Claire and the Unicorn Happy Ever After

January 16, 2006
In Hennessy's (One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims
) congenial tale, a girl named Claire and her stuffed unicorn set out for dreamland in search of what would make someone "happy forever
." Newcomer Mitchell's landscape of make-believe is a feast for the eyes; breezy sailboats float by as teacups, and delectable lollipops grow like trees. Along their journey, the duo encounters a variety of storybook characters, some of whom Claire can identify. But before long she stumbles upon an exception—a frog prince that, much to her surprise, prefers flies for his happily-ever-after. And Fairy Godmother admits, "I don't believe I've ever heard the same wish twice." Once Claire and Capricorn inevitably learn that happiness does not come in a one-size-fits-all, readers also gain a broader perspective on the world. In the lighthearted, childlike ending, Claire shares her discovery with her father the next morning, who then asks, "What would make my
little princess happy?" The answer? Pancakes. Ages 3-8.

February 1, 2006
K-Gr 3 -After listening to her father read a story with a fairy-tale ending, Claire drifts off to sleep, wondering what would make someone happy forever. In her dreams, her stuffed unicorn comes to life and the two of them travel through the world of make-believe to find the answer to her question. The first creature she talks to is the Library Fairy, who requires only -a good book and some peace and quiet - to be happy. They also encounter a princess, a frog prince, a fairy godmother, and a wishing well. Each of the fanciful beings answers the little girl -s polite inquiries in a different way, and she realizes, -Maybe it -s one of those questions that doesn -t really have just one answer. - When Claire wakes up the next morning, she tells her father about her philosophical findings. He praises her sensible conclusions and makes his -little princess - happy with a big pancake breakfast. This imaginative tale is illustrated with lush, richly hued watercolors. Each picture is filled with romantic details that mirror the whimsical flavor of the story. This pleasant, if somewhat long-winded, journey to the land of imagination will delight fairy-tale fans, who will identify with its inquisitive heroine." -Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.