Once upon a unicorn's horn

In charming style, Blue presents a whimsical origin story for the unicorn, which will enchant young readers. Free-spirited June--outfitted in a white, bunny-eared cloak--is full of energy and imagination, and she loves to spend her days climbing trees in search of castles (tree houses) and finding magic wands (sticks) in bushes. One afternoon, her wanderings lead her to a wondrous sight: a magical mama horse teaching her babies to fly. Resembling long-eared piglets, these tiny equines zoom through the air, their sparkly tails fluttering--all except one. June does her best to help the flightless horse into the air, but all her attempts end in failure, leaving both dispirited. When she returns home, June and her parents devise a plan to cheer up the small creature that works better than they ever dreamed. Blue combines the magic of backyard adventure with the uplifting sparkle of fairy tales, and her saturated digital illustrations have a Little Golden Book quality to them. This story isn't your ordinary unicorn fodder, and children will instantly spot its magic.

A little girl learns that inner confidence can make everything around you shine. In a magical forest lush with foliage, fairy lights, and trendy, triangle bunting strung along the eaves and trees, a tiny tot named June roams in search of adventure. With patched overalls and a hooded cape, she's ready. June discovers a grand castle (a treehouse) and a magic wand (a twig), but nothing prepares her for the sight of tiny horses who are learning to fly. "They shook their soft fur, / fluttered their sparkly tails, // and whizzed into the air." Blue's horses look an awful lot like wispy-tailed bunnies (with long ears and plump bodies sitting on their haunches), but this is an origin story, so unknowns are easily forgiven. Amid the wonder, June finds one sad little horse who is still on the ground, unable to fly. June wants to help. She waves her wand and wishes a great wish…but nothing happens. Her parents help her realize the magic is in being a good friend. A well-intentioned accident suddenly gives the tiny horse the power he needs, along with a fancy new horn to boot. The cozy forest and sincere narration thrum with the possibility of magic. But June knows: "My magic is deep inside. I don't need a wand to fly." June and her family present white. Noncloying but still incredibly sweet, this unicorn story bucks the trend. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.