Name: The Unicorn in the Barn
Rating: 4 (5 reviews)
ISBN: 9781549090196

Jacqueline K. Ogburn

Fifth-grader Eric's life transforms when he encounters a unicorn in the woods around Chinaberry Creek and discovers a special veterinary clinic that cares for "supernatural exotic patients."

The Unicorn in the Barn

Jacqueline Ogburn

For years people have claimed to see a mysterious white deer in the woods around Chinaberry Creek. It always gets away. One evening, Eric Harper thinks he spots it. But a deer doesn't have a coat that shimmers like a pearl. And a deer certainly isn't born with an ivory horn curling from its forehead. When Eric discovers the unicorn is hurt and being taken care of by the vet next door and her daughter, Allegra, his life is transformed. A tender tale of love, loss, and the connections we make, The Unicorn in the Barn shows us that sometimes ordinary life takes extraordinary turns.

laura

I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed this magical book that was mostly set in the real world with a fun magical element. This book also had a super fast pace lot and I really liked how this book handled topics like death and dying but also gun issues in the country. I really liked the story and thought the illustrations really made this book so charming. I really enjoyed the main character and felt that the end of the book was a tad rushed, but hope that we might get a book two set in this world because it really left it open for that.

b.andherbooks

My five-year old is starting to like reading chapter books for bedtime stories! Woo! This was a new mid-grade selection at my library.

A sweet story about a young boy who finds out the veterinarian next door is no ordinary vet and the woods he lives in are no ordinary woods. 

There is a little action but most of the story is about the attempts to take care of a wounded, pregnant unicorn, how to deal with familial loss, and the concept "do no harm."

I didn't quiet expect the level of violence and sadness. A character is shot accidentally by hunters, the main character's grandmother dies, and there is a grave fear the unicorn who is pregnant with twins will lose one, or both, of her babies. There is some sassy language (lots of "stupid") and the boy's tentative friendship with the girl next door was sort of lame and old-fashioned. 

In all, a pretty sophisticated emotional story that may not be appropriate for a five year old, but she dealt with the themes well. Lots of talking points.

Manon van Heumen

A cute children's tale which will make your imagination run wild and make your children's heart believe again. I truly loved it, and I think this would be a great tale to read to children.

The Unicorn in the Barn

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