Aquicorn Cove

Gr 3–6—An enchanting and allegorical modern fairy tale with an environmentalist message. Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to visit her aunt Mae and help clean up after a bad storm. At the beach, Lana finds a hurt baby aquicorn (think: seahorse/unicorn combo) and gains the favor of the adult aquicorns in the cove by assisting it. Lana learns more about the magical beings who live in the coral reef, Mae's connection to them, and the factors that threaten both the reef and the humans' way of life in the village. Much of the book is devoted to Mae's backstory and her evolving relationship with Aure, the humanoid guardian of the reef, and there are hints of romance here. O'Neill balances the protagonists well as young Lana also has a satisfying character arc and active role in the story as she copes with her mother's death. The illustrations feature a palette that's just a shade too beautiful and vibrant, which makes the aquicorns and Lana and Mae's quick acceptance of the fantastical seem more normal.