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Claire and the Unicorn Happy Ever After is a charming story about a little girl named Claire who listens to her father read a little fairy tale to her at bedtime as he does most every night. In each bedtime story, people live happily ever after; one night after a lovely tale, Claire starts to wonder about what makes someone happy forever? As she slips into the land of nod, her beloved stuffed unicorn springs to life and carries Claire throughout the land of make-believe to find an answer to her question.
As Claire and her unicorn meet different characters in this imaginary world of Claire’s dreams, she begins to gather information on what makes them happy. She first meets with the Library Fairy, and Susan Mitchell’s enchanting library in the forest is illustrated down to the tiniest detail, like letters on the trees to indicate which books are stored where. The Library Fairy tells Claire that what makes him happy is a “good book and some peace and quiet.”
After inquiring about a prince or princess, Claire and her flying steed are directed to the nearest royalty: a princess in a tower who declares that a nice soft bed would make her happy forever. From there they go on to see a prince - a FROG prince, that is - a fairy godmother, and a wishing well. Each of these whimsical beings answers Claire’s question in a different way. Perhaps, Claire thinks, this is a question that may not have just one answer.
The following morning, Claire discusses her dream with her father at breakfast. Her father approves of her philosophical conclusion and then makes her happy with a big, luscious pancake breakfast.
This inspired story is illustrated in lavish, richly toned watercolors that add to the warm charm of the narrative. Claire and the Unicorn Happy Ever After will please younger and older children on the 4-8 year old scale; it is delightful in its theme and telling as well as leaving open a good opportunity for dialogue when read. The realization that what makes people happy is different for every individual is a good message for young and old alike. I especially like that a father is involved as well as a male librarian, stripping some oft-used stereotypes.
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Claire and the Unicorn Happy Ever After