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Griso: The One and Only
A unicorn searches for others just like him in this vibrant and shapeshifting tale by Batchelder-Honor author and illustrator, Roger MelloThe last of his kind, Griso travels the world searching for unicorn companions. He asks beetles, chameleons, and buffalos if they’ve seen any mythical creatures like him, and all send him on his way saying, “Neither here nor at the edge of the world.” Griso gallops across plains, marshes, and mountains, he trots into the sunset and chats with fearsome narwals by the sea. On each spread, we see Griso rendered in a new artistic style, portrayed as a shadowy cave painting, a chivalrous medieval stead, or lost along a mind-bending surrealist horizon. Griso, the Unique introduces young readers to artistic movements spanning the 7th to 18th century, leaping across time and color with the flip of a page. In Daniel Hahn’s exquisite translation, Griso, the Unique opens the doors to a world of African painting, Tang Dynasty murals, medieval tapestries, and art hidden beneath Egyptian pyramids. A song of color, time, expression, and a fantastical search for belonging by Brazilian visionary, Roger Mello.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2024
55 people want to read
About the author
Roger Mello
52 books12 followersRoger Mello é ilustrador, escritor e dramaturgo. Nasceu em Brasília, em 1965. É
considerado hors-concours pela Fundação Nacional do Livro Infantil e Juvenil, que já lhe concedeu premiado pela Academia Brasileira de Letras e pela União Brasileira dos Escritores — nesta instituição, pelo conjunto de sua obra. Participou de diversas feiras internacionais de livros. Seu livro "Meninos do mangue" recebeu em 2002 o prêmio internacional na categoria melhor livro infantil da Fondation Espace Enfants, na Suíça. Três de seus livros — "A flor do lado de lá", "Todo cuidado é pouco!" e "Meninos do mangue" — constaram da “lista de livros que toda criança deve ler antes de virar adulto”, publicada pela Folha de S. Paulo em 2007.
considerado hors-concours pela Fundação Nacional do Livro Infantil e Juvenil, que já lhe concedeu premiado pela Academia Brasileira de Letras e pela União Brasileira dos Escritores — nesta instituição, pelo conjunto de sua obra. Participou de diversas feiras internacionais de livros. Seu livro "Meninos do mangue" recebeu em 2002 o prêmio internacional na categoria melhor livro infantil da Fondation Espace Enfants, na Suíça. Três de seus livros — "A flor do lado de lá", "Todo cuidado é pouco!" e "Meninos do mangue" — constaram da “lista de livros que toda criança deve ler antes de virar adulto”, publicada pela Folha de S. Paulo em 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 1, 2024
A very brief tale of a unicorn searching for other unicorns, with each spread rendered in a different historical style—Tang dynasty murals, medieval illustrations, cave paintings, African art, surrealist art, and more. The color palette and visual cues make it more cohesive than you’d think. I’d happily have it on my own shelves or gift it to nieces and nephews, both for art and story alike. Gorgeous work.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2025
Mmmmmmmm. 4 stars. I would give it 5 but I don’t think it’s for everyone.
What is the right audience for it? An excellent question.
On the face of it, Griso is a picture book about a unicorn trying to find another unicorn. Good, great. Very picture book plot, that. Most appropriate for children, one would think.
But then each page is done in a different style from art throughout time and history and culture. There’s a list at the back of which page corresponds with which art, so maybe it’s supposed to help children experience and learn to appreciate different art forms from history and culture? In which case this would be an excellent enrichment tool… but for the fact that there is no additional context provided for why each style is appropriate.
So, the parent has to be educated enough to answer these questions? Or maybe there’s a child out there who has enough bandwidth to want to know the answer enough that they make their parent help them find the answer?
Actually I quite like that idea. Each page holds the potential for an interesting lesson about asking questions of art and seeking answers, in the context of pretty colors from a picture book about a unicorn trying to find someone like him. See spoilers below.
Spoilers ho.
First, I really like that in a book that seems staged to encourage kids to engage intellectually and emotionally with art and culture and history at a young age, the theme is about looking for someone like you, the loneliness and sometimes terror of that journey, and the eventual joy and beauty of finding not someone like you, but someone who also can’t find someone like themselves. Fantastic, no notes.
Second, I love that each style gives added nuance to each page. For example, one of the pages is based on a Greek vase, and the text is reminiscent of the cyclical nature of scenes on those vases. “The days seemed never-ending.” Or the pre-historic style showing companionship without words on the page.
One thing I would have appreciated though would have been more of the non-European canon, though considering where it comes from I don’t suppose I can fault that.
Also, Griso agrees that narwhals are the unicorns of the sea. This is important to me.
What is the right audience for it? An excellent question.
On the face of it, Griso is a picture book about a unicorn trying to find another unicorn. Good, great. Very picture book plot, that. Most appropriate for children, one would think.
But then each page is done in a different style from art throughout time and history and culture. There’s a list at the back of which page corresponds with which art, so maybe it’s supposed to help children experience and learn to appreciate different art forms from history and culture? In which case this would be an excellent enrichment tool… but for the fact that there is no additional context provided for why each style is appropriate.
So, the parent has to be educated enough to answer these questions? Or maybe there’s a child out there who has enough bandwidth to want to know the answer enough that they make their parent help them find the answer?
Actually I quite like that idea. Each page holds the potential for an interesting lesson about asking questions of art and seeking answers, in the context of pretty colors from a picture book about a unicorn trying to find someone like him. See spoilers below.
Spoilers ho.
First, I really like that in a book that seems staged to encourage kids to engage intellectually and emotionally with art and culture and history at a young age, the theme is about looking for someone like you, the loneliness and sometimes terror of that journey, and the eventual joy and beauty of finding not someone like you, but someone who also can’t find someone like themselves. Fantastic, no notes.
Second, I love that each style gives added nuance to each page. For example, one of the pages is based on a Greek vase, and the text is reminiscent of the cyclical nature of scenes on those vases. “The days seemed never-ending.” Or the pre-historic style showing companionship without words on the page.
One thing I would have appreciated though would have been more of the non-European canon, though considering where it comes from I don’t suppose I can fault that.
Also, Griso agrees that narwhals are the unicorns of the sea. This is important to me.
September 5, 2024
The beautiful unicorn Griso is lonely, and travels the world looking for another like him. He asks every creature he encounters if they have seen any other unicorns, but sadly, none have. He does, finally, find another, also looking for companionship, leaving one hoping the two have wonderful adventures and peaceful moments together.
Griso's story is full of yearning and adventure, and leaves one with hope for what might come next. Griso's travels are rendered in a variety of artistic styles, spanning different centuries and art movements. The colours and images are bold, and a great introduction to these different styles for young readers.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Archipelago for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Griso's story is full of yearning and adventure, and leaves one with hope for what might come next. Griso's travels are rendered in a variety of artistic styles, spanning different centuries and art movements. The colours and images are bold, and a great introduction to these different styles for young readers.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Archipelago for this ARC in exchange for my review.
November 8, 2024
Gorgeously illustrated [the illustrations are based on the World's Art ] with a lovely story about the last unicorn looking for a friend, littles [and their grownups ] will love this book as it is a story they will recognize and it is an intro to different world art styles [there is a list at the end of what illustration is based on which art, plus there is a lovely note about where to look and find unicorns ] that will encourage further reading and looking at art in general. This is an absolutely lovely read.
Well done!
Thank you to NetGalley, Roger Mello, Daniel Hahn - Translator and Archipelago/Elsewhere Editions for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well done!
Thank you to NetGalley, Roger Mello, Daniel Hahn - Translator and Archipelago/Elsewhere Editions for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2024
I wrote about this book for the Ignyte-winning, Hugo-winning blog Nerds of a Feather:
http://www.nerds-feather.com/2024/12/...
http://www.nerds-feather.com/2024/12/...
December 4, 2024
Simple story told across a range of art styles from different parts of the world from all different erae!
December 4, 2024
Initially attracted by the bright yellow cover with stylised animals, the fact that the renowned translator Daniel Hahn translated this picture book from Portuguese was what made me request a digital ARC from NetGalley. Roger Mello is a talented artist whose work is stunningly beautiful. I can imagine this is the sort of book that I might buy myself as a treat from a museum bookshop, for the beauty of the illustrations and as a reminder of the visit.
