Do I need to read the books in order?

For the first few, yes. Sophia and Rainbow sets up the school and the main characters. Later books focus on different pairs, but the overarching mystery of the island usually progresses book-by-book.

Is it better than the Netflix show?

The show is flashier, but the books offer more internal dialogue for Sophia. If your kid loves the show, the book is a great way to 'deep dive' into the lore they already like.

How difficult is the vocabulary?

It's aimed squarely at 2nd-grade reading levels. Most sentences are simple, but there's enough 'magical' vocabulary to keep it from feeling like a 'baby book.'

Are there any scary parts?

The mystery involves some 'dark magic' vibes (like the lake changing color), but it's never truly scary or graphic. It's safe for even sensitive 5 or 6-year-olds.

Sophia and Rainbow – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Sophia and Rainbow

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2019

91%

WISE Score

The starter book for a massive franchise where every student gets a unicorn and a mystery to solve, beginning with a magic lake that's turning a suspicious color.

Sophia and Rainbow

book

2019

91%

WISE Score

The starter book for a massive franchise where every student gets a unicorn and a mystery to solve, beginning with a magic lake that's turning a suspicious color.

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Where to Read

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.

Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is in their 'unicorn phase,' this is the gold standard. It’s better written than the Rainbow Magic series and has more actual plot substance. It’s the kind of book that turns a kid who 'has' to read into a kid who wants to read.

It’s short, punchy, and moves fast. Sophia isn't a perfect protagonist, which makes her relatable, and the mystery of the color-changing lake is just enough to keep the stakes real without being scary. It’s pure, high-quality gateway media for the 7-year-old demographic.

Age Fit

Perfect for 6 to 9-year-olds. It’s a sweet spot for 1st through 3rd graders who are starting to read independently or as a bedtime read-aloud for preschoolers who love the Netflix show.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong focus on the bond between human and animal, teamwork, and a supportive school environment. It avoids the 'mean girl' tropes often found in school-based fiction for this age.

Imaginative

The concept of Unicorn Island and specific magical powers for each unicorn provides a rich world for kids to play in mentally. It invites roleplay and 'what if' scenarios.

Safe

A very safe early chapter book. The 'peril' is age-appropriate mystery-solving with no graphic violence, mature themes, or inappropriate language.

Enriching

Excellent for building reading stamina in transitional readers. It models problem-solving and environmental curiosity through the lake mystery.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Perfect bridge to chapter books for kids who are moving past picture books but still want some illustrations to break up the text.
High-interest hooks like magical boarding schools and animal bonding that keep kids turning pages voluntarily.
Models positive partnerships where Sophia and Rainbow have to learn each other's strengths rather than just 'commanding' the animal.
Basis for the Netflix show, making it a great way to leverage screen interest into reading time.

⚠

What to Watch For

The 'mystery' is very light—if your kid is a seasoned reader, the plot might feel a bit formulaic or predictable.
It is the first of many; if they like this one, be prepared to buy or library-hold about 20 more books in the series.

Conversation Starters

"If you were at Unicorn Academy, what power would your unicorn have?"
"Why was it hard for Sophia and Rainbow to work together at first?"
"If the lake in our town changed color, what would be the first thing you'd check to find out why?"
"Do you think Sophia is more like you or more like your best friend?"

Deep Dive

The Gateway to Independent Reading

Sophia and Rainbow is the engine that started the Unicorn Academy empire, and for good reason. For parents trying to help a kid cross the bridge from being read to toward reading solo, this book is a precision tool. It hits the 'Language Comprehension' strand of the reading rope perfectly—the vocabulary is accessible but descriptive, and the narrative structure is linear enough that a 7-year-old won't get lost.

While some 'animal magic' series can feel like they were written by a marketing algorithm, Julie Sykes puts actual heart into the human-animal bond. Sophia and Rainbow don't instantly click; they have to build trust. That's a useful lesson for kids who expect things to be easy or 'magical' right away.

Netflix vs. The Page

With the Netflix series being so popular in 2026, many kids will come to this book already knowing the characters. That's actually a win for literacy. Knowing the 'world' lowers the cognitive load for a struggling reader, allowing them to focus on decoding the words because they already have the background knowledge of what Unicorn Island looks like.

If you have a kid who is resistant to 'school books,' hand them this. It’s not trying to be high literature—it’s trying to be fun, and it succeeds. It’s the literary equivalent of a really good Saturday morning cartoon: colorful, exciting, and entirely harmless.

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