Unicorns and Germs

Zoey has come home to an exciting surprise: her mom is going to teach her how to make homemade yogurt! But when Zoey discovers that one of the main ingredients in yogurt is bacteria, she’s stunned. Her mom explains that some bacteria can be helpful because they keep the body safe and aid in creating delicious food! 

As Zoey and her mom cook the yogurt, their magic doorbell rings! Zoey opens the door to find an enormous rainbow unicorn named Tiny. Tiny is in pain from a large cut on his hoof. Zoey treats the wound with antibacterial ointment and wraps it up, but the unicorn comes back the next day with an infection. Now, it’s up to Zoey to conduct her own experiment—she must grow bacteria to find out which antibacterial will heal Tiny’s wound. With the help of her mom and her cat, Sassafras, can Zoey discover the perfect solution to heal the unicorn’s cut? 

Zoey is a kind and curious character who captures the hearts of young readers through her genuine compassion and scientific determination. When the unicorn shows up at her doorstep, Zoey is enamored by the large creature and wants to do everything she can to help him feel better. However, Zoey quickly realizes that healing Tiny’s wound will not be as straightforward as she originally expected. She utilizes problem-solving strategies to come up with another plan to help her new friend. “I need to get started on my research. I’ve got to make a list of things that I think will get rid of bacteria!” Young readers will love Zoey’s curiosity and feel inspired by her determination to help her magical new friend. 

The educational value shines through kid-friendly first aid lessons woven seamlessly into the adventure. Zoey explains to Tiny the steps that she takes when she gets a scrape. “The first thing my mom asks me to do is rinse it really well with water. Then she dries it and puts some antibacterial cream on it. After that she covers it with a bandage.” These simple explanations are repeated throughout the book as Zoey cares for Tiny and conducts her own experiments, making the story both engaging and educational. 

Citro enhances the educational experience by including a glossary at the end of her book. This glossary includes the definition of six scientific words, such as “agar” and “petri dish,” which are repeated frequently throughout the story. The book also includes black and white illustrations in every chapter, allowing readers to see Zoey’s experiments and Tiny the unicorn. These aspects add clarity and make the book more inclusive for any reader who wants to join Zoey on her journey to save her new unicorn friend. 

Unicorns and Germs is a perfect pick for kids who love science, animals, or magical adventures. Through Zoey’s curiosity and compassion, readers will learn about problem solving, helping others, and the fascinating world of bacteria—while enjoying a heartwarming story about friendship and discovery that demonstrates the power of child-led scientific inquiry. 

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language    

• None 

Supernatural  

• Only Zoey and her mom can see the magic animals that ring their doorbell.  
• The unicorn has the power to heal other people with its touch, but it cannot heal itself or other unicorns.  

Spiritual Content  

• None 

by Madeline Hettrick