NARAH AND THE UNICORN

An outcast whale discovers her purpose in this gorgeously illustrated fable.

Narah is born with a barnacle on her head. Her strange appearance leads other whales to make fun of her, and she has no friends. One day, she spots Peg, a male unicorn, swimming above her; he tells her that being one of a kind is better than being like everyone else. The two become great friends, and before Peg eventually dies of old age, he gives Narah his horn. The whale discovers that, with the horn’s magical properties, she can help other creatures in entirely new ways. Authors Roe and Andrews create a story about accepting who you are and loving your differences. They miss an opportunity, however, to show that Narah’s true strength isn’t the horn but her selfless desire to help others. A reference to God and angels gives the mythological tale a slight religious tone. Narah, with her humble uncertainty, is a gentle protagonist whom readers will find appealing, and the inclusion of several mythical creatures adds an element of fantasy. Illustrator Grizzle’s show-stopping paintings—mostly in muted blues, due to the ocean setting—are the biggest draw, and readers are sure to be drawn into the surrealistic world.

An eye-catching tale of self-acceptance.