6 Magical Books About Unicorns for All Ages

Uni the Unicorn, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Brigette Barrager
There’s no such thing as unicorns, everybody (well, every adult) knows that. But in this twist, it’s Uni the Unicorn who dreams about having a little girl as a best friend. The adult unicorns tell her to stop being such a dreamer; that little girls are the stuff of fairytales. But Uni still believes. And far away (but not too far away) a little girl dreams of having a unicorn for a best friend. This is the sweetest story of friendship, and dreams, and happily ever after. (Ages 4-8)

Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great, by Bob Shea
If you haven’t yet read Bob Shea (who also authors the very popular Ballet Cat and Dinosaur books), start here. This remains one of my favorites. Full of just the right amount of attitude, this is the story of Unicorn, who has always sort of been the big man (or unicorn) on campus. Then Goat moves into the neighborhood, and suddenly Unicorn has some competition. No matter what Unicorn does, Goat manages to do something just a little bit cooler. It’s not until Unicorn and Goat share an experience (pizza, of course) that they realize that maybe they’re better together than they are separately. Aages 4-8)

Twelve Dancing Unicorns, by Alissa Heyman and Justin Gerard
You don’t have to know the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses to enjoy this retelling, but children who do recognize it will enjoy the twist. Like the original, you have a kind king. But instead of keeping safe 12 princess daughters, he keeps 12 prized unicorns chained in a corral. Though no one ever sees them leave, every morning the unicorns are found sleeping, their chains broken. When the king decrees he will award a prize to whoever discovers the answer to this mystery, a local girl, with the aid of a magical cloak, sets out to find the answer. (Ages 4-8)

Moonsilver (The Unicorn’s Secret #1), by Kathleen Duey and Omar Rayyan
This book is the first in a series of eight. In this first installment, we meet Heart Trilby, an orphan living a hard life with her guardian in a small village. When Heart finds a sick mare in the woods, she names her Avamir and nurses her back to health. It doesn’t take long for Heart to realize that Avamir is in foal, but when the colt is born disfigured, Heart’s guardian vows to sell Avamir to the slaughterhouse. It’s up to Heart to save them both, a task that seems impossible. But this is a young girl who lives up to her name. (Ages 7-10)

The Unicorn’s Tale, by R. L. LaFevers and Kelly Murphy
The Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series covers all sorts of magical, mystical creatures. After his parents are lost at sea, Nate falls under the care of his Aunt Phil (actually, Dr. Phil), whose job it is to care for the worlds mythical beasts.  In this fourth book, he’s not only continuing his search for his parents, but for his evil cousin Obediah, who might have information that would justify this feeling he has that his parents are still alive. Nate is focused. He’s got a plan. But along the way, his Aunt Phil gets word of a unicorn that’s behaving oddly, and Nate’s plans change yet again. As it turns out, this unicorn’s problem may not be as serious as it first seems, but just when things seem to be going Nate’s way…Obediah shows up on the scene with a proposition. And not a friendly one. Cross him, and many will suffer.  Suddenly, Nate has 48 hours to save all of the beasts from his crazy cousin and gain the prize he wants most. (Ages 7-10)

Phoebe and Her Unicorn: A Heavenly Nostrils Chronicle, by Dana Simpson
This graphic novel series is for kids (and adults!) who like the snort-out-loud, laughing in public, amazing one-liners type of humor. While out skipping rocks on a pond one day, the slightly nerdy Phoebe accidentally hits a unicorn in the face. Thankful to be snapped out of her vanity, and her trance with her reflection broken, the unicorn introduces herself as Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. As a token of thanks, she agrees to grant Phoebe three wishes. Phoebe’s first wish? That this unicorn become her new BFF. Now remember, unicorns are vain, temperamental creatures, and Marigold is less than pleased. But a promise is a promise, and thus begins this magical friendship. No sweet and tender words here, though. This is a friendship wrapped in sass and snark, in the best possible way. A great introduction to graphic novels for those just beginning to explore. (Ages 8-12)
What’s your next magical read?