesting that they were not even talking about riding a bicycle. The speaker insists on action--even just "DREAMING about how much fun it would be to ride a bicycle." But the trio retort that the unicorn was dreaming about "beautiful rainbows," and the others were thinking about snacks. The narrator snaps, "That is BORING," but Unicorn seizes the book and starts telling the story of three friends who want to relax and dream of rainbows and snacks (this last is depicted as an adorable kitten) but keep getting pestered. Although the three characters are quite pleased, the narrator is disgusted ("Ugh"), and so is the kitten, clad in a rainbow T-shirt, who storms over to ride the bicycle. As the three grin and eye the feline, ready to pounce (the rainbow-loving unicorn's excited by the kitten's shirt; the other two view the cat as food), the kitty skitters off, leaving the bicycle and sarcastically urging the others to "enjoy the rest of your book." Sherbet colors and Fenske's zany cartoon style add to the madcap meta-textual fun. Fans of the trio's earlier power struggle will find this one equally entertaining. (Picture book. 4-8)

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May 24, 2024

K-Gr 2-Fenske returns to his three friends to tell a meta-tale filled with snark. This picture book is a little different; all the jokes center around the narration and how unicorn, dinosaur, and shark will not be forced into telling a story with which they don't agree. A unicorn, a dinosaur, and a shark are at the beach and definitely not riding a bike. Geez, can't the book narrator get the story straight? Well, maybe if the narrator tries a few different descriptions the three pals will agree. Nope, this is going to be a battle of wills. But the unicorn, dinosaur, and shark do want to tell their story, it just has to truly represent their actions, thoughts, and attitudes. In the end, will they ride the bicycle? Maybe, maybe not. The language is more complex to deliver dialogue dripping with humor. The bright illustrations use a highly detailed comic style which exaggerates expressions both facial and physical. There's no "message," but instead a focus on humorous delivery, encouraging story analysis. Educators and caregivers will surely be asked to "do the voices." Fenske continues to deliver stories deserving repeat reads, which help foster independent reading. VERDICT A self-referential take on the picture book genre is guaranteed to entertain readers, making it a solid purchase where budgets allow.-Jessica A. Bushore

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