Book Review: Unicorn Jazz

Book ReviewsMay 13, 2019September 19, 2019No Comment

Unicorn Jazz is a Unicorn who moves to a new land with animals: giraffes, geckos, and a crow named Woof! But, she soon discovers how difficult it can be to make new friends. Her mother teaches Jazz to celebrate her uniqueness as she discovers her talent with a magical voice.

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As a parent, I think that we can all agree that one of the most important things about raising our children is teaching them how to be themselves. Being a mom of three young, and incredible children I want to make sure that I teach them how to grow up to love themselves just the way they are; something I struggled with very much as a youth.

As a child, I think I strived to figure out who I was and often times doubted myself because I wasn’t considered “cool.” My self-esteem and confidence still struggle now as an adult as I continue to teach myself how to love who I am and what I am. My hopes as a mom are to lead my children on a path of self-love and acceptance of both themselves and others.

These days as a mom I love when I find books that are not only enjoyable and exciting but also present wisdom. Unicorn Jazz by Lisa Caprelli is one of those books that teach kids self-acceptance, self-love, self-confidence and overcoming your fears. Unicorn Jazz is about a Unicorn named Jazz that moves to a new place and struggles to make new friends because she is different from everyone else and finds that she can’t do things that everyone else does. Along the way, she meets a crow named Woof, who becomes a great friend and encourages Jazz to be herself. When he hears her singing, he encourages Jazz to use her beautiful voice to share with others. Jazz began to embrace her beautiful voice and overcome her struggles of not feeling like she belongs.

This book contains a great message for children to live by and really reminds me of the quote, “be a unicorn in a field of horses.” Lisa Caprelli also created a Unicorn Jazz coloring book full of activities that both you and your little one can do together after reading this beautiful book. (You can find it HERE.)
This unique story becomes complete with beautifully illustrated pages by Davey Villalobos that help capture the essence of the story. The illustrations are vibrant and bold, and each picture flows with the story very well. Unicorn Jazz is delightful and dazzling and is a must read!

Why and How to Use it With Your Kids

Great gift to give a child of any age
Use alongside the official Unicorn Jazz Coloring Book
Use in a variety of settings including at home and in classrooms
Use alongside the curriculum guide for teachers and parents
Rep your “Mom = Love” Mother’s Day Unicorn Lover T-shirt
Rep your Unicorn Jazz Be Bold and Brave T-Shirt
Buy your very own Unicorn Jazz Birthday Girl T-Shirt
Get your child to learn about the importance of family and friends
Teach your children about the importance of being unique and being happy by being yourself

Where Can I Find Unicorn Jazz By Lisa Caprelli

You can find Unicorn Jazz By Lisa Caprelli on Amazon or on the Unicorn Jazz Website.

About the Author, Lisa Caprelli

Lisa Caprelli has two sons; she is in a wonderful relationship with Chris, a physician; he is her partner for Unicorn Jazz. Lisa lives steps from the beach in Huntington Beach California.

Spotlight On Lisa Caprelli

Q. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Lisa: I grew up a shy, introverted girl. I remember around the age of seven I would look at magazines and books with author’s names and I wondered what it would be like to write my own story one day. Because I grew up rarely talking, my only words were on paper. I wrote as a form of self-expression, love, and gratitude for what I did have. I grew up poor and the middle child of five. Being raised in a Hispanic family, I could not be prouder to grow up with such tremendous love and kindness.

Q. What does your family think of your writing?

Lisa: I hope that my family appreciates that I have backed a lot of my ideas for writing into actually publishing them and leaving a legacy based on creative work, research and life experiences that can help so many people. They enjoy hearing my ideas and how I can materialize them into books and a brand. They support me 100%. My partner, Chris, always listens to my visions as I talk them out. Just like raising a child can take a village, I have found that my journey of being an author and business leader has been attributed to the tremendous support of my family and friends. I am grateful for such support whether it’s reading my stories, sharing with others, offering guidance, positive critique or resources to help grow at a really fast pace!

Q. What was the most surprising thing you learned about creating books?

Lisa: I did not realize that 84% of people want to write a book and less than 3% do. It feels surreal sometimes that I have created a road map and book writing systems that make it easier for me to write books and to also help others realize their dream of publishing.

Q. What do you think makes a good story?

Lisa: A good story is one where the reader (your audience) can do one of the following: relate to it, picture themselves in the story, be entertained, be taken to a place of imagination, want to come back for more, visualize more than you intended by using the power of words and illustrations.

Q. What advice do you have for writers?

Lisa: Find a mentor or book accountability partner to get your book to fruition. Writing can be lonely; therefore it is important to make a written plan with goals and deadlines; otherwise, you will never get done.

Q. Describe what your ideal writing space looks like?

Lisa: I am blessed to live close to the ocean. I can escape into writing at my home office, the beach, a train, or a new place I travel to. All I need is a pen and paper or a laptop to create imaginative pieces that may only ever sit in a journal or make it into a book collaborative.

Q. What do you love most about the writing process?

Lisa: As a writer, you have no limits, ever. You can turn a character into fiction or based on life experience. You can pretend like you’re seven again and create a series of books, as I am doing with Unicorn Jazz. I love the conversation starters that writing process entails. I enjoy being a guest author at schools or groups who don’t understand the writing process and how incredible technology today, thanks to Amazon and self-publishing world has brought to change so many people’s lives that come from writing!

Q. Tell us about your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Lisa: I envision me writing at least three books a year, maybe more. I will have helped numerous people write their books. Unicorn Jazz fans will be able to find YouTube videos, animations and ideas come to life based on the educational content and toys we are already creating. We will have turned Unicorn Jazz into a global brand in five years that is recognized for creativity, diversity, lessons, imagination, and fun!

Q. What inspires you as a writer?

Lisa: The ability to use all the words I’ve ever learned along with the experiences that come from me as a mother, and businesswoman and combine my branding background to be able to reach large audiences.

Q. What does your creative process look like?

Lisa: My brain has an infinite amount of thought bubbles which come from the ideas and visions ahead. I write them down so that I know what is important to focus on today and what I can create in the future. “Do something your future self will thank you for,” is something I incorporate when I think of what’s ahead. I can multitask to a very high level and still manage my time well. It is just something I learned how to do: manage myself and my action steps.

Q. What do you love most about being an Author?

Lisa: I love that I can express myself well, more so than I can speak. I can take an idea and make it into a story. I enjoy the freedom it brings to create constantly. I feel that we are all meant to create some capacity. Being an author happens to be my purpose and where I find meaningful joy.

Q. Can you tell us about one of the most rewarding moments you have had as an author?

Lisa: Most recently I have been nominated for an award in my hometown of El Paso, Texas by a principal and counselor for “The Power of One PIE award for outstanding commitment to an elementary school. Another joyous moment is creating the official Unicorn Jazz Friendship song where my dear friend, Kerri Kasem, is the singer and the songwriter is my friend Thanecha Anderson. Producing this piece has been so magical. To think, this all happened because I had an idea for a book.

Q. Are you working on anything at the present that you would like to share with your readers about?

Lisa: I am creating a Unicorn Jazz plush animal right now. I am working to turn Unicorn Jazz stories into videos through animation and/or fun concepts.

We just launched a Unicorn Jazz Zoo Field Trip Guide for Teachers and Homeschool parents that currently is a free download on UnicornJazz.com. We are also building a team of Unicorn Jazz ambassadors worldwide through the power of Instagram, blog sites (like this one) and of course developing lasting friendships.

Q. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

Lisa: I want parents, grandparents, teachers, and children to realize through Unicorn Jazz stories that anything is possible, the importance of believing in others, kindness, happiness and joy through small and big moments.

Q. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Lisa: I hear from teachers and parents who say that their child asks to read Unicorn Jazz over and over again or play the Unicorn Jazz Friendship song and more. It draws them to want more UJ stuff I have on Amazon, like a coloring book, t-shirt and other creative pieces we keep releasing.

Spotlight on the Illustrator, Davey Villalobos

Q. What process takes place in creating your artwork?

Davey: No stress. I do 90% of my work alfresco while listening to music (from the smooth sounds of Dean Martin to the ear-blasting riffs of Slayer). And usually, a drink or 2 to relax. When you’re relaxed, the art just flows. Drawing has always been an outlet for relaxing.

Q. Can you describe the artistic process behind your illustration creations?

Davey: For the 2 books I’ve done I just read the material and can easily visualize what goes where like a movie in my head.

Q. Are there any illustrators that have inspired the way you approach your illustrative work?

Davey: Some of my favorite illustrators… Salvador Dali, Frank Frazzetta, Bob Kane (Batman),

Q. Which page was the most fun to illustrate?

Davey: For Unicorn Jazz, it was the first page. I feel it set the tone for what I wanted to create.

Q. Are you working on something new and exciting for us to look forward to?

Davey: I’m finishing up a book I wrote and drew which is all about imagination running wild. And it rhymes because I love rhyming.

Q. Did you draw as a child?

Davey: I drew on the walls… age 4. I can’t recall a time when I was drawing.

Q. What were your favorite books growing up?

Davey: Comic books and anything Dr. Suess.

Q. Where can we find you online?

Davey: Online Instagram @uncledaveydraws its new portfolio and professional type of page and is relatively new. I have a more personal page @lord_darth_baker which does feature some “odd” or humorous pieces and sometimes darker illustrations… plus my family and Sunday stuff.

Don't Forget To Join Lisa on Social Media!

All in all, my family and I really enjoyed this book and, we know you will too! Please feel free to leave me comments or questions about this review. I look forward to hearing from you!

**This book was kindly sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.