Kate Buss

A really lovely picture book about a family of unicorns who could be anyone’s friends or neighbours. On the surface the story is short and simple and would appeal to younger children but there is plenty of humour in the story (and illustrations) to appeal to us (much) older children too. The hand painted watercolour illustrations are just gorgeous and really add to the enjoyment. Even better on a second or third reading.

I fell in love with the illustrations in this book. The sparse use of words was so perfectly chosen to tell the story of the Gobberwobbly.. It reminded me how magical it is to see the world through the eyes of a child. How those imaginary attachments teach us so much and in letting go and growing up we leave a part of ourselves behind. Bittersweet beautiful and unforgettable.

What this book is marketed as is a kind of illustrated alphabetic bestiary of imaginary monsters for children. That's what expected of it, judging from the synopsis, anyways. As it is, it's mismarketed in my view.
The illustrations are not very suitable for children, the art style way more appealing to adults than to little kids. Some of the creatures are war/tank-like creatures, one a haunted car that talks of Al Capone and Bonnie & Clyde. Is that what should be conveyed to children leaning show more the ABC in the first place?
Well, maybe this is just a 'me' thing. Maybe parents in the US or anywhere like books with pics of weapons or tanks in abstract art styles without charm for their kids.
Sadly, this just didn't work for me. Hoped for a bestiary with enchanted, fun, creepy, mysterious, magic beasts or creatures children look for and enjoy. What I got I found to be too abstract, pointless and forgettable.

I received this eARC via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program - Thanks, LT and author! - in exchange for an honest review. show less

Monsters! Poems! Such an imaginative way to illustrate the alphabet, which will appeal to children of all ages. My favourite is definitely “W is for Wawell” - a lovely, subtle and restful picture, concealing a relatively friendly monster.