Rereading: THE BEAST WITH THE MAGICAL HORN by Eleanor Cameron

For this chapter book (74 pages), Cameron has drawn inspiration from European fairy tales, and the illustrators Beth and Joe Krush adopt a medieval style that reminds me of British illustrator Pauline Baynes.

Allison is a beautiful young girl living in the mountains, and one day she sees a unicorn being chased by robbers. A handsome prince, Basil, comes to rescue both Allison and the unicorn, and falls in love with Allison. He takes her back to his kingdom’s castle, where his aunt and uncle rule in his stead until he is of age, declaring he will wed Allison. Basil’s aunt, the Queen, is struck with jealousy on seeing Allison, and soon concocts a plan to prevent the wedding. She declares that Basil and Allison must gather and cage seven mythical beasts before they can marry, to raise funds for the kingdom’s waning treasury, and Allison must also find the Secret of Life and place it in a box for the Queen.

Needless to say, these tasks seem impossible, but the young couple has a secret ally in the unicorn, who may be able to help them.

I enjoyed this, but felt it lacked suspense and was too predictable. The illustrations are excellent. Recommended.

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