Margaret’s Unicorn, by Briony May Smith is a book that I have wanted to wrap my hands around for some time. I just adore Briony May Smith’s captivating illustrations. Look at that unicorn’s curling long tail! The book is exactly what my picture-book-loving soul needed and I’m so happy to be able to talk about it to you today.
What person does not want a baby unicorn (note that I said person. Okay… maybe I should have said child?). Margaret moves with her parents to a very different kind of place than she is used to living, so her family can be near her Grandmother. The magic of the setting is inviting and we are not surprised when Margaret finds a baby unicorn on her first walk along the Moors. She takes the unicorn home and Grandma knows all about the unicorns that come through once a year. She teaches Margaret how to care for her unicorn and everyone accepts Margaret’s mystical friend as a temporary pet. Margaret knows that her unicorn will need to leave in the spring, but enjoys the time that they have together.
I can’t say that this book is full of huge surprises or unexpected twists. Other than that unicorns exist and make cool pets. What it delivers for me is an unbelievably magically believable story. The baby unicorn is there to comfort Margaret as she learns about, and to appreciate, her new home. It feels like a classic picture book that I would have spent my evenings begging to have it read to me again and again. And I would have spent my days wandering through the bushes searching for my own baby unicorn.
Briony’s writing is lyrical. It is a wordier picture book than some, but I think that’s a positive and will appeal to a slightly older age group to be able to read on their own, as well as a younger age listener who wants to be read a nighttime fairy tale.
The illustrations stole my heart. The color palette is rich and earthy, hearkening to the landscape hues of the english countryside. The mixed media artwork is darlingly cute, but not cartoony, which adds to the believability that I might find a unicorn in my own flower garden tonight.
Because I assure you… I will be looking. ?
Ooh, this is beauuuutiful, and I have a unicorn-loving granddaughter who’d soak up every page. Thanks, Jen!
This looks like a really cute book. The illustrations are beautiful!
Hi Jackie, it is indeed a very beautiful book! Thanks for visiting us today!
This book looks enchanting! Can’t wait to read it.
Oh good word, Mary— Enchanting it is! Hope you enjoy it.
I think we all could use a unicorn to get us through those difficult transitions. I look forward to reading this.
Patricia, that is the truth— and is something I felt and thought as I wandered through this lovely book. Thanks for visiting and commenting today!
Beautiful! I love the imagination! And baby unicorns!
I know, right? And baby unicorns with long curly swirly tails! Thanks, Angie!
I’ve been wanting to see this book for some time too, Jennifer. Thank you for the wonderful write up. I love the unicorn tail and so much else about the book. I’m looking forward to reading it!
Hi, T! I think you’ll enjoy the comforting mystical magic of it. It’s the kind of book I would have loved as a child. And is part of why I appreciate it it so much today. xo
Looks like this one is a keeper -sweet! Congrats!
Yep, Danielle. I’m going to have to buy this one ?
This book sounds enchanting and I can’t wait to read it!
Hi Kim, I hope you enjoy it when you read it. Thank you so much for visiting PBB!
Mercy! This is such a lovely book!
Hi Kathy, it sure is! Thanks!
This book looks right up my alley. 🙂 Thanks for letting us know about it!
Hi Elayne, it was up my alley, too. I hope that you like it as much as I did when you read it. Thanks for stopping by today!
Captivating illustrations! Lovely story between generations, teaching about caring, sharing, and family. A great book to share!
It is indeed, Joan. It brought back the magic of childhood for me. I’m sure it will resonate with other readers as well. Thanks so much!
It definitely has an old-timey feel. Beautiful writing and illustrations. Thank you for sharing this sweet book, Jennifer.
Hi Vijaya. I think that part of the ‘fun’ if you will, of our blog is that there are 8 of us and we all like different kinds/styles of books. Although I appreciate other styles of illustration and writing I will always be drawn to books that I would have loved as a little girl. That nostalgia is important to me and this book brought me back to all that innocent magic of childhood. The illustrations are so rich, full, and inviting. Thanks so much!
What gorgeous illustrations! It has such a classic storybook feel. Makes me want to look for my own unicorn.
I’ll meet you out there, Eileen! Thanks very much.
I see what you mean by the color palette–it’s lovely, Jennifer! Love that spread with the floating unicorns!