UPDATE: I have not changed the edition of the book yet and removed the scripture. The paperback doesn’t have scripture but the hardback still does. I prayed on it long and hard and felt God was worth it, and if it was meant to be, it was meant to be with God!

I am blown over by the number of “Unibears” that have been sold since its release!
* * * Thank you again and again and again, everyone! * * *

Now for the Conundrum…

A month before the book was released the final version was submitted (with scripture). I felt good about the decision, initially, but shortly after, I felt hesitant regarding it. I was asked the question in an interview (fortunately written) so I wrote out the below response. I personally feel it is a very good answer, but it also led to a very important decision…


Why did you use the KJV Scripture about Unicorns in the story?

I realize that adding the scripture may have been an unpopular decision. Adding any scripture to a children’s book that I hope to get into public school libraries when they’ve basically banned God from the schools, is a huge obstacle. Technically, it is a huge roadblock.

The fact that the “Unicorn” was never mentioned in previous translations of the bible, and it was corrected/removed in newer translations, can be problematic. It can be viewed as a error in translation, which proves that we are all human and make mistakes.

The point that it gives skeptics and scientists the ability to debate it and poke fun of believers while also pointing out other ‘mythical creatures’ mentioned in the bible; like dragons, can also be problematic, but it gives us the ability to defend our faith.

On June 18, 1963, the Supreme Court made it illegal for the Lord’s Prayer to be said and the Bible to be read in public schools.
Specifically, the High Court ruled by an 8:1 vote that requiring religious exercises in public schools was unconstitutional.

Psalm 92:10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

The reason I did it was simple – Curiosity!

As a child, if someone would have said there are unicorns mentioned in the bible I would have asked for a bible to look it up. I would have read the scripture, been curious about learning more, read further into it, maybe investigated alternative translations that may have been easier for me to understand.

Maybe it would have led me to a children’s bible where I could have learned more about Jesus, long before I actually did as an adult…

Maybe it would have opened the door for me to listen to the song “The Unicorn” written by Shel Silverstein and made popular by the band, the Irish Rovers in 1968. It’s a fun song that may have turned me onto other Christian songs. It definitely would have made me curious about Noah’s Ark and I would have read that bible story.

Maybe I would have read the Giving Tree, The Missing Piece or Where the Sidewalk Ends, other great books by Shel Silverstein which would have opened the door to more authors and other inspirational stories for me to read.

Basically, I wanted children to investigate and read, whether it be the bible or just other inspirational stories. This was my way of presenting to them a small sampling of God’s word, that may help get them started down their own Christian path.

So what’s the problem then?

The question remains: should I take the scripture out so I can get the story into public schools? Should I take the scripture out since newer translated bibles don’t reference Unicorns? Maybe… but what would God say about that? Would He want me to do that?

I honestly don’t know the answer to that question. My first instinct is, God would want my book to be successful, and I have learned that my first instinct is usually the right decision.

Numbers 23:22 God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.

Deuteronomy 33:17 His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth

Does the addition of the scripture hurt the story’s chances at success?

I would have to say that it does. After much research, introspection and many discussions with those in various fields, it has been brought to my attention that not even Christian Schools utilize the KJV as their ‘Bible version’. This tells me that if the children open ‘their’ bibles to search those specific scriptures, they will not find the word “Unicorn” and this may be upsetting. Not only will there be disappointment, it will also raise questions of why. Why there were “mistakes” in the bible. While it is my belief that discussion and questions are a good thing, it is also my belief that the feeling of slight disappointment will be held against my Unibear book and that would not be a good thing.

Does the scripture help advance the story?

The answer to that question is no. The story is 100% perfect without the use of the scripture. It is not affected by its use or removal in any way. So with that being said, expect a Second Edition of “The First Unibear” to be released in 2022.

In 2022 a second edition of the full color, hardback picture book will be released without the scripture (as it doesn’t assist the story, and could actually be a detriment to the success of the book in regards to accessing public schools.) I have made my decision and pray it is the right one. This will NOT affect the ebook or the coloring book (paperback format) only the hardback picture book. I figure schools won’t be buying coloring books for the library, anyway.

I actually think it will be very neat that the First Edition includes scripture – making any of the books purchased in 2021 “collectible” in the future. Look at how many people seek out First Editions of classic books, look at how much money they are worth!

This is Your Chance to purchase a First Edition, while they’re available and while supplies last!

Plus, if you follow my show schedule, you could purchase one of the books direct from me, the author, and get it autographed as well! Ca-ching on your cherished keepsake, right?!

Expect a Second Edition of “The First Unibear” to be released in 2022.

Get the “Collectible” First Edition NOW Before it is Too Late!

The Second Edition (without Scripture) will be released early 2022

The First Unibear children's book by author Kathleen J. Shields
The First Unibear by author Kathleen J. Shields