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Unicorns spark world of imagination in books for kids, teens

02/25/2014 11:48 AM

02/26/2014 2:44 PM

Who doesn’t love a unicorn? Children’s and teen’s literature definitely does. Check out the following books for youth at the Fort Worth Library, all about the mythical one-horned animal.

The Last Unicorn

by Peter S. Beagle, Peter Gillis, Renae De Liz and Ray Dillon

Idea & Design Works, 2011

For ages: 13 and up

This graphic novel is a gorgeous retelling of the classic story. Alone in her enchanted wood, the unicorn realizes that she may be the last of her kind. She sets out on a journey to find if others exist. Along the way, she experiences many trials, including encounters with an evil king and a carnival run by a witch, and the realization that humans no longer believe in unicorns.

This poignant story is full of both love and regret. In 1982 the original novel was made into an animated film.

Rampant

by Diana Peterfreund

HarperTeen, 2009

For ages: 13 and up

Killer unicorns sound like a disturbing urban legend. But after witnessing one on the attack, Astrid Llewelyn finds herself in Rome, being trained as a unicorn assassin at a cloister a group of hunters have used for centuries. A reluctant but strong hero, Astrid embraces her destiny as a hunter, but what about her destiny as a human being?

Brutal and bloody, this book completely twists unicorn legends and reimagines the traditionally gentle creatures with razor-sharp horns and fangs. This coupled with the unease of virgin teen girls being the only ones who can get close enough to kill creates a story that encompasses brave ideas about female empowerment and controlling your own destiny.

Zombies vs. Unicorns

Edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2010

For ages: 13 and up

It’s a question for the ages: Which is better — zombies or unicorns? This anthology of short stories is evenly split between the two sides and includes contributions by well-known authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot and Scott Westerfeld. Team Unicorn or Team Zombie? Read carefully and choose your side!

Flowers for Mami Unicorn!

Adapted by Christine Ricci

Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon, 2010

For ages: 3-5

Toddler favorite Dora the Explorer meets a unicorn in this picture book based on the Nick Jr. television show. Unicornio wants to take flowers home to his mami, but Dora will have to help him find the rainbow to get home. Dora books are a great way to introduce Spanish vocabulary. Words such as mami, gracias and flores are used in this book. Dora books also encourage little readers to get active. By asking readers to climb and dance, kids can pretend-play the various parts of the book where Dora and her friends do their activities.

Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great

by Bob Shea

Disney-Hyperion, 2013

For ages: 4-8

When Unicorn moves into Goat’s neighborhood, things get a lot different. Goat is used to being the awesome one who rides his bike to school and makes almost perfect marshmallow squares for his friends, but how can anyone compete with a flying unicorn who has the ability to make it rain cupcakes?

When Unicorn finds out that Goat makes his own cheese, they realize they are both pretty awesome, but can two such different creatures ever be friends? You’ll have to read this funny story to find out. Author Bob Shea is well known for his humor and doesn’t disappoint here — check out his “Dinosaur vs.” series, too, where Dinosaur battles epic foes like the potty, the library and even bedtime.

Goldilicious

by Victoria Kann

HarperCollins, 2009

For ages: 4-8

Everyone’s favorite pink fanatic has an imaginary unicorn friend named Goldilicious — for the golden horn, of course. Goldie is so real to Pinkalicious, though, that she doesn’t understand why her family can’t see him. But will Pinkalicious’ brother Peter use Goldie as reason to tease her? Fans of Pinkalicious and Purplicious will love this further adventure of their imaginative pink pal.

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