The Unicorn in the Barn by Jacqueline K Ogburn illustrated by Rebecca Green

Blurb: “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.”

This book begins with a pertinent quote from Saint Francis of Assisi:

“Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission: to be of service to them whenever they require it.”

Eric, his dad and brother live on a farm near some woods. Recently they have been forced to sell a portion of the family land as a way to help Eric’s grandmother. Sadly, due to failing health, Grandma Harper has moved into an aged care facility. A lady vet and her daughter Allegra have bought the land and grandma’s house.  Kris Brancusi is no ordinary vet. Eric sleeps late one evening in his treehouse and wakes to find an injured unicorn standing nearby. He follows the unicorn down to the barn near his Grandmother’s house and when he arrives he makes a very surprising discovery. He sees Dr Brancusi leading the unicorn into the barn. 

The unicorn is a beautiful creature:

“White and glowing, with slender legs and a long curved neck”

“Looking at it I got the most amazing feeling of comfort and happiness and excitement, all rolled into one.”

“Then I noticed a strange smell, like roses and pine and new turned dirt.”

There are some other special things about this unicorn. She is expecting twins and her horn can heal the sick but using her horn is dangerous for The Lady or Moonpearl as the children name her. Then Allegra and Eric make an exciting discover – the white hairs they comb from the unicorn also seem to have healing properties but should they use them, and what are the implications of this especially when Eric takes some to his precious Grandmother in the hope her pain and arthritis will be cured.

Jacqueline K Ogburn has included some interesting magical creatures in her story. Along with the unicorn there is a Cheshire cat named Timothy, a goose that lays golden eggs called Prissy, a squonk which is “a cross between a duck-billed platypus and a toad.” They were first discovered by Paul Bunyan’s lumberjacks.

Who is the audience for this book? There is some deep sadness towards the end and I had an issue with Mr Harper constantly smoking also this is a fairly long book (290 pages) so I would recommend this book for readers aged 9+. I read the whole book in one sitting. I enjoyed the way Eric was so calm and gentle with all the animals but especially with Moonpearl. Eric is a mature boy with a kind heart. I recommend this book for middle primary because there is a very tense scene towards the end when hunters arrive in the woods with guns. I especially raced through the final pages desperate to reach the hoped for happy ending. 

You can read an interview with Jacqueline Ogburn here.  I was excited to see Ms Yingling loved The Unicorn in the Barn.  I always appreciate reading her reviews and appreciate her honest thoughts. Her reviews contain headings - strengths, weaknesses and what I really think. I was thrilled she found no weaknesses with this book.  

This was delightful! I would have adored this when I was in upper elementary school. There is a pregnant unicorn, for heaven's sake! And a talking Cheshire cat! Eric's relationship with his grandmother was very sweet, and while this was sad, it wasn't hand-wringingly soppy. Ms Yingling

Despite the presence of supernatural creatures, Eric’s quiet, genuine, first-person voice tells a realistic story of family love and discovering one’s true self, the presence of the unicorn and other magical creatures adding just a touch of whimsy to a story about very real emotions... Kirkus