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Wee Unicorn

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Far away in the north, at the edge of the Ancient Forest, lives a little unicorn.

Wee Unicorn is very small, and she's very loud . . . but she's not magic (and everyone knows unicorns are supposed to be magic!). Wee Unicorn would love to find friends to play with, but how can she fit in when she feels so different?

A fun-filled tale of adventure and finding friendship in the most unexpected places by Meg McLaren, winner of the Scottish Bookbug Picture Book Prize and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2023

53 people want to read

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Meg McLaren

9 books13 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,302 reviews3,462 followers
August 27, 2024
I never thought the day or era would come where board books have maps for the story to be told at the very beginning of the book! 😭 Lemme take a moment!

This entire book screams “believe in yourself” or rather “BELIEVE YOU CAN CREATE MAGIC!!!”. The tiny unicorn in the book doesn’t believe that it has the ability to create magic while others can see it very clearly for what it already is!

The art work is purely magical (no, not anything magical is happening here!) but yes, because of the artist’s pure talent!

The entire book will make the reader believe in themselves that they are capable of doing great things all over again!

Thank you, Charlesbridge, for the ARC.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pearson.
410 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2024
This was cute. Our kiddos enjoyed it.
There are a lot of words in it they had never heard yet, and I don’t think they understood.
We enjoyed all the magical elements and the artwork.
Thanks NetGalley for the copy to review.
Profile Image for Abigail.
7,962 reviews262 followers
July 26, 2025
Wee Unicorn lives in the Ancient Forest in this amusing and heartwarming picture book from Scottish author/illustrator Meg McLaren, with a loud voice that sometimes annoys the other residents and an inability to do magic that sometimes makes her feel insecure. One day, visiting the nearby loch, she encounters a monster and runs away. Reflecting that this might have been unkind, and that she might have been treating the monster as she has been, Wee Unicorn returns and hunts for the monster, making a wonderful new friend in the process...

Originally published in the UK, Wee Unicorn is my first book from McLaren, but it will not be my last! Everything about this one is adorable, from the decorative endpapers which display a map of Wee Unicorn's world, to the cute-as-a-button artwork, to the sweet story about being yourself and finding a friend. The sly use of the figure of the Loch Ness Monster—the monster declares his name is "Goodness Me!" because that is people say when they see him, and he and Wee Unicorn shorten it to "Ness"—and the incorporation of other mythical figures such as giants and selkies, was also welcome, and very entertaining. I hope McLaren creates more books set in this world, perhaps telling the stories of other creatures living in it. I see she has a title due out next year (2026) called Wee Puffling—perhaps that will be set in this world too. In any case, this is one I would recommend to young picture book audiences who enjoy tales of unicorns and/or stories about self esteem and friendship.
Profile Image for Benita Al-Samarrie.
67 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2024
"Wee Unicorn" is a beautifully written book about the importance of being yourself. The story is set in an ancient forest and centres around Wee Unicorn, who isn't what everyone expected her to be. All the animals in the forest expected her to be magical, but nothing worked, no matter how hard she tried. The mountain giants were her friends and cheered her up when she felt depressed about not being magical. They encouraged her to be herself and were able to make her problems seem small. When she was on the shore, the other creatures were not as kind and enjoyed teasing her with stories of a monster in the loch. One day at the beach, Wee Unicorn meets with the beast in the loch. In fright, she yells for help, runs away, and hides in the bushes. As she hid, she started thinking about feeling misunderstood and wondered if the monster also felt this way. She was determined to search for him so she could make things right.

This picture book contains bright, engaging illustrations and uses speech bubbles and fancy fonts to further engage the reader. I recommend it for readers aged 5 to 8.
Profile Image for ThatBookLady.
141 reviews11 followers
September 14, 2024
In the far north, near the Ancient Forest, lives Wee Unicorn. She's tiny and loud but lacks the magic unicorns are known for. Feeling different, she longs to find friends. This heartwarming story by Meg McLaren celebrates adventure, unexpected friendships and being yourself.

4.5 stars!

The illustrations in this book are so beautiful!! The pictures on each page are bright, friendly, eye catching and lovable. The text could have been a bit more descriptive in order to get the point of the story across better, because I did feel it was lacking in kid-clear storyline; however, what I did find with this small, fictional non-magic unicorn was the ability to accept oneself as you are, to treat others the way you would want to be treated, and to brave the path less traveled. She didn't need magic to accomplish any of these things, of course, which is a lovely message.

I would buy this book as a child's gift and I would read other stories by this author.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for access to an early copy of Wee Unicorn! Such a treat to read this to my children.
Profile Image for Christina C..
16 reviews
August 24, 2024
Wee Unicorn is a unique story about a strange unicorn- they are loud, small, but most importantly they don’t have magic. Wee unicorn struggles throughout the beginning of the book to find a place she belongs and people that accept her for who she is. Then, ends up on a journey that will change everything.

This children’s book is beautifully illustrated and was made with clear intentions of a strong message. To not only love yourself but to accept others for who they are. It also highlights using what strengths you have rather than focusing on what you don’t have. I like how the story indirectly shares tidbits of another culture, using terms that are not particularly used in American English. I did feel like it jumped around a bit as there were lots of characters that quickly entered and exited. But overall it’s a darling book that would be a great addition to any bookshelf!

Thank you to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for this advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews102 followers
December 30, 2024
Complete with simple maps at beginning and end, this uplifting story of a unicorn child who isn't quite what others expect. Feeling unhappy about treating another being who might be scary, Wee Unicorn searches for the magical being and learns the most magical thing of all!
The illustrations by the author are simple, colorful, and FUN!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of age 3 and up including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected eGalley on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Jan 21, 2025
##WeeUnicorn by Meg McLaren @charlesbridgepublishing @CBCBook @MegMcLaren @Illustrated #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones ***** #Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk @childrensbookcouncil @hodderbooks
382 reviews11 followers
March 9, 2025
Wee Unicorn is not magic, though everyone expects that she is, and she feels the weight of their disappointment. When she meets a monster, she initially treats it unkindly but realizes that she might have made a mistake. She seeks out the creature, searching far and wide through the Ancient Forest, even venturing into the Dark Wood. Once she reaches the water and locates it, she’s surprised to find that the creature is nothing like she expected.

You can’t go wrong with a book featuring a unicorn as the main character as unicorn books continue to be in high demand with young readers. Beyond the unicorn character, the book features beautiful illustrations and powerful, important messages about being yourself and not jumping to judge others. The book’s hybrid style that intersperses the traditional picture book format with intermittent use of graphic novel panels and speech bubbles will engage and delight a variety of readers.
Profile Image for Tim Roast.
786 reviews19 followers
April 18, 2023
🦄
You can tell that the author and illustrator of this book is Scottish. First because of the title character, Wee Unicorn, who is wee, or little. Then the story too which is set “further north than you can ever imagine” and has lakes called lochs, and a particular monster that resides in one of them.



Nice wee story.
🦄
Profile Image for Anne.
39 reviews
November 30, 2024
My goodness, could a book be any cuter?!

I love this story of Wee Unicorn and Ness. The message is very clear throughout the whole story, which I find refreshing in a children's book. Often, I have to explain at the end of a story to my students or my own daughter what the main message or meaning is behind a book. But this one makes it so clear that Wee Unicorn needs to embrace being different and not judge others for being different too. It also wraps up nicely on the last page.

The illustrations are just wonderful. Not only is the cover art beautiful, but it continues throughout the entire book with full-page pictures. The colors and style really capture the whimsical feel of the story. I would definitely pick this story up based on the cover art.

Thank you @NetGalley, Charlesbridge, and Meg McLaren for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sirah.
2,983 reviews27 followers
December 29, 2024
Wee Unicorn is not quite what everyone expects, and mostly of the time that's okay. In fact, when she meets a monster in the lake and runs away screaming, she realizes that perhaps she is misunderstanding the monster. Wee Unicorn sets out on a quest, hoping to apologize and perhaps even make a new friend.

What's not to like about this book? The narration is clever and fun, the message heartwarming, the illustrations adorable and full of funky colors, and the ending silly and fun. While I don't love that we have to learn empathy through being hurt, I appreciate that this book reminds us that sometimes the ways we've been hurt remind us not to hurt others. This book isn't just about "be yourself;" it also reminds us to be a self that we can be proud of.

Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge publishing for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Dione Basseri.
1,034 reviews43 followers
October 29, 2025
Incredibly well-steeped in Scottish fantasy! Our titular Wee Unicorn feels a bit alone and misunderstood. She's a unicorn without magic, and not exactly well-liked for her exuberance. But feeling a bit misunderstood allows her to consider the feelings of others, leading her to make friends with a rare and monstrous creature.

The artwork is done in large sections of color that remind me of early picture books, done in wood blocks or screens. The color isn't completely flat, as if the ink is somewhat uneven. It's far too detailed to have ever been done in pressed ink, but the emulation is delightful.

My kid had a good time with this one! It's been a while since we did a picture book instead of a longer book, so it was nice to see them so entertained, even at nearly 8 years old.

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.
Profile Image for Melanie Hetrick.
4,628 reviews51 followers
June 7, 2025
Wee Unicorn is known for being small for a unicorn but also for having a big voice. Everyone in her world expects her to be magic, but she isn't. Thank goodness for her friends, the mountain giants, that make her feel better when she's feeling down about herself. The selkies like to tease Wee Unicorn about the beast in the lake. When the beast actually shows up, Wee Unicorn is embarrassed that she actually runs away. She wants to apologize to the beast but even her loudest voice isn't able to summon the creature. Wee Unicorn takes off on a hunt to locate the beast. But it's not until she returns to the place of the original encounter that she finally finds what she's looking for.

I really enjoy the illustrations in this book. A good book for the current "unicorn" trend for kiddos.
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
September 5, 2024
My review will be live on my blog - donnasbookblog on 21 January 2025 - publication day!

I thought that this was a lovely little book.

The illustrations are wonderful, nice, bright, clear and very cute!

I really liked the idea behind this book and the Wee Unicorn is a fab character.

The book is easy to follow and understand and it is perfect for the age range given too. This could easily be a character that has it's own little series of books, or even TV and I am cure the kids would love it - I loved when the little unicorn got to meet Nessie too!

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
Profile Image for Tayler K.
992 reviews45 followers
August 7, 2025
This was very cute and the art style and color pallette were unique and fun. I love the holographic elements on the cover.

I liked the different mythical creatures. Hopefully we could learn more about them in more books. I don't think the Wulvers were included? But they're on the endpaper map.

"Goodness me" and Ness is a new way of naming Nessie, very cute.

I have to say I'd fall with the rest of the forest who think mornings are for quiet voices lol. But overall good story about being yourself and not judging on appearances or stereotypes.

I want a little squishy Wee Unicorn figure.
Profile Image for Meg.
236 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2024
4.7 ⭐
-
My son absolutely loves unicorns, so naturally I had to to pick this book up. WE absolutely LOVED IT! The artwork in this book was absolutely stunning!

A Wee Unicorn who's supposed to be full of magic, is magicless & loud and therefore not liked by those around her. She then proceeds to go on a fun adventure, where she ends up making friends in unexpected places, as well as learning to just be herself. This is definitely something we'll be picking up time & time again.

Thank you Charlesbridge & NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amanda  Murphy.
1,566 reviews18 followers
August 26, 2024
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh. My. Goodness.

I have a new favorite picture book. This is the cutest, most uplifting and inspiring fictional picture book that I have read in a very long time. I'm on middle age's doorstep, but I love picture books. I have my own collection of them. Just for me. I will definitely be preordering this one for myself. If you've got a child who is struggling with being different, this book would be perfect for them. It also makes a great glass door for kids who might not feel that way.
Profile Image for Ginny.
1,371 reviews17 followers
September 2, 2024
Abra-ca-magic!
I am absolutely, 110% in love with the Wee Unicorn from Meg McLaren! To start with, the artwork is beautiful; it is both simple and precious, but also beautiful. There were many hidden gems to find in the pages. And the story itself is so sweet. When Wee Unicorn is mocked for not being magic, she finds herself treating someone else badly, but sets out to fix her mistake. A lot of lessons for children and older people within these pages.

And thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge publishers for the early access to this cute title!
Profile Image for Madison LibraryBookFamily.
1,713 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2024
Wee Unicorn lives in a magical land, but doesn't possess any magic of her own. Wee Unicorn struggles to find her place. With some help from a new adventure and kind friends, Wee Unicorn learns it is best to be kind and to trust in herself.

I'm grateful to Charlesbridge for sending me a digital ARC of this darling book. It will be published in January. Look for it at your local stores and libraries. Your little ones will adore it. The art work is stunning and the magical creatures are quite fun.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,755 reviews24 followers
October 26, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Charlesbridge for the digital arc. Try as she might, Wee Unicorn just could not find her magic to mend books or make rainbows, but her friends the Mountain Giants encourage her to “be herself”. Down on the beach the Selkies tease her about a mysterious scary beast that lives in the water, but when Wee Unicorn finds the Beast she discovers he is not scary at all. and They bond and discover that being yourself is the real magic. Perfect for story time. A map of this mythical land is drawn on the endpapers.
Profile Image for Larissa.
913 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2024
What a lovely book. I love books that have a message of being yourself and I love that Unicorn finds away to be happy with themselves. More importantly they find a friend that also embraces who they are without question. Being your true authentic self is hard as a kid so having books that show how to do so even when others are not always kind is important. Children will also be enchanted by the beautiful artwork and vibrant colors.
Thank you so much to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Marah | Gracefully Distracted.
77 reviews
December 15, 2024
Wee Unicorn is about everything that you are made to be. I absolutely loved seeing how the friendships formed between the unicorn and the 'monster'. It was also a super cute spin on "Ness". My daughter loves the maps in the front and is now drawing her own maps so this really did touch on many different things that are important for children: authenticity to one's self, friendship, and being kind no matter where you are or where you're from.

Thank you to this team and Netgalley for allowing me an advanced copy of this book, I'd absolutely recommend!!
Profile Image for Jeanna.
279 reviews
December 27, 2024
thank you, NetGalley and Charlesbridge, for the advanced copy

This is a delightful story of a little unicorn learning how you can be magical even without magic. I loved that the unicorn realized her mistake and returned to Ness. The friendship between Unicorn and Ness is adorable and relatable to young children. The illustrations here were great, especially the inclusion of the speech bubbles. I love maps in books and rarely see them in children's books. I can imagine my kids would be delighted to see these! I recommend this book to all unicorn lovers.
Profile Image for Darla.
4,825 reviews1,229 followers
January 5, 2025
A brilliant combo of a sweet little unicorn with an equally sweet Nessie.

Why not? Two mythical creatures becoming besties. What's not to like?

The color palette and illustrations are fluffy and engaging. Loved the personification of the mountains and their loving encouragement for the wee unicorn.

This is one I would love to share with my grands. Think I'll pick up a copy and bring with me on my next trip. 🦄

Thank you to Charlesbridge and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Angela.
175 reviews4 followers
January 6, 2025
Thank you to Charlesbridge for the ARC through NetGalley.

Wee Unicorn is adorable! The art and colors really make this story a delightful adventure. Wee Unicorn is small, with no magic, and isn't sure how she fits in. She feels like she should have magic. One day, she is put face to face with a monster...then realizes there might be more to this monster than she knows. As she sets off on an adventure, what will she find?

A beautiful story about finding yourself and seeing others for who they are, Wee Unicorn will have you rooting for her!
Profile Image for Magic of Words.
37 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2025
#WeeUnicorn #NetGalley

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and thank you for giving me an opportunity to read this book!

Aw!!! Such an adorable book! The unicorn in this book is not your typical unicorn! If you think this unicorn is magical too, nope, you’re wrong. In fact, this unicorn is quite loud too!

An inspiring story of self acceptance and self confidence. We need to accept ourselves as we are and understand that we are perfect just the way we are! Yes, we need to focus on what strengths we have and not on what we don’t have in us!
Profile Image for Andreea.
1,846 reviews62 followers
March 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Omg! Omg! A kid's picture book with a map in the beginning - and I already knew I was up to a great start. And it did not disappoint!

The story? Fun and fantastic! The characters? A joy! The illustrations? Stunning and brilliant!

There was adventure, there was a lot of fun, there were a lot of lessons - not judging, dealing with our fears, first impressions, being yourself! So many good things in one little picture book!

I had a blast!
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
4,670 reviews95 followers
October 20, 2024
This book has super cute illustrations. The story is pretty basic, involving a misunderstood character who takes a journey to self-acceptance, but the magical creature theme is fun and appealing. This will appeal to kids and adults, and I love that the endpapers show a map of the fantasy world!

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Plainfilm .
293 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2024
How incredibly wonderful. So many amazing lessons from this fabulously illustrated little unicorn.

Self confidence, self worth, treating others well, not judging or being biased by other's opinions.

Plus, now I know how the Loch Ness monster got their name!
My girls adore this book and have requested it multiple times.
Profile Image for Emily.
22 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2024
This is a beautiful and FUN picture book about a wee unicorn who might be small, but is very loud! Along the way, the wee unicorn finds friendship in an unlikely place with someone who likes her just the way she is.

Thanks to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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