However, it is ostensibly a picture book about a lonely unicorn looking for others like him. However, in children’s books using this template, the unicorn would talk to each of a number of creatures, realise they are different and move on until he found another of his own kind. Either that, or he would make friends with at least one of the others and draw the conclusion that we can be friends with someone who is different from us.
This book is different. There’s no dialogue and the final outcome is left open. The unicorn finds another mythical creature, but are they friends? Travelling together briefly? This isn’t really about the words, it’s all about the illustrations. And indeed, the illustrations are superb, each one in the style of a different period or part of the world (medieval, Egyptian, African). The story, on the other hand is extremely limited and not told in child-friendly words. So who is it aimed at? Perhaps an art teacher could use it to inspire a series of lessons about world art. It might find a place in a school library, maybe. But otherwise, it’s a bit of a peculiarity. It’s definitely not for small children, unless they are child artistic prodigies.
At the end, there is a list of the art styles, including the only unfamiliar one, based on ‘woodcuts for Brazilian chapbooks’, whatever they are. The final quotation seems to be the inspiration for this collection of unicorn artwork, but it dates from 1997:
"There are many ways to find a unicorn. But the simplest is just to let him find you instead. If you’ve ever seen one, you will know that ages can go by without your hearing any mention of them, and in time you might forget they exist altogether. And yet… […] Sooner or later, they always come back. As legend has it, only the pure of heart can see them. So if you want to have the experience for yourself: believe. And then they will appear to you, in books, in paintings, in quotations. Unicorns are in Shakespeare, in Lewis Carroll, and many other authors. All of a sudden, you turn a page or you go online and there they are – waiting for you.”
However, it is ostensibly a picture book about a lonely unicorn looking for others like him. However, in children’s books using this template, the unicorn would talk to each of a number of creatures, realise they are different and move on until he found another of his own kind. Either that, or he would make friends with at least one of the others and draw the conclusion that we can be friends with someone who is different from us.
This book is different. There’s no dialogue and the final outcome is left open. The unicorn finds another mythical creature, but are they friends? Travelling together briefly? This isn’t really about the words, it’s all about the illustrations. And indeed, the illustrations are superb, each one in the style of a different period or part of the world (medieval, Egyptian, African). The story, on the other hand is extremely limited and not told in child-friendly words. So who is it aimed at? Perhaps an art teacher could use it to inspire a series of lessons about world art. It might find a place in a school library, maybe. But otherwise, it’s a bit of a peculiarity. It’s definitely not for small children, unless they are child artistic prodigies.
At the end, there is a list of the art styles, including the only unfamiliar one, based on ‘woodcuts for Brazilian chapbooks’, whatever they are. The final quotation seems to be the inspiration for this collection of unicorn artwork, but it dates from 1997:
"There are many ways to find a unicorn. But the simplest is just to let him find you instead. If you’ve ever seen one, you will know that ages can go by without your hearing any mention of them, and in time you might forget they exist altogether. And yet… […] Sooner or later, they always come back. As legend has it, only the pure of heart can see them. So if you want to have the experience for yourself: believe. And then they will appear to you, in books, in paintings, in quotations. Unicorns are in Shakespeare, in Lewis Carroll, and many other authors. All of a sudden, you turn a page or you go online and there they are – waiting for you.”
January 9, 2025
An enchanting tale centered on Griso, a boy who is decidedly different, perhaps even a bit odd, but undeniably himself. Through a series of vignettes, we follow Griso's adventures that defy the ordinary, from befriending a cloud to playing music with the wind. Mello's narrative is both playful and profound, celebrating the beauty of individuality in a world that often seeks conformity.
The illustrations are a feast for the eyes, filled with Mello's signature blend of the surreal and the tangible. Each page bursts with color and imagination, making the book not just a story to read but an experience to live. The translation by Daniel Hahn preserves the lyrical quality of the text, ensuring the English reader feels the rhythm and wit of the original Portuguese.
A jubilant celebration of uniqueness, rendered in art and prose that dance together in perfect harmony. Mello's work here is a reminder of the joy found in being oneself, even when that self is as outlandish as Griso. The story invites readers, young and old, to embrace their peculiarities, to find wonder in the everyday, and to live life with a touch of the fantastical.
A must-read for those who cherish stories that color outside the lines.
