ONCE UPON A UNICORN'S HORN

A little girl learns that inner confidence can make everything around you shine.

In a magical forest lush with foliage, fairy lights, and trendy, triangle bunting strung along the eaves and trees, a tiny tot named June roams in search of adventure. With patched overalls and a hooded cape, she’s ready. June discovers a grand castle (a treehouse) and a magic wand (a twig), but nothing prepares her for the sight of tiny horses who are learning to fly. “They shook their soft fur, / fluttered their sparkly tails, // and whizzed into the air.” Blue’s horses look an awful lot like wispy-tailed bunnies (with long ears and plump bodies sitting on their haunches), but this is an origin story, so unknowns are easily forgiven. Amid the wonder, June finds one sad little horse who is still on the ground, unable to fly. June wants to help. She waves her wand and wishes a great wish…but nothing happens. Her parents help her realize the magic is in being a good friend. A well-intentioned accident suddenly gives the tiny horse the power he needs, along with a fancy new horn to boot. The cozy forest and sincere narration thrum with the possibility of magic. But June knows: “My magic is deep inside. I don’t need a wand to fly.” June and her family present white.

Noncloying but still incredibly sweet, this unicorn story bucks the trend.