The Great Unicorn Rescue
by Author-illustrator Diane Ewen
Interest age: 3 to 7
Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, 2025
About this book
Loella and her dad live on the edge of an enchanted forest, and Loella has her own unicorn, called Norrie! The two go to school together and play in the forest together. Loella is afraid of the dark, but Norrie always lights up the night with her magical horn. One day, on a school trip to the forest to see fireflies, Loella loses Norrie. She’s worried about the approaching dark, but she’s even more worried about Norrie. Can Loella be brave and find her friend?
This delightful picture book has so much to recommend it. The charming story has a clear beginning, middle and end, including mild jeopardy for both Loella and Norrie. The theme of being afraid of the dark is explored in a sensitive way. The bright, friendly illustrations depict a diverse mix of adorably cute unicorns and children. Plus Loella’s dad is seemingly a single father, which is rarely shown in picture books. A gorgeous story that is sweet and magical without being saccharine.
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