The Very Last Unicorn
What’s inside...
The Very Last Unicorn follows the story of a young girl named Evie who discovers a mysterious unicorn in the woods near her home. As she befriends the unicorn and learns about its magical powers, Evie becomes determined to protect the creature from those who seek to capture and exploit it. With the help of her friends and family, Evie embarks on a journey to save the last unicorn and preserve its freedom. The novel explores themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of standing up for what is right, making it a heartwarming and inspiring read for all ages. Befriending a unicorn in his yard, young Sam learns that it is the very last in the world and desperately needs a safe place to live, and in the days that follow, Sam finds a special place for the unicorn to stay.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the unicorn felt being the last of its kind? Can you relate to its feelings?
What would you have done if you were in the place of the main character who discovers the unicorn?
Why is it important to protect magical or unique creatures, according to the story?
What does the unicorn symbolize in the book? How does that affect the story's message?
How can we help protect things that are rare and special in our world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the unicorn’s shoes. Facilitate critical thinking by discussing the symbolism of the unicorn and its broader implications. Highlight the importance of conservation and protection of unique elements in our own environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, the main character continually strives to protect the last unicorn, facing several challenges but never giving up.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their goals and endeavors despite difficulties, emphasizing the value of determination in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The narrative highlights the protagonist's efforts to preserve the natural habitat of the unicorn, teaching the reader about environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to take care of their surroundings and understand the impact of their actions on the environment.
Example Lesson: The power of compassion
Explanation: The protagonist's compassionate actions towards the unicorn demonstrate the importance of kindness to all living beings.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to act with empathy and understanding towards both animals and people in their community.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases how characters come together to save the unicorn, illustrating that collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate effectively with others, understanding that teamwork can often lead to achieving common goals.