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One Unicorn
Handsome illustrations, rich with medieval details, highlight this account of the creation of the unicorn, born when a beloved princess sheds her first tear
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1981
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 25, 2018
I was attracted to this book because it reminded me so much of something I would have zeroed in on as a child, and judging by its 1980s publication date, might have.
The illustrations are indeed magical and the story is a fairy tale colored by sadness and memory.
I think this would be best for older kids, I know that certain elements of the story would have upset me very much as a young child. I really didn't like characters to die in my stories, especially if the characters were animals.
The illustrations are indeed magical and the story is a fairy tale colored by sadness and memory.
I think this would be best for older kids, I know that certain elements of the story would have upset me very much as a young child. I really didn't like characters to die in my stories, especially if the characters were animals.
August 18, 2011
"Sadness, sadness, heartfelt pain
If all our love has been in vain
If ever you should tell a lie,
Then my friend I will die."
"One Unicorn" is one of those magical children's books that one treasures because it grows up with you. Full of stunning color illustrations, and illuminating the painful process of growing up, "One Unicorn" is a must for every woman's (and man's) bookshelf.
If all our love has been in vain
If ever you should tell a lie,
Then my friend I will die."
"One Unicorn" is one of those magical children's books that one treasures because it grows up with you. Full of stunning color illustrations, and illuminating the painful process of growing up, "One Unicorn" is a must for every woman's (and man's) bookshelf.
May 5, 2013
Some of the most beautiful illustrations I have ever seen in a book! Gorgeous! And the tale is bittersweet and magical. Even if you are not really into unicorns or fantasy, this book will enchant you. Wonderful for young girls, especially.
June 17, 2019
I found this in a library... school, probably, one afternoon. A Friday. Sat on the floor and devoured it... set it back in place... it was the night before a girls-scout camp trip (during one of the brief spans I was permitted the group), which should have been amazing but for the douse of poison in it. I fell in love with the book. Pondered it half the night instead of sleeping. Sleeping bags, with a nightmare close by- the next night was bunk beds. I slept that night.
I came looking for it, so many years later. It's one of the few kid's books that actually holds appeal after time. The pictures are like stained glass windows, classic style, absolutely beautiful.
Sadness Sadness, heartfelt pain
If all the love has been in vain
If you ever speak a lie
Then, my friend, I will die.
Haunting then. No less so now.
I don't plan on ever taking Freud on this one. Some dreams are best left unexplained.
It's funny. Point of view shifts on so many things with time and perspective. Not this. I pick this up and I'm still that lost kid addicted to libraries dreading a mixed blessing of a trip. Every time I cross it on my bookshelf, I'm a little surprised. I shouldn't have waited as many years to track it down.
It was my first favorite book. Before Nietzsche, before Aristophones or Freud or Dostoyevsky.
And it's odd to say, but this holds up to any of them.
I came looking for it, so many years later. It's one of the few kid's books that actually holds appeal after time. The pictures are like stained glass windows, classic style, absolutely beautiful.
Sadness Sadness, heartfelt pain
If all the love has been in vain
If you ever speak a lie
Then, my friend, I will die.
Haunting then. No less so now.
I don't plan on ever taking Freud on this one. Some dreams are best left unexplained.
It's funny. Point of view shifts on so many things with time and perspective. Not this. I pick this up and I'm still that lost kid addicted to libraries dreading a mixed blessing of a trip. Every time I cross it on my bookshelf, I'm a little surprised. I shouldn't have waited as many years to track it down.
It was my first favorite book. Before Nietzsche, before Aristophones or Freud or Dostoyevsky.
And it's odd to say, but this holds up to any of them.
November 4, 2008
absolutely the most beautiful and most memorable book of my childhood.i checked it out millions of times, and it made me cry every single time. stunning pictures. stunning work. finding it is unbelievably painful nostalgia!
September 23, 2011
One of the most beautifully-illustrated children's books I've ever read.
January 11, 2026
Full of traditional unicorn lore, this story tells of a princess whose tears on a white flower produce a baby unicorn. The princess and unicorn become close friends and spend much time together until a prince rides into her life. Gradually, the princess spends more time with the prince and less time with the unicorn. The day she lies to the unicorn, he is shot by hunter's arrows. Although the princess repents, the unicorn dies and vanishes. On its death place grows a lovely bush of red and white flowers. The full-color paintings reveal a white unicorn with golden horn, golden cloven hooves, and a full horse tail. For ages 6-12.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2018
I didn't like when the unicorn died...... :(
It made me sad.
Unicorns are cute and pretty!
It made me sad.
Unicorns are cute and pretty!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2023
A hidden gem 💎 ✨️
October 13, 2014
For each person whose heart is filled with innocence and love, there can be one unicorn.
One I checked out of the library frequently for its beautiful, bright colored illustrations, even though I never understood why the princess would favor spending time with a prince over a unicorn (spoiler alert, still don't).
One I checked out of the library frequently for its beautiful, bright colored illustrations, even though I never understood why the princess would favor spending time with a prince over a unicorn (spoiler alert, still don't).
May 24, 2014
This is a fantastically written story, moving & poignant, with absolutely outstanding illustrations. I won't give anything away but I will say this: there are very few stories so powerful as to leave such a permanent impression as this one does. You will want to read it over & over again as I do.
April 24, 2012
The art is absolutely fantastic! I was completely enchanted by this book as a kid. Still am, told true.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews