The Unicorn Shelf | Magical Stories for Young Readers
Unicorns—majestic, magical, and mysterious—have long captured the imaginations of readers young and old. In this roundup, we’ve gathered some of the most enchanting stories that introduce young readers to these mythical creatures. Each book offers a different twist on unicorn lore, from heartwarming adventures to captivating illustrations, perfect for sparking imagination and wonder. Let’s take a look at some of the best unicorn-themed books for children!
Unico: Awakenings (Volume 1): An Original Manga
Osamu Tezuka (Created by), Samuel Sattin, Gurihiru (Illustrated by)
UNICO tells the incredible story of a young unicorn who, after enraging the evil goddess Venus, is banished from the heavens and forgets all he once was. Saved from oblivion by the kindhearted West Wind, Unico continues to help others, before having to escape Venus again and begin a new adventure.
Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga
Scholastic/Graphix, Aug. 2024, Ages 8-12, $12.99, 9781339036342
Unico: Hunted (Volume 2): An Original Manga
Osamu Tezuka (Created by), Samuel Sattin, Gurihiru (Illustrated by)
Still hunted by Venus, Unico befriends a sickly girl imprisoned by an evil robotic machine.
Read full reviews on Ink-a-Dink. Register to win both books as part of our August 2025 Giveaway.
Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga
Scholastic/Graphix, July 2025, Ages 8-12, $12.99, 9781546110484
A Unicorn Named Sparkle, Written & illustrated by Amy Young
Lucy sends in 25 cents to order a unicorn, imaging a majestic creature--but when Sparkle arrives, he's scruffy, flea-ridden, and goal-like. Still, his quirky charm wins her over, reminding readers that love often blooms in unexpected forms.
Genre/BISAC: Picture Book, Fiction, Fantasy, Unicorns, Friendship, Acceptance
FS&G BYR, July 2016, Ages 2-6, $19.99, 978037430185
Manolo & the Unicorn, by Jackie Azúa Kramer & Jonah Kramer, illustrated by Zach Manbeck
Manolo believes passionately in unicorns—even when his classmates say they aren’t real. On the day of the school parade, a magical unicorn appears, validating his dreams and inspiring belief in the extraordinary.
Genre / BISAC: Children’s Picture Books / Social Themes—Self‑Esteem & Self‑Respect, Fantasy
Abrams Books for Young Readers, April 2023, Ages 5-7, $18.99, 9781951836528
The Teeny‑Weeny Unicorn, written and illustrated by Shawn Harris
A tiny unicorn, dwarfed by a palace made in his honor, struggles to find his place until a chance meeting with a salt‑tongued gnome makes him reevaluate how size and belonging are measured. With warmth and wit, this modern fairy tale encourages young readers to embrace their own measure of "just right."
Genre / BISAC: Children’s Picture Books / Fairy Tales & Folklore; Self‑Esteem & Social Themes
Knopf Books for Young Readers, Feb. 2024, Ages 3–7, $18.99, 9780593571880
Unicornia: The Cupcake Contest, by Ana Punset, Illustrated by Diana Vicedo
The magical kingdom of Unicornia hosts a glittery cupcake contest where Claudia and her friends must master sparkling ingredients and surprising spells. Their sweet adventure mixes friendship and baking with a dash of unicorn magic. Check out the full series on Ink-a-Dink Bookshop.
Genre/BISAC: Children’s Early Readers / Fantasy & Magic (with culinary twist)
Candlewick Press, July 2025, Ages 5-7, $17.99, 9781536241037
Bo's Magical New Friend (Unicorn Diaries #1), by Rebecca Elliott
Bo Tinseltail, a Wish Unicorn who can grant wishes, longs for a best friend—when Sunny Huckleberry arrives at Sparklegrove School, Bo’s heartfelt hope may finally come true. This charming early chapter book weaves friendship, magic, and confidence-building in a delightful, full-color package.
Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes—Friendship; Readers—Chapter Books; Animals—Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical
Scholastic Inc. (Branches imprint), Dec. 2019, Ages 5–7, $4.99, 9781338323320
Fancy Nancy and the Quest for the Unicorn, by Jane O'Conner, Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Nancy and her friend Bree, self‑declared unicorn experts, set off on an epic hunt following glittery trails—Freddy and JoJo tag along but soon tire of glitter-filled adventuring. Just when they almost give up, the determined sisters make a surprise discovery that’s fittingly “fancy.”
Genre / BISAC: Juvenile Fiction – Activity Books; Humor; Animals—Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical Creatures
HarperCollins (HarperFestival imprint), Aug. 2018, Ages 4–8, $6.99, 9780062377944
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot vs. the Uranium Unicorns from Uranus (Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot #7)
By Dav Pilkey, illustrated by Dan Santat
Racing across the solar system, Ricky and his trusty mighty robot must thwart the zany Uranium Unicorns from Uranus, whose mischievous schemes threaten Earth. Bursting with lampoonish villains, slapstick action, and cosmic chaos, this installment keeps the humor and heart of the series in full gear.
Genre / BISAC: Juvenile Fiction / Graphic Novels; Humorous Fiction; Science Fiction Humor Scholastic, June 2015, Ages 6–10, $6.99, 9780545630153
The Unicorn Quest, by Kamilla Benko
Claire discovers a hidden ladder behind the fireplace that leads to Arden—a realm where unicorns are missing and wraiths stir trouble. When her sister Sophie disappears, Claire embarks on a brave quest to rescue her and restore harmony to Arden.
Genre / BISAC: Juvenile Fiction – Fantasy & Magic; Adventure; Quest
Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Jan. 2018, Ages 8–12,$16.99, 9781681192451
The Magical Unicorn Society: Official Coloring Book,
By Oana Befort; Ciara Ni Dhuinn; Harry and Zanna Goldhawk
Filled with stunning line drawings of unicorn families across diverse habitats—from flowery woodlands to snowy glaciers—this official coloring book from the Magical Unicorn Society invites artistic creativity paired with curious facts. It’s both an engaging activity and an imaginative deep dive into unicorn lore.
Genre/BISAC: Nonfiction, Coloring Books, Activity Books; Art & Creativity; Fantasy Unicorns
Union Square Kids, Feb. 2019, Ages 4+, 9781454934530
The Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook
By Selwyn E. Phipps, Illustrated by Helen Dardik; Zanna & Harry Goldhawk
This beautifully illustrated guide offers a richly detailed exploration of unicorn lore straight from the Magical Unicorn Society, covering everything from unicorn families and habitats to how to train and care for them. With vivid design, timelines, and family trees, it’s a whimsical yet fact-filled immersion sure to delight young unicorn enthusiasts. See the entire series on Ink-a-Dink Bookshop Unicorn Shelf.
Genre/BISAC: Children’s Literature / Folklore & Mythology (unicorn-centric guide)
Feiwel & Friends, Sept. 2018, Ages 8–11, $12.99, 9781250206190
For more unicorn books for young readers, explore our unicorn shelf on bookshop. #HappyReading
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Jared Salomon is a writer and editor with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing from Taylor University. He is an associate product developer for Childress Ink, where he is an editor, proofreader, book reviewer, and online content creator. He writes Christian fiction, realistic fiction, and fantasy. In his free time, Jared enjoys hanging out with his friends and playing sports (especially tennis). Learn more at JaredSalomon.com.