“Vividly capturing a long-ago era, Judge's lush watercolor illustrations effectively contrast the dullness of Beatrix’s daily life with the radiant light of the unicorn, offering readers a clear visual cue to her emotional transformation. . . . This gentle, reassuring tale of hope and self-discovery will resonate with young readers and serves as a thoughtful addition to picture-book collections.”
Description
Inspired by the famous Unicorn Tapestries, acclaimed author-illustrator Lita Judge weaves together a beautiful picture book about a servant girl searching for a real unicorn—and with it, the promise of friendship.
Long ago and far away, a girl named Beatrix wakes each day to her chores in the castle. She serves the meals and scrubs the floors. And when no one is looking, she gazes at the tapestry of the unicorn in a garden. The unicorn is the most beautiful thing she’s ever seen, but it’s only made from thread. Beatrix knows if she could find the real unicorn, she would never feel lonely again, so late one evening, she gathers what she needs for a long journey and slips out into the night…
Reviews
“The atmospheric illustrations bring to life the medieval setting. The unicorn is portrayed in vibrant pastel shades, which contrast wonderfully with the muted, dark hues of the forest lit only by a bright lantern. A gentle tale of friendship and acceptance that will appeal to all readers.”
“Judge’s tapestry recalls the Unicorn Tapestries in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s castle-esque Cloisters, but with a welcome adaptation—her unicorn glows with freedom and joy. . . . A resonating reminder that showing kindness to others—especially animals—is the greatest magic of all.”
“Judge weaves magic and the ache of loneliness into a values-oriented picture book of generosity rewarded . . . the ending proffers a quieter comfort, suggesting that kindness given leads to kindness received.”
