Little Unicorn Is Scared
by Aurélie Chien Chow Chine
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2019
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Themes include emotional awareness
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Genre
Themes
- fear of the dark
- anxiety
- mindfulness and breathing
- self-regulation
- courage
- emotional awareness
- bedtime routine
About this book
Little Unicorn’s rainbow mane changes color with big feelings—bright green when he’s scared. At bedtime, the dark feels spooky, but a simple three-step breathing exercise helps him calm down and feel brave again. This gentle, reassuring story gives young children a concrete tool for managing fear and anxiety. Perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids, it turns mindfulness into a playful, repeatable routine.
Setting: a cozy bedroom at bedtime
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Little Unicorn Is Scared right for my child?
Yes — Little Unicorn Is Scared is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.9, which is typical for 1st grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include fear of the dark, anxiety, mindfulness and breathing.
How long does it take to read Little Unicorn Is Scared?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Little Unicorn Is Scared takes around 5m to finish. The book has 400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Little Unicorn Is Scared have an AR quiz?
Yes — Little Unicorn Is Scared has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Little Unicorn Is Scared?
Little Unicorn Is Scared has an AR reading level of 1.9, which places it at a 1st grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.