Once Upon a Unicorn

Gr 3-7—Midnight, a night mare from the Whisperwood, had a plan and it did not involve a unicorn—until she witnessed one being drowned by a group of kelpies in the River Restless. Midnight was going to rescue the unicorn, prove that night mares are better than unicorns, and then return to her original mission. Instead, Midnight now finds herself with Curious, a surprisingly science-minded unicorn, on the other side of the river. When Midnight and Curious discover that they are after the same wispy wood wink, competition and old prejudices surface. However, they are forced to put their differences aside when Jack o' the Hunt, the "worst Wicked Fairy on the Glistening Isles," reveals his pumpkin face and comes after the duo. They will need to cooperate in order to survive, but will they ever get along? This magical tale is told by a wry, omniscient narrator and explores what it truly means to be a friend regardless of superficial differences. VERDICT A good choice for fantasy adventure fans and reluctant middle grade readers alike; purchase where lighthearted fantasies are popular.—Jessica Caron, Bancroft Sch., MA