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Unicorns #1
Wish Upon A Unicorn
When Arica falls through a crack in her grandmother's kitchen floor, she finds herself in a strange world of fairies, trolls, elves and -- best of all -- unicorns. But the trolls and their evil master, Raden, take her prisoner, just as they have the unicorns. Fortunately, Arica discovers that she can hear the thoughts of the unicorns, in a way that no one else in this world seems able to. With the help of Wish, a playful young unicorn, Arica sets out to free the captives -- and discover the true reason she was brought to this magical world.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1999
13 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Blum
14 books12 followersVicki Blum lives in Calgary, Alberta, where she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.
As an elementary-school librarian, she loves working with books and doing workshops with young writers.
Her best-selling fantasy books about unicorns, are originally published by Scholastic Canada.
As an elementary-school librarian, she loves working with books and doing workshops with young writers.
Her best-selling fantasy books about unicorns, are originally published by Scholastic Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 24, 2013
I have a signed copy of this book that I got when I was 9! The author was my librarian :)
July 30, 2017
I LOVED this series when I was a kid. I reread Wish Upon A Unicorn more times than I remember.
My mom put me in touch with Vicki Blum after she noticed how much I enjoyed the first book (the others hadn't been written yet). I spoke to Vicki on the phone, and then we wrote to eachother for the duration of her writing the series.
At the time, I had wanted to become a writer when I grew up. Blum gave me a lot of advice. My love of writing continued even after I changed my future career goals, but her encouragement wasn't lost on me.
Thank You, Vicki, for taking the time to respond to a fan. It meant a LOT to me as a kid.
- Heidi
My mom put me in touch with Vicki Blum after she noticed how much I enjoyed the first book (the others hadn't been written yet). I spoke to Vicki on the phone, and then we wrote to eachother for the duration of her writing the series.
At the time, I had wanted to become a writer when I grew up. Blum gave me a lot of advice. My love of writing continued even after I changed my future career goals, but her encouragement wasn't lost on me.
Thank You, Vicki, for taking the time to respond to a fan. It meant a LOT to me as a kid.
- Heidi
Read
January 1, 2023I need to reread this series. One of my nostalgic favourites from childhood, and underrated imo. (Also written by a Canadian author! And if I remember correctly I think the story—outside of the fantasy world, that is—is set in Canada, too.) Gonna put this in my 2023 TBR.
June 1, 2015
I looked forward to a warm, magical, feeling centering on unicorns. Any adventure with any suspense or drama would have rough patches but the tone of this book - not just along the way but right from the start - is far too ugly for children. It struck me as exceedingly too harsh especially for a nine year-old protagonist. The terrible focus on slavery, captivity, and deprivation lasted most of the novel! If the dreariness let up from time to time or were relegated to one awful scene; I wouldn’t feel as I do about such heaviness. No youth is looking for that when they see the exquisite cover, or read a synopsis about mysterious excitement. A child drops into a world of which she had no knowledge and there is no exploring. She is instantly nabbed.
Two frustrating observations: many, many times, Arica could have snipped a unicorn’s chain; freeing their unrivalled power to zap villains. Lastly, a very presumptuous narrating style became an irritant. Instead of: “That’s when I saw the wolf”; say “Suddenly, I saw *a* wolf”. The above expressed, I certainly credit this author for visually vibrant originality. The genre of mystery is wide open to diversity but it must be difficult to create a unique world and premise in fantasy and Vicki Blum accomplished it very tangibly.
The identity of the fairy queen was a climactic surprise and her instant love for unicorns, reciprocated by them, is strongly-expressed and inspiring. The various stages of Arica’s adventure, when not jailed at a mine, encompass many memorable layers of vastly distinct terrains and creatures, as well as states of mind when they are traversed. She meets people who become important to her too and I didn’t wait long to find out where the second novel took us.
Two frustrating observations: many, many times, Arica could have snipped a unicorn’s chain; freeing their unrivalled power to zap villains. Lastly, a very presumptuous narrating style became an irritant. Instead of: “That’s when I saw the wolf”; say “Suddenly, I saw *a* wolf”. The above expressed, I certainly credit this author for visually vibrant originality. The genre of mystery is wide open to diversity but it must be difficult to create a unique world and premise in fantasy and Vicki Blum accomplished it very tangibly.
The identity of the fairy queen was a climactic surprise and her instant love for unicorns, reciprocated by them, is strongly-expressed and inspiring. The various stages of Arica’s adventure, when not jailed at a mine, encompass many memorable layers of vastly distinct terrains and creatures, as well as states of mind when they are traversed. She meets people who become important to her too and I didn’t wait long to find out where the second novel took us.
January 3, 2015
Nine year old Arica felt there was something unusual about her grandmother, but it wasn’t until a visit to water some plants resulted in her slipping through a crack and into another world, that she realised her feelings were fact. Having been kidnapped by two trolls, Arica discovers a world of unicorns, elves, fairies and evil trolls.
As Arica is taken through this unusual land astride a captured unicorn, she questions what the trolls could possibly want with a human girl. When they arrive at their destination, she is dismayed to find that she will continue to be held captive, enslaved to work in a mine. To make things worse, the elves that are also enslaved, want nothing to do with her.
Arica finds assurance with the captive unicorns, but cannot explain how she can understand their thoughts. Desperate to escape and get back home, Arica is determined to befriend the elves and find a way home, and the reason she came to be in this unusual land that has an evil fairy who seems so familiar.
Wish Upon a Unicorn is a great adventure about a young girl with an unusual gift. It is fast paced and finishes well. I have no doubt it will appeal to the younger reader.
As Arica is taken through this unusual land astride a captured unicorn, she questions what the trolls could possibly want with a human girl. When they arrive at their destination, she is dismayed to find that she will continue to be held captive, enslaved to work in a mine. To make things worse, the elves that are also enslaved, want nothing to do with her.
Arica finds assurance with the captive unicorns, but cannot explain how she can understand their thoughts. Desperate to escape and get back home, Arica is determined to befriend the elves and find a way home, and the reason she came to be in this unusual land that has an evil fairy who seems so familiar.
Wish Upon a Unicorn is a great adventure about a young girl with an unusual gift. It is fast paced and finishes well. I have no doubt it will appeal to the younger reader.
July 11, 2012
This was one of the first fantasy novels I ever read. It's about a young girl transported to another world when she falls through the cracks in her grandmother's basement. It's a well-crafted story that emphasizes family, friendship, loyalty, and redemption. I read it when I was about six and it definitely influenced my interests! It is one of the many books my parents bought for my sister and I when we were growing up; reading has always been a priority in our household.
December 26, 2008
Picked this up again since I don't think I ever finished it the first time and because Vicki is a friend of the family. I was pleasantly surprised at the style of writing and smooth plot, which was fast-paced yet didn't seem to jump between scenes. I'll have to read her other books, even if they are for middle school aged kids.
December 4, 2018
The description in this series is both fairy colourful but also lacking. I never read the first of this series, at least from what I can recall. I own books #2 and #3 and while I haven't re-read them, I do remember always feeling confused about what was necessarily happening. There are big time gaps of hours or days between chapters which may end on an exciting development, and then the characters will sit around calmly and talk about it on the next page with the chapter header. It's a little jarring. It's nice to know at least that my childhood self wasn't the only one thinking it was hard to exactly picture what was happening, though I could picture the characters with a (albeit cartoonish) clarity.
The book doesn't pull punches with the threats, which I like. Unlike another unicorn series of the same age range and date of publication, Wish Upon A Unicorn felt like the characters were actually in danger, and one character even died! I remember appreciating this kind of honesty in the series as a kid and not be talked down to and have my hand held through the series with pats on the head and constant assurance that everything is going to work out in the end. This book has simple writing and simple solutions as a children's books do. But it doesn't feel condescending.
There was one "As You Know" moment where the characters clumsily explained to the reader what was going on for the benefit of the main character and the reader, since both parties within the conversation knew well enough. I think I might have noticed something like that as a kid, but wouldn't have known why that felt weird and shrugged it off.
It's an entertaining read if not a little jarring with how floaty things were. But the characters and world building were at least solid enough.
The book doesn't pull punches with the threats, which I like. Unlike another unicorn series of the same age range and date of publication, Wish Upon A Unicorn felt like the characters were actually in danger, and one character even died! I remember appreciating this kind of honesty in the series as a kid and not be talked down to and have my hand held through the series with pats on the head and constant assurance that everything is going to work out in the end. This book has simple writing and simple solutions as a children's books do. But it doesn't feel condescending.
There was one "As You Know" moment where the characters clumsily explained to the reader what was going on for the benefit of the main character and the reader, since both parties within the conversation knew well enough. I think I might have noticed something like that as a kid, but wouldn't have known why that felt weird and shrugged it off.
It's an entertaining read if not a little jarring with how floaty things were. But the characters and world building were at least solid enough.
March 13, 2025
3/5 stars
I read a couple of the books in this series when I was in primary school, and I'm rereading them now so I can finally find out how the story ends.
This is a book for kids, so the writing is very straight forward, and the plot moves very quickly.
The story does have more mature concepts than I would have expected though, with explicit mention of slave labour and exploitation.
The plot itself feels like more of an introduction to the world than anything - we meet the key players and get an understanding of the political forces at play, and Arica's arc mostly feels like her learning about her place/role in the conflict.
Again, this book is aimed at readers much younger than me, so none of this is really criticism so much as just a reflection.
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I remember very little from reading this book the first time, but shout out to those Pfipers who brought back a very strong memory of 8 year old Zoe being absolutely stumped as to how to pronounce their name.
I read a couple of the books in this series when I was in primary school, and I'm rereading them now so I can finally find out how the story ends.
This is a book for kids, so the writing is very straight forward, and the plot moves very quickly.
The story does have more mature concepts than I would have expected though, with explicit mention of slave labour and exploitation.
The plot itself feels like more of an introduction to the world than anything - we meet the key players and get an understanding of the political forces at play, and Arica's arc mostly feels like her learning about her place/role in the conflict.
Again, this book is aimed at readers much younger than me, so none of this is really criticism so much as just a reflection.
-----
I remember very little from reading this book the first time, but shout out to those Pfipers who brought back a very strong memory of 8 year old Zoe being absolutely stumped as to how to pronounce their name.
April 4, 2020
I woke up the other morning thinking about this story. I remember reading it as a child, and I wanted to revisit those memories. Unfortunately, even though this story was very familiar to me, the scene I was hoping to revisit did not occur. So now I am curious if I got the wrong book in the series (maybe I am thinking of book #3 which cover page also looks familiar), or I missed the mark and this is not the girl-enters-fairyland-and-can-talk-to-unicorns book I was thinking of.
Even so, this is such a great adventure story about a girl named Arica and how she fell through the cracks in her Grandmother's kitchen. I enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait for my oldest to read it.
Even so, this is such a great adventure story about a girl named Arica and how she fell through the cracks in her Grandmother's kitchen. I enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait for my oldest to read it.
September 6, 2021
I have a funny story about this book. I read it when I was about 9. Over the years you purge or lose things and a lot of my childhood books I no longer have. Was at a thrift store last year and I said to my boyfriend.. I used to love this book. It was the first thing I ever bought from Minds alive! I opened the cover and my loopy childhood writing was staring back at me. This was my copy! Of course I had to buy it!
Still a fantastic read of fantasy and wonder and adventure!
Still a fantastic read of fantasy and wonder and adventure!
June 9, 2024
I absolutely loved this series as a kid and finally rediscovered it 💕 love that it is Canada and partially set in Calgary, Alberta! I was born in Edmonton myself and have been back living in the province for a decade now.
November 19, 2024
A fun little adventure.
I think if I had the rest of the series it would add to my enjoyment just because this was so short (fitting for the age group it's meant for), and I would have more of the story. This one definitely feels like a building block for the rest of the series.
I think if I had the rest of the series it would add to my enjoyment just because this was so short (fitting for the age group it's meant for), and I would have more of the story. This one definitely feels like a building block for the rest of the series.
April 10, 2020
Childhood favourite.
May 30, 2022
One of my first series of books read by myself (as an 8/9 year old). Can t remember much but remember truly loving this series as a child.
March 13, 2023
This was my absolute favourite series when I was a child. Rereading Wish Upon a Unicorn as an adult has made me endlessly happy just when I needed it most. I can’t wait to read the rest.
January 26, 2024
I read this book as a kid and I still think about it regularly! I had no idea it was a series.
For nostalgia purposes i am ordering the whole series to read!
For nostalgia purposes i am ordering the whole series to read!
August 4, 2011
two trolls pulled Arica through the crack in her grandmothers kitchen floor.her uncle wouldn't let her go home to the real world where she lived then they finaly got free then her grandmother who was the fairy queen sent her back home with wish the unicorn.I learned that some Aunts and uncles don't like you because Aricas uncle didn't like her Auryn 7yo
Read
August 22, 2013Read this when I was 9 and just found it again. I vaguely remembered reading an awesome book about unicorns and it took me a week to figure out what one it was. TAH DAH. This is the first in a series I read, and recommend it to young readers!
August 9, 2015
One of the best series I read and re-read as a child. Forever upset I never managed to get my own copy of one of the books in the middle of the series. Thinking about it, this series might have had some minor influence on my career in politics...
December 28, 2015
This was the first of the unicorn books that drew me in, but only was able to get the 1, 3, and 5th at the time. Maybe later I can fill out what I missed before. I quick read, but enjoyable for the younger and up crowd :)
May 15, 2009
Seriously? The cover is pretty and the blurb does sound interesting, but then the book itself was just a godawful bore.
April 9, 2014
Loved the idea of this series.
June 17, 2015
This book was cool.
July 22, 2015
My favorite childhood read!
Read
December 31, 2015The book was a little clunky for me. I REALLY loved the idea for plot though! :)
March 17, 2016
It was a really nice, easy to read book. Quite interesting and magical. It is not something that epic but it is totaly worth the read :)
I like it.
I like it.
Read
December 22, 2015Liked this loads when I was 9.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews