By Josh Funk and Charles Santosa
When I opened my latest package from my #BookPosse group and saw the latest book by Josh Funk, I was elated. About 12 years ago, I was part of a new staff, opening a new school. One of our third-grade teachers, Dana Williams, won a copy of Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast by Josh Funk via Twitter and then she met up with him at NerdCamp in Michigan. Soon after, he also graciously agreed to ’Skype’ with her students. I can sometimes forget that pre-COVID, virtual connections were definitely less prevalent. Josh Funk breathed infectious JOY into that classroom. It still makes me smile. And, as a result, I’ve enjoyed watching his career develop and grow. Josh remains one of my favorites because of his generosity and connections with students.
Josh Funk’s newest book, Dear Unicorn, is a must-buy! It is a fresh, unique, and enlightening story. It is important to note that illustrator, Charles Santosa, is also the accomplished artist for some of my favorite titles including Wish Tree and Odder by Katherine Applegate.
Dear Unicorn is literally a poster child for the powerful interplay between author and illustrator – of text and pictures. These components work seamlessly, in complete unity, complementing and supporting each other.
The creative talents of Funk and Santa dance together, gently moving the story forward, as a well-choreographed performance. I love it when you have a front-row seat and are able to observe the collaborative process of the author AND illustrator, witnessing that each individual comes into the work to honor and shine a spotlight on each other.
Dear Unicorn is a sweet story of two penpals, a unicorn and a girl who exchange letters and artistic creations back and forth. It isn’t until the end of the story, when they meet in person, that they realize Nic is a unicorn and Connie is a girl. Each page consists of the actual letter shared AND a page for Nic and a page for Connie as they write and read each other’s letters. The artwork is bold, fun, vibrant, and full of creativity. The letters showcase an ongoing relationship between the two friends and their willingness to share not only artwork but also their feelings, ideas, and dreams.
Now we all know that unicorn penpals are not real. Yet, this book Dear Unicorn can teach us all so much. The power of putting aside bias and prejudice about another allows us to see and hear the individual, in service of support and respect. Because Nic and Connie do not have preconceived ideas about each other, they take time for each other, via their art and their letters.
Also, there is just JOY in sharing ART. What a great idea to share creative works with others!
My granddaughter is going to be a unicorn for Halloween. She’s 3 and 1/2. We’re not even really sure how she knows about unicorns. She’s read Goldilicious by Victoria Kann and loves Goldie in that story. So, now I cannot wait to share Dear Unicorn with her. It’s one of those books that can be read over and over and over again. Each time you’ll see something new and find one more tidbit of humor, joy, and perspective tucked within.
Thank you Josh Funk and Charles Santosa.
