The Unicorn in the Barn

Eric’s family loses the farmhouse to a new veterinarian and her daughter, Allegra, but when Eric finds they are treating an injured unicorn, he learns more about his family history and himself. This story is also about loss and friendship.

The Unicorn in the Barn is a quick read because it has big print and many pictures, so it would be good for beginning chapter readers who love animals and magic. It doesn’t always work out the way you would want and can be sad, so younger readers might want to read it with their parents. I felt connected to the main character, Eric, and was worried about the unicorn and Eric’s grandma.

I would have liked to have known more about the magical creatures and their powers because I think that would make the book more interesting. For instance, I love the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series where they tell you more about the magical animals’ behaviors and strange characteristics. I wish the author had told me more about Squonk or the other creatures in this book.

The pictures are black and white, but really added added to the book, and I liked how they were sometimes a full page and other times just within the words. It wasn’t my favorite book about magical animals, but it was a good story and I’m glad I read it.