The illustrations are a feast for the eyes, filled with Mello's signature blend of the surreal and the tangible. Each page bursts with color and imagination, making the book not just a story to read but an experience to live. The translation by Daniel Hahn preserves the lyrical quality of the text, ensuring the English reader feels the rhythm and wit of the original Portuguese.
A jubilant celebration of uniqueness, rendered in art and prose that dance together in perfect harmony. Mello's work here is a reminder of the joy found in being oneself, even when that self is as outlandish as Griso. The story invites readers, young and old, to embrace their peculiarities, to find wonder in the everyday, and to live life with a touch of the fantastical.
A must-read for those who cherish stories that color outside the lines.
September 21, 2024
A big thanks to #NetGalley and #ArchipelagoBooks for giving me the opportunity to read this e-ARC of #Griso!
(Review in Swedish down below)
Griso, the unicorn, is searching all over the world for someone like him.
On each spread, Griso is portrayed in a new art style, e.g. Egyptian, Chinese, African, medieval, which for me was a completely unique way to tell a story. Never red anything like this before. It's also a smart move to let young children get an early introduction to world art.
- - - - - - - - - -
Enhörningen Griso letar världen över efter någon mer som han. På varje uppslag porträtteras Griso i en ny konststil, t.ex. Egyptisk, Kinesisk, Afrikansk, medeltida, vilket för mig var ett helt unikt sätt att förmedla berättelsen. Har aldrig stött på något liknande tidigare. Det är också ett smart drag att låta små barn få en tidig introduktion till världskonst.
(Review in Swedish down below)
Griso, the unicorn, is searching all over the world for someone like him.
On each spread, Griso is portrayed in a new art style, e.g. Egyptian, Chinese, African, medieval, which for me was a completely unique way to tell a story. Never red anything like this before. It's also a smart move to let young children get an early introduction to world art.
- - - - - - - - - -
Enhörningen Griso letar världen över efter någon mer som han. På varje uppslag porträtteras Griso i en ny konststil, t.ex. Egyptisk, Kinesisk, Afrikansk, medeltida, vilket för mig var ett helt unikt sätt att förmedla berättelsen. Har aldrig stött på något liknande tidigare. Det är också ett smart drag att låta små barn få en tidig introduktion till världskonst.
August 16, 2024
Griso is the last remaining unicorn; he’s lonely and wants to find a friend
This short “ picture book “ takes the reader on a short journey of art history from over 3000 years dating back to Ancient Greece and Persia and from across the globe- from South America, China, Africa and Europe exploring the imagery of the legendary unicorn as Griso tries to find a pal.
This is a bit of a curio…as someone who works in primary education then this is an invaluable resource to explore art history and different methods of design, mark making and painting.
As a story it is brief but if you have a young one with a love or fascination of unicorns then this might be a different type of book for them
This short “ picture book “ takes the reader on a short journey of art history from over 3000 years dating back to Ancient Greece and Persia and from across the globe- from South America, China, Africa and Europe exploring the imagery of the legendary unicorn as Griso tries to find a pal.
This is a bit of a curio…as someone who works in primary education then this is an invaluable resource to explore art history and different methods of design, mark making and painting.
As a story it is brief but if you have a young one with a love or fascination of unicorns then this might be a different type of book for them
November 29, 2025
I bought this book for the youngest of the kids on my holiday list of children to give books. I got mine from NYRB and it differs from the pictured version by including (properly) the name of the translator - Daniel Hahn.
Whay makes this book stand out are the illustrations, which are based on various pieces of art from over the ages, with the oldest a pre-historic cave drawing. The art is simply stunning and should capture the attention of the 1 and 5 year olds for whom it is intended.
The story is cool, too. Griso, who is the only remaining unicorn (who doesn't love unicorns?), is in search of another unicorn. He encounters things (living and not) that bear a resemblance but none that is a real unicorn.
Whay makes this book stand out are the illustrations, which are based on various pieces of art from over the ages, with the oldest a pre-historic cave drawing. The art is simply stunning and should capture the attention of the 1 and 5 year olds for whom it is intended.
The story is cool, too. Griso, who is the only remaining unicorn (who doesn't love unicorns?), is in search of another unicorn. He encounters things (living and not) that bear a resemblance but none that is a real unicorn.
September 11, 2024
h, Reviewer
Last updated on Sep 11 2024
I'm not sure who the age group for this book is. It's very short and has some nice illustrations, however, I think it's a bit much for littles to maybe 6 yrs old. Explanations and such are available at end about unicorns depicted around the world via ar, but I doubt the titles will care. As for older ages, nope. I don;t really think they are going to care, unless they are unicorn collectors (both art, books, knick-knacks...). Sorry.
I received a Kindle ARC from Netgallety in exchange for fair review.
Last updated on Sep 11 2024
I'm not sure who the age group for this book is. It's very short and has some nice illustrations, however, I think it's a bit much for littles to maybe 6 yrs old. Explanations and such are available at end about unicorns depicted around the world via ar, but I doubt the titles will care. As for older ages, nope. I don;t really think they are going to care, unless they are unicorn collectors (both art, books, knick-knacks...). Sorry.
I received a Kindle ARC from Netgallety in exchange for fair review.
January 14, 2025
This one is a great example of why I call these everybody books when I talk about them with teachers or students or anyone.
The artwork on these pages reflect art during different periods. That, combined with the meaning in the book, lends it to be used for different types of lessons and focuses as a mentor text.
Not sure how this one slipped under my radar, but I am extraordinarily glad it popped up!
If I was still teaching in a classroom- I would definitely use it. In the library, I'll still use it.
The artwork on these pages reflect art during different periods. That, combined with the meaning in the book, lends it to be used for different types of lessons and focuses as a mentor text.
Not sure how this one slipped under my radar, but I am extraordinarily glad it popped up!
If I was still teaching in a classroom- I would definitely use it. In the library, I'll still use it.
August 18, 2024
The art in this book is fantastic. I read a digital copy, but I can imagine pouring over a beautiful hardback print edition. The story is not necessarily new and exciting, but it is simple and enjoyable. It's mainly a vehicle for the beautiful art, but I think that's okay! I would have really liked this book when I was in my unicorn phase as a child.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of this book.
February 12, 2025
Griso (G) is a unicorn who is looking for another unicorn. As G encounters other animals it is clear that they have not seen another unicorn. When G encounters a knight it seems (at first) that this may be another unicorn (the lance fools G at first). But the knight just wants to hunt G for his own glory. A tale of searching and acceptance.
August 17, 2024
A picture book like no other, this is more of an art history book with styles from all over the world from over 3000 years. The story is about the last unicorn on earth searching for another.
The story was fine but the artwork is the big hit for me.
The story was fine but the artwork is the big hit for me.
February 21, 2025
First published in Portuguese by Brazilian author/illustrator Roger Mello, this book feels like a love letter to a grand art museum. At first, I wasn't sure I loved the art style, but then it changed, and changed again, and again, which made me love the way each page fit altered the story.
September 15, 2025
I love the way this author/illustrator changes illustration styles from one page to another to emulate the styles of art throughout history around the world. It made the art much more memorable than the story, but I also enjoyed the story of trying to find someone like you only to find someone kind of like you and both being able to find companionship and a new appreciation for their uniqueness.
August 17, 2024
Art and literature collide in this vibrant exploration of art throughout the ages. What a fun introduction different artistic styles from different regions and eras.
September 4, 2024
Cool use of world art to tell a simple story.
ARC from Netgalley.
ARC from Netgalley.
October 12, 2024
*3.5/5
wow this is inspiring
wow this is inspiring
October 25, 2024
Stunning illustrations, represents many cultures and time periods. My child loved the book for the story and artwork, as do I.
November 1, 2024
A hunt for unicorns across art styles of the ages.
November 16, 2024
A beautiful book, which shows the dimension of being different. Obrigado Roger!
November 26, 2024
Looking for an actual unicorn, or is it metaphorical? Wish the format was larger.
December 3, 2024
soooo beautiful! a great introduction to different art movements throughout history.
December 3, 2024
A survey of art told through the story of looking for a unicorn. Would be good for classroom use.
December 11, 2024
Absolutely gorgeous picture book. The illustrations are high-end scarf quality, so gorgeous. The story was cute too. A single unicorn (the last of his/her kind) searching the world for another.
December 27, 2024
Oooo really interesting conceptually and the story is so sweet and simple
January 12, 2025
A weird, slim picture book translated from Italian. In search of a unicorn, through art across centuries. Not quite sure who the audience is for this book---I don't think it is children.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews