Reviews

This is a middle grade story about two children, a man and a dog (who is a very good boi), on an unlikely quest to find a hidden creature. 

Felicity is 12 years old and dealing with a multitude of challenges that she wants to escape. Perhaps understandably, she becomes almost fixated on the idea that if she can locate an undiscovered animal - or one that is believed to be extinct - it will radically change things for the better.

And in the adventure that she is determined to undertake, she will have the support of her uncle, a dog, and a new friend, namely 9 year old Simon.

This is an appealing story with a very likeable protagonist and good supporting characters. It will go down well with readers in the target group and beyond.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review 
 

(This review orginally appeared on Goodreads)

Absolutely fabulous book. A great adventure.

The Unicorn Society by Mark Jolly is an entertaining middle-grade adventure that blends mystery, friendship, and a touch of magic into an enjoyable read.

Felicity is a relatable young protagonist whose determination to solve her problems leads her on an unforgettable journey. Alongside her new friend Simon, her uncle, and a loyal dog, she embarks on a dangerous expedition in search of a creature that many believe does not exist. Their adventure is filled with excitement, challenges, and unexpected dangers that kept the story moving at a steady pace.

The friendship between Felicity and Simon is one of the highlights of the book, bringing warmth and humour to the narrative. The mystery surrounding the elusive creature adds intrigue, while the stunning mountain setting creates a strong sense of adventure and discovery.

Mark Jolly has crafted a fun and imaginative story that explores courage, perseverance, friendship, and believing in the impossible. Young readers who enjoy quests, mythical creatures, and fast-paced adventures will find plenty to enjoy here.

A charming and adventurous tale that encourages readers to dream big and never stop believing in the extraordinary.

I read this book to see if it would be a good gift for my 10 year old granddaughter. The structure (chronological) and language ( just sufficiently challenging) and short chapters all tick the box, as does the children's engaging love of animals . Add in the excitement of the Himalayas with the thrill of the chase, combine this with a good smattering of real facts about the area ( the author has spent time there) and there is a lot to learn on the side without actually knowing you are gaining knowledge...I like that. The plot moves along with a good degree of humour but also a nod to the death of Felicitiy's mother which provides the impetus to carry on...useful for some children. I will not talk about the plot (spoiler alert) because this is a page turner and the end is not as you would expect. So is my granddaughter getting this for her birthday? Definitely.