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Legend Of The First Unicorn
A unique origin story for one of the world's most famous magical creatures, with stunning illustrations. Once upon a time, a young prince lost his smile. It seemed nothing would make Prince Donald smile, not songs from the musician or cakes from the baker. The court magician tried to make a new magical beast for the prince, but it was so frightening he let it go. Still determined to help Donald, the magician's granddaughter, Hana, invents a majestic creature with the body of a horse and the horn of a gazelle, and calls him 'a unicorn'. Hana and Donald playfully chase the unicorn through the forest, and it seems that this magical animal might hold the key to the prince's smile. But then they discover a darker beast, lurking in the trees� This is a sparkling origin tale from the creators of The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster.
36 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2022
55 people want to read
About the author
Lari Don
68 books101 followersI'm a children's writer based in Scotland, and most of my fiction is inspired by the Scottish landscape and local legends. I love writing fantasy adventures for 8-12 year olds, including the Fabled Beast Chronicles and the Spellchasers trilogy, but I also love creating stories for other age groups.
I've gone darker and more dangerous in my YA thriller MindBlind.
And I've worked with amazing illustrators on picture books, including a retelling of the Scottish tale of the kelpie, The Secret of the Kelpie, with gorgeous pictures by Philip Longson, and a new fable about Nessie, The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster, with fabulous artwork by Nataša Ilinčić.
I've written collections of myths and legends, including heroine tales from all over the world in Girls Goddesses & Giants, and Scottish tales in Breaking the Spell and Viking saga tales in The Dragon's Hoard, both illustrated by the wonderful Cate James.
I'm passionate about sharing old stories, creating new ones, and inspiring new young readers and writers. And I'm writing more adventures and retelling more myths, right now!
But I'm also reading... I read a lot of non-fiction, because a lot of my fictional ideas are inspired by folklore and history. I also read a lot of children’s fiction, because kids get all the best stories! And sometimes I remember how old I am, and read books for adults.
I also love discussing books, and answering queries about my books and stories, so please do get in touch. You can chat to me here on Goodreads, or through my own website, http://www.laridon.co.uk, or find me on Twitter @LariDonWriter, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laridonwriter, or Instagram: laridonwriter Have fun reading!
I've gone darker and more dangerous in my YA thriller MindBlind.
And I've worked with amazing illustrators on picture books, including a retelling of the Scottish tale of the kelpie, The Secret of the Kelpie, with gorgeous pictures by Philip Longson, and a new fable about Nessie, The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster, with fabulous artwork by Nataša Ilinčić.
I've written collections of myths and legends, including heroine tales from all over the world in Girls Goddesses & Giants, and Scottish tales in Breaking the Spell and Viking saga tales in The Dragon's Hoard, both illustrated by the wonderful Cate James.
I'm passionate about sharing old stories, creating new ones, and inspiring new young readers and writers. And I'm writing more adventures and retelling more myths, right now!
But I'm also reading... I read a lot of non-fiction, because a lot of my fictional ideas are inspired by folklore and history. I also read a lot of children’s fiction, because kids get all the best stories! And sometimes I remember how old I am, and read books for adults.
I also love discussing books, and answering queries about my books and stories, so please do get in touch. You can chat to me here on Goodreads, or through my own website, http://www.laridon.co.uk, or find me on Twitter @LariDonWriter, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laridonwriter, or Instagram: laridonwriter Have fun reading!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 8, 2021
this was so good.
The story was interesting and the pictures were amazing
The story was interesting and the pictures were amazing
January 7, 2025
A lovely youngsters book with beautiful illustrations.
April 9, 2020
Since I have 5 granddaughters under the age of 10, I decided to read this book about the beloved unicorn, available through Edelweiss. It is beautifully illustrated, and offers a charming story about the creation of the unicorn. Now I know more about this mythical creature, and I can pass along that information to my sweet granddaughters.
September 1, 2021
I am enjoying reading about Scottish lore and this was a nice story. Which there was a bit more but I guess it is a kids book.
December 31, 2021
This was a book whose cover actually really did catch my eye and reeled me in with the tantalizing gesture of unicorns. As a result I found that my own library didn't carry it, which at this point isn't startling, and so I requested it as an ILL. Instead and much to my own joy they chose to buy this book while I am hoping I can convince them to open up to some of the other books in the series.
In all my studies of this beautifully elusive fantastical creature I have never heard of a first unicorn telling, especially one from the land of unicorns. As a result I am not quite sure of its veracity as an actual Scottish legend that I just haven't heard about or whether it is a more recent adaption modeled after a fairy tale like the much similar Grimm's Golden Goose.
At the core it tells a very simplistic story that is both simple to read and follow along. As much as I love the fact that the author does take the chance to bring us back in time, it still feels very forced in its inclusion via the illustrations. At times it seems all the stereotypes were made - magic from the Middle, the inclusion of children of all skin colors when it was probably hard to see that type of cultural combination at the supposed timing of the story and also the use of the very plain name of Donald instead of something a bit more Scottish, Gaelic or Celtic. These stereotypes didn't take away from the book but just made it a bit more weird to me as an adult reader.
Furthermore I also got a kick out of the fact that the unicorn was more modeled after the modern take of the creature and as a result they chose to make it more Appaloosa-like with the greenish spots on its rump.
Otherwise it was a pretty decent read and I love the fact that the book took the chance of the story to introduce readers to why Scotland is the ultimate land of the unicorn. Unfortunately with the modern day blending that we are facing we are losing such things and it is nice to know there are some still out there who want to continue to educate the younger generations and others as to why things are the way they were.
In all my studies of this beautifully elusive fantastical creature I have never heard of a first unicorn telling, especially one from the land of unicorns. As a result I am not quite sure of its veracity as an actual Scottish legend that I just haven't heard about or whether it is a more recent adaption modeled after a fairy tale like the much similar Grimm's Golden Goose.
At the core it tells a very simplistic story that is both simple to read and follow along. As much as I love the fact that the author does take the chance to bring us back in time, it still feels very forced in its inclusion via the illustrations. At times it seems all the stereotypes were made - magic from the Middle, the inclusion of children of all skin colors when it was probably hard to see that type of cultural combination at the supposed timing of the story and also the use of the very plain name of Donald instead of something a bit more Scottish, Gaelic or Celtic. These stereotypes didn't take away from the book but just made it a bit more weird to me as an adult reader.
Furthermore I also got a kick out of the fact that the unicorn was more modeled after the modern take of the creature and as a result they chose to make it more Appaloosa-like with the greenish spots on its rump.
Otherwise it was a pretty decent read and I love the fact that the book took the chance of the story to introduce readers to why Scotland is the ultimate land of the unicorn. Unfortunately with the modern day blending that we are facing we are losing such things and it is nice to know there are some still out there who want to continue to educate the younger generations and others as to why things are the way they were.
February 1, 2021
Sophie’s fifth and final book for this month was The Legend of the First Unicorn by Lari Don. The unicorn is the official national animal of Scotland and this book is from the Kelpies range which promotes traditional Scottish tales and which has become something of a favorite of Sophie’s in recent years.
At the start of the story, young Prince Donald of Scotland has lost his smile and no matter how many cakes he is given, picnics and parties he is invited to, and sculptures that are carved for him, nothing will bring it back. The court magician decides to create a magic animal for the prince, but his work goes wrong, and instead, he creates a frightening creature that he banishes from the castle. That night, however, his granddaughter Hana sneaks in and creates the beautiful animal she has seen in her dreams for her friend Donald before freeing it.
The next day, Hana shows Donald the unicorn from a balcony, and the two spend the following days walking through the woods together trying to find it. Soon they discover that the magician’s creature is also stalking the unicorn and together, they must stop it to save the first unicorn and restore Donald’s smile.
This is a simple tale that merges the core of the legendary Scottish unicorn myth as told by Duncan Williamson with elements of unicorn lore from around the world to create a story that both children and adults will love. The illustrations are traditional looking watercolors which reminded Sophie of the picture books she read as a child, but that will still hold appeal for today’s young readers.
Sophie would recommend this book to all unicorn lovers, as well as those interested in myths and folktales from around the world.
At the start of the story, young Prince Donald of Scotland has lost his smile and no matter how many cakes he is given, picnics and parties he is invited to, and sculptures that are carved for him, nothing will bring it back. The court magician decides to create a magic animal for the prince, but his work goes wrong, and instead, he creates a frightening creature that he banishes from the castle. That night, however, his granddaughter Hana sneaks in and creates the beautiful animal she has seen in her dreams for her friend Donald before freeing it.
The next day, Hana shows Donald the unicorn from a balcony, and the two spend the following days walking through the woods together trying to find it. Soon they discover that the magician’s creature is also stalking the unicorn and together, they must stop it to save the first unicorn and restore Donald’s smile.
This is a simple tale that merges the core of the legendary Scottish unicorn myth as told by Duncan Williamson with elements of unicorn lore from around the world to create a story that both children and adults will love. The illustrations are traditional looking watercolors which reminded Sophie of the picture books she read as a child, but that will still hold appeal for today’s young readers.
Sophie would recommend this book to all unicorn lovers, as well as those interested in myths and folktales from around the world.
November 15, 2020
A beautiful story tailor-made for unicorn fans.
Once upon a time in Scotland, a young prince would not smile - no matter what was done to entertain him in the past. The well-meaning court magician tried by creating a hybrid lion, however it was too frightening, so was released to the wild. His daughter, however, created the first unicorn which delighted the prince. The two went chasing after it in the forest every day until they realized that the hybrid lion was stalking the unicorn. A fierce battle ensues until one is destroyed.
Full of action, an author's note in back explains this magical tale was inspired by the Travellers' tale about the first unicorn with added "unicorn lore from around the world". With a rich vocabulary of terms commonly used in Scotland, readers will be transported to a time and place filled with action and hope. Watercolor, gouache, and color pencil illustrations by Nataša Ilinčić were digitally enhanced. Use of rich, highly saturated colors make this visual stunner one to pour over long after the story has been read.
Recommended for grades 3-6.
Once upon a time in Scotland, a young prince would not smile - no matter what was done to entertain him in the past. The well-meaning court magician tried by creating a hybrid lion, however it was too frightening, so was released to the wild. His daughter, however, created the first unicorn which delighted the prince. The two went chasing after it in the forest every day until they realized that the hybrid lion was stalking the unicorn. A fierce battle ensues until one is destroyed.
Full of action, an author's note in back explains this magical tale was inspired by the Travellers' tale about the first unicorn with added "unicorn lore from around the world". With a rich vocabulary of terms commonly used in Scotland, readers will be transported to a time and place filled with action and hope. Watercolor, gouache, and color pencil illustrations by Nataša Ilinčić were digitally enhanced. Use of rich, highly saturated colors make this visual stunner one to pour over long after the story has been read.
Recommended for grades 3-6.
June 20, 2020
A legend about how unicorns came to be the national animal of Scotland but also, really, a tale of the importance of friendship, play, and imagination.
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
February 21, 2020
Though this is just a short, illustrated book for children, it is absolutely enchanting! The illustrations are just stunning and bring the whole story to life. Lari Don is a brilliant writer, and has really turned her hand to telling this story in her own way!
Recommended for kids and adults alike!
Recommended for kids and adults alike!
June 7, 2021
Richly illustrated, this book recounts the Scottish legend of how the unicorn became their heraldic symbol. While I would be interested in reading more traditional Scottish tales, I found myself reading this and thinking “nuh-uh!”
Want to read
June 7, 2020Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
August 19, 2020
Elegantly illustrated story of the magical creature.
July 29, 2021
Loved the story and the watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil paintings, although the author doesn't explain WHY the prince lost his smile.
January 31, 2022
Beautifully illustrated version of the Scottish legend of the origin of the unicorn.
Read
October 11, 2022This was very interesting and engaging. I really liked this story and the origin/legend of how the first unicorn came to be.
October 22, 2023
Beautifully illustrated, I enjoyed reading this legend I was unfamiliar with.
December 28, 2024
Beautifully illustrated, and beautifully spun story.
Read
July 22, 2025Purchased for next year's students. Excited to share this with them!
February 7, 2021
I'm interested in the series (traditional tales) but didn't really enjoy this particular story. It was too... simple (?) for what I would say should be a haunting tale.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews