I Love Unicorns

Unicorn Island
By Donna Galanti
Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (February 9, 2021)
Hardcover: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1524864706
ISBN-13: 978-1524864705
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 4 – 6
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

When Sam arrives in Foggy Harbor, population 3,230, all she can see is a small, boring town that’s way too far from home. And knowing that she’s stuck there all summer with her grumpy Uncle Mitch only makes things worse.
 
But when Sam discovers a hidden trapdoor leading to a room full of strange artifacts, she realizes Foggy Harbor isn’t as sleepy as it seems. With the help of a new friend, Sam discovers an extraordinary secret beyond the fog: an island of unicorns whose fates are intertwined with hers.

Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand
By Donna Galanti
Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (March 8, 2022)
Hardcover: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1524871974
ISBN-13: 978-1524871970
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Lexile measure: 690L
Grade level: 4 – 6
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Sam can’t believe how much her life and luck have changed since she came to Foggy Harbor: First, she discovered that unicorns are real, and now she’s on her way to becoming an actual unicorn protector! With her new friend, Tuck, by her side during Uncle Mitch’s lessons, Sam finally feels like she’s home.

But as the long-buried dangers of Unicorn Island begin to surface and a mysterious scourge spreads throughout the herd, Sam learns the truth behind Aunt Sylvie’s disappearance and her own connection to the island. With determination, courage, and fierce loyalty to one another—and to their code as unicorn protectors—the kids set out to protect the island’s secrecy and the unicorns’ very existence.

 My Thoughts:

Any world with unicorns in it is a better one. That’s a given! So of course I wanted to read these books. Overall, I enjoyed the characterization. I probably liked new best friend Tuck and grumpy Uncle Mitch best, but that’s me. I like how Sam and Tuck came together with a complementary friendship.

 The exposition of the secrets of Unicorn Island worked well. The first book ends satisfactorily enough, but it was clear that another book was planned.

 Book two carries on with Sam and Tuck learning to be unicorn protectors, and Sam is loving it. Of course, life can’t carry on so happily, and there are problems and more revelations to be dealt with. The door is definitely open for this story to continue!

 For me, the narrative style skewed toward the younger end of the intended audience, and Sam read younger than 12 to me—a bit innocent and naïve. There’s nothing really trailblazing here in either narrative or plot. That’s not to say it isn’t a good read; it’s just not an exciting read.

 The illustrations are a definite plus in these books, helping the reader to visualize the atmospheric setting.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

There are fantasy creatures. A single parent must travel for work, so their child has to stay with an unfamiliar uncle. Deception. Perilous situations.

 Who Might Like These Books:

Unicorn fans! Those who like a little fantasy in their stories. Those who like friendships and protecting living creatures. Especially readers in the younger end of the suggested range.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing ARCs in exchange for my opinions.