Genre: Children’s Illustrated Book, Allegorical Fantasy
There is something timeless about the image of a unicorn—a creature of myth, mystery, and wonder. Kathleen J. Shields’ multi-award-winning children’s book, The First Unicorn, reimagines the legend not as a fleeting fantasy but as a story deeply woven with virtue, kindness, and faith. It takes an age-old fascination and reframes it, much like C.S. Lewis once did with a wardrobe leading to another world, offering young readers not just a story but a moral compass.
The main character of this tale is Aden, a colt who stands out from the rest of his herd due to his generosity of spirit. He chooses kindness in a world when apathy is common. He finds joy in giving; he doesn’t require praise for his good efforts. When an angel gives him a golden horn, it signifies responsibility rather than prestige. But instead of being greeted with wonder, he is rejected and misinterpreted by those who can’t look past their anxieties. Adversity, however, refines him rather than crushes him. His journey turns into an example of faith, tenacity, and the strength of selflessness.
There is a rare sincerity in the way this tale unfolds. Shields does not merely craft a beautiful story—she reshapes the unicorn itself, stripping away the glittering, superficial caricatures of modern media and returning it to a place of reverence. Her unicorn is not a plaything that farts rainbows but a sacred creature, a symbol of purity and miracles. The storytelling is both fresh and nostalgic, evoking the warmth of classic fables while feeling strikingly original in its spiritual depth.
The book’s structure is among its most impressive features; its rhyme and rhythm flow naturally, making it perfect for young readers and read-aloud sessions. It achieves a careful balancing act between deep metaphor and entertaining adventure. The story is given weight by the emotional relevance of Aden’s struggles and victories, which guarantees that the reader will be thinking about it long after the last page. Because of Shields’ poetic writing, the story is elevated to a cadence that is almost hymn-like.
The scene that sticks out the most is when Aden resists giving in to resentment in the face of rejection and loneliness. Instead, he doesn’t waver in his moral character. The core of the novel is captured in this scene: trust in the face of doubt, generosity against harshness, and shame under duress. It is uncommon and lovely to see a children’s book promote such values without coming across as cheesy or preachy.
Of course, not every reader will find this book to their taste. Those seeking a story filled with irreverence, sarcasm, or subversion of traditional values will not find it here. Shields does not bend to the whims of current trends but instead offers something timeless, a story rooted in faith and virtue. Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia or The Little Prince will likely feel at home here, as will parents searching for books that teach meaningful life lessons.
The First Unicorn is more than just a charming story; it is an invitation to believe in the extraordinary power of kindness. In a world that often confuses magic with miracles, Shields reminds us that true wonder is found not in illusions but in acts of love and selflessness. This book does not just tell a story—it calls upon its readers, young and old, to be better, to give more, and perhaps, just perhaps, to earn a golden horn of their own.
About the Author
Creating Miracles Through Storytelling: Kathleen J. Shields on Inspiring Love, Kindness, and Faith in Children’s Literature
Multi-award-winning author Kathleen J. Shields has written nearly 40 books across various genres, focusing on stories that instill values of kindness, love, and faith. In this interview, she reflects on her journey as an author and her unwavering commitment to storytelling, sharing how her work continues to inspire readers of all ages.
Book of Excellence Award
This book is a winner of the Book of Excellence Award.
The Book of Excellence title is a year-round recognition awarded to books that demonstrate exceptional quality, originality, and impact. These works set a high standard in storytelling, creativity, and contribution to culture or thought.
Voting for The World’s Best Book Awards Readers’ Book of the Year title is now closed. The results are below.
Disclaimer: The book reviews on our platform are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The World’s Best Magazine. We do not offer blanket endorsements, as our goal is to provide thoughtful, objective reviews of award-winning books. While we only publish reviews of books recognized for their excellence, we understand that every reader may engage with them differently. Our reviews highlight each book’s unique aspects, acknowledging its strengths while offering an honest perspective to help readers make informed choices based on their individual tastes and preferences. This approach maintains the integrity of our reviews, respects the work of authors, and ensures the best value for our readers. In all cases, reader discretion is advised.
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