Unicorn Magic

by Sabina Gibson

Can Periwinkle discover her own special unicorn magical power in the Forever Forest? In the Forever Forest, all the unicorns have magic in their horns. Some can spin animal-shaped clouds or paint a brilliant sunrise. Others can even grow a meadow of magical, colorful flowers. Periwinkle, the light-blue unicorn, worries that she will never discover her special power. Her forest friends help her realize that magic comes from within, and together, they find the gift that has been with Periwinkle all along. Whimsical scenes of beautiful handmade felt characters are woven together with lyrical text to create an inspirational story of friendship and inner strength. Gibson's unique textile art will enchant young readers and dreamers alike. Perfect for any child who believes in magic and unicorns.

Genres: Picture Books, Unicorns, Magic, Childrens, Friendship, Fantasy

32 pages, Hardcover

Published June 26, 2018

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soft sculptured unicorns and other animals complement a sweet story of figuring out one's place in the world in this charming picture book. Periwinkle notices all the special things her unicorn friends can do, but she feels sad because she can't figure out what her own special talent is. Her friend Birdie provides reassurance and tells her to follow her heart. As Periwinkle goes about her day, she passes that advice on to her other friends, who are struggling with their own issues and insecurities. As it turns out, Birdie's advice is perfect, and Periwinkle does figure out what her magic is. The soft illustrations underscore a positive message that needs to be shared with others. Believing in yourself really is a form of magic that need not be reserved just for unicorns.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

First sentence: Periwinkle lived in the Forever Forest with her unicorn friends. Every unicorn in the land was born with a magical power.

Premise/plot: Periwinkle, the blue unicorn, is sad, sad, super-sad because she doesn't think she has any magical powers. Her friend, Birdie, cheers her up by telling her to 'believe in magic and follow your heart.' Periwinkle is thankful for the friendship--and the advice--it's advice she passes on to all of her friends who just so happened to be facing their own discouragements that morning. Will her words be taken to heart?

My thoughts: Unicorn Magic may be an absolute must for little unicorn lovers. I would recommend it to unicorn-lovers for the illustrations alone. There is something mesmerizing about them. But does it have a wider appeal? I'm not sure. I'm not. Reading picture books is super-subjective after all.

For me I found the message to be predictable and generic. I'm just thankful it didn't include a SONG to sing the message at me with the turn of every page. Do we really need to hammer in the message that all of life's problems can be solved by 'following one's heart'? OR that all the magic you need to succeed comes from deep within?

I liked one theme in this one--friends encourage one another. But the other themes not so much.

Text: 2 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10

[Tayler K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautiful! I love the soft fluffy unicorns, the bright, soft colors, and the whimsical scenery. The beautiful place names were fun as well. The details were very well done too, and I loved the teeny-tiny rainbows in Periwinkle's tears.

For a bit I was afraid Periwinkle's power would be something related to friendship or inspiration which although they are certainly magical, wouldn't be the same as the powers her friends have. I'm glad Periwinkle did get a special unicorn power all of her own!

This book is so beautiful. I wish I could step into it and stay awhile. I also wonder if I can buy my own versions of these stuffed unicorns...

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the magical Forever Forest lives unicorns who horns give them a special power. Periwinkle is scared because hers hasn't developed yet and she's worried it never will. Her friend Birdie tells her she needs to believe in magic and follow her heart.

As Periwinkle goes through the forest, she runs into her friends who are struggling on what to do with their power as well. Instead of taking Birdie's advice, she passes it on. Each one of her friends listen and are able to accomplish whatever they want. In the end, Periwinkle decides to try it too and realizes that she only needed to trust her heart.

UNICORN MAGIC is an adorable and magical story about helping your friends out and believing in yourself no matter what. I love the pastel and bright illustrations and the bond of the unicorns' friendship was sweet to read.


Final Verdict: I recommend this to fans of unicorns, magic, friendship, and stories about believing in yourself.

[zapkode · Rating 5 out of 5]

{My thoughts} – A heartfelt story about friendship and believing in ones self. Periwinkle is a unicorn that is trying to figure out what her magical power is. While trying to sort that out she helps her friends use their magical powers by telling them to believe in themselves. In the end that is just what she needed in order to use her own magical powers.

I recommend this book for any child that enjoys unicorns. It’s a nice little book that helps to show children that when you believe in yourself anything can happen in a sense.

[Pug · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LOVED the adorable felt-stitched unicorns used to illustrate this book! If it wasn't so cute, it would have gotten a much lower rating, since the plot felt a bit amateurish.

Or maybe I'm just way too old for unicorns!?!? NAH!

So, this unicorn doesn't know her magical power, and spends her time helping her friends with their magical powers.

I know it's cheesy, but I was hoping that her magical power was supporting and encouraging her friends. (Something I can relate to: I have no talent of my own, but I like to see and help others succeed).

Instead, she can make a rainbow.

Meh.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sweetness is noxious. Since I'm more a gross science gal than a pastel unicorn gal, this book was too much for me but it absolutely has a given audience. The illustrations are creative and cute. I'd be surprised if they're not going to market toys to go along with this book. (They should. It is cute.)

Story is about learning to be your best self and believing in all you can do which, for a unicorn, means painting the sky, making cloud shapes, and magically planting flowers.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Periwinkle is sad that she doesn't know her magic power. Her friend Birdie tells her to believe in herself. As she walks through the woods she meets three of her unicorn friends. Each one is feeling down because he/she isn't pleased with their own powers. Periwinkle passes on Birdie's advice and all three create beautiful magic. Periwinkle is still sad, but her friends remind her to believe in herself and suddenly a beautiful rainbow shoots from her horn. Now she knows her magic power.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super cute story about the unicorn Periwinkle who doesn't know what her magical power is. As a big unicorn fan I would have LOVED this book as a child. The pictures are collage style with pictures of felt sculptures with added elements. All images are hand made by the author and are super adorable.

[Esperanza · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this tale set in the Forever Forest, Periwinkle the Unicorn helps her friends Pearl, Ruby, and Marigold with their special magical unicorn powers. Still, she is insecure about her own special unicorn power. To her surprise, she finds that her special unicorn was within her heart all along. A wonderful reminder to always follow your heart and to be yourself.

[Amy Goldstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sugary sweet story about a unicorn who has yet to discover its magic. All the other unicorns interact and eventually help the unicorn discover its magic.
Besides the story, the illustrations are phenomenal! The soft sculptured unicorns and the settings are homemade by the author. Really talented textile artist!

[Clwseattle · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Don't think about it, and just follow your heart."

Unicorn Magic is a sweet story, about a unicorn who doesn't know what her magic might be.

Unfortunately, the My Little Pony series and books did this plot line first.

Children will easily identify with the soft colored stuffed unicorns in the gauzy, lovely illustrations.

3 stars

[Serenity · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*

The illustrations in this book are really cute (felt creatures). The story isn't super original, but it's sweet and your kiddos clamoring for a unicorn book will probably enjoy it.

[Neeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet magical story about the empowering nature of friendship; believing in yourself and finding out what makes you special to everyone around you. The clever use of photography to showcase the author’s soft sculpture designs is quite impressive and adds to the magical setting.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Believe in yourself...that's the message of the book. A must-read for any reader who loves unicorns.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn’t stop staring at the pictures; very unique!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what it is, but I have this newfound obsession with unicorns, especially in children's picture books. Anyway, I'll probably do a unicorn storytime at some point.

[Jj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute, but pretty dull as far as unicorn picture books go.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A preschool and up nonfiction book about all types of weather that can occur in fall.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pictures were pretty. Will skip for storytime

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

for me, this is about a 2.5 - 3 star read. However, the group I do story times for Absolutely Loved it (so many happy sighs), so I'm going with their rating

[Kelly Laban · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute for the little ones.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely pictures with a wonderful message.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lesson about following your own advice and being confident in yourself.

[molliekay]

I loved every minute of this awesome, yet kind of terrible, book.