Unicorn Races

by: Stephen J. Brooks; illustrator Linda Crockett

Published by: Purple Sky Publishing

Reviewed by Sara A. Baker

What makes childhood delightful is the opportunity to dream, to imagine unicorns galloping through a forest and faeries fluttering in the garden. That innocent, unwavering belief in things we cannot see sends a shivering thrill from head to toe. In Unicorn Races, Stephen J. Brooks taps into this desire that makes every child's eyes sparkle, but his story fails to do much else.

Abigail, the main character, dons princess attire and calls out to her unicorn companion, Lord William, while her mother thinks the little girl is asleep. Lord William seems a rather unimaginative name for such a mystical creature, but he carries Abigail to an enchanted land nonetheless. When they arrive, faeries and elves have arranged a feast and are waiting for the race to begin. Unicorns of many colors race around the moon, and Abigail chooses a winner before feasting on cupcakes with the magical creatures. Then, Lord William returns her to her bedroom, where she dreams of the next race.

Essentially, Abigail gives orders, decrees a winner when one is not clear, and stuffs herself with sweets. While this is surely many a child's fantasy, the story could gain a lot were there something for Abigail to learn in the enchanted world. Maybe being a ruler is difficult and requires kindness and understanding. Maybe making good decisions takes practice. Or perhaps Abigail brings magic into the quotidian lives of her parents.

The illustrations by Linda Crockett are a combination of intricately detailed figures and impressionist swirls. The tiny faeries are fantastic, each one made to look like a child herself. But the figures are set against neon backgrounds reminiscent of black-light posters, giving the pictures a magical, yet psychedelic and slightly creepy appearance.

Older children will appreciate the details, but overall the illustrations do little to improve a story that most children will tire of quickly.

Ultimately, Unicorn Races is the kind of story a parent tells when forced to make one up at bedtime.

Armchair Interview says: Heed the reviewer's comments.