The Dragon and the Unicorn

The illustrations in this book are magnificent. Each page appears as an illuminated manuscript. The characters (the King and Princess) have 'off-white' complexions--which make them very appealing for some under-represented students.The story is well written, though a bit predictable and is very meaningful in its strong environmental message. We used it in school as a model for writing and illustrating stories with a message.

At our library, I gather books for teachers to pick up and check out for use with their lesson plan subjects. I always pull Lynne Cherry's Kapok Tree for teachers who are teaching about rainforests. When I saw "The Dragon and the Unicorn," I knew I had to order it for the teachers and kids. I wasn't disappointed and don't think our library's patrons will be disappointed, either! The illustrations are not only rich and colorful, they're creative in their design and range. The plot moved at a good pace - not sluggish, nor too much detail, nor too much preachy "do this," "don't do that." Kids will like the gentle, but fiercely protective dragon and the wise, magical unicorn who he protects. Kids will also enjoy taking the journey with Arianna into the world in which the dragon, unicorn, and many other animals live, and where they are being threatened by Arianna's father's destruction of the forests. The resolution of the problem of the king's allowing the forest's destruction is satisfying without being too pat or easy.

This book was so beautiful. I love unicorns and dragons, so it was great seeing the two together. i liked this book because of the story it depicted, and that is that we can all be at peace with the world, and those around us. I recommend this book for people of all ages. it is beautifully illustrated and is full of love!

I was so delighted to find this wonderful enviromental fairy tale with beautiful illustrations of brown people. It is such a relief and joy to encounter an author and illustrator whom recognizes that there are other marvelous colours that can be used when filling in the hues of the characters. The beautiful Arianna lead our family on a mystical journey through a medievel forest in danger, and we learned that the darkness of the forest was full of peace, silence and beauty. Thank you Lynne for letting young readers know that what is dark and brown and black is also beautiful.

The story shows how individuals can work together for a common goal while telling how parents care for their children and illustrating the dangers of destroying habitats. I must admit that my favorite part of the book is the excellent artwork, and you'll love the artwork around the borders, as those smaller illustrations follow the storyline when full-page illustrations are not present.