From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Unicorns are a source of endless fascination, and Gibbons provides a clear and concise explanation for their presence in the world's mythology and lore. She begins with the Latin origins of the term unicorn ("one horn") and relates this word to examples of other one-horned animals such as the rhinoceros and the narwhal. She then discusses the evolution of the unicorn as a fabulous creature possessing magical powers and provides numerous examples of its existence in the folklore from Persia, China, and India, as well as references in several of the world's religions including Judaism, Hinduism, and Christianity. A floral motif and fibrous handmade paper borders tie together the colorful watercolor-and-ink illustrations, which vary from fanciful to descriptive. Full-color reproductions of the seven famous medieval tapestries comprising "The Hunt of the Unicorn" series are included; unfortunately, their small size and mediocre quality detract from the power of the images presented. The book also suffers slightly from a formulaic format, concluding with a page of informational tidbits instead of incorporating them into the text. For young unicorn lovers who cannot get enough of these gentle and noble creatures, this book fills a factual gap, but those preferring their magical creatures straight up might just want to stick to the lore.
Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los Angeles Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Unicorns. Are they pure legend or are they based on fact? The prolific Gibbons looks at the one-horned creature that has taken hold of humanity's imagination. She begins with animals such as the narwhal and the rhino that might have been the basis for the unicorn, then delves into unicorn legends in various countries, including China and Greece. She also explores the biblical connection between unicorns and Christianity--especially in the Middle Ages, when the creatures served to represent Christian symbols and beliefs, as illustrated by photos of the tapestry series
The Hunt of the Unicorn. The rest of the artwork is in Gibbons' signature watercolor-and-ink style, jaunty and informative. Both the subject and the execution have plenty of child appeal.
Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
