The Last Unicorn
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

Beagle originally published what has become his hallmark novel of a unicorn questing to find out what happened to the rest of her kind more than 40 years ago. In this full-color graphic-novel adaptation, the characters and moods of the story are beautifully maintained: the unicorn herself sheds a pink glow, while Schmendrick the magician provides the balance of gravity. Although female characters here sport a superabundance of curly locks, their faces, like those of the male characters, are fluid and expressive of a wide range of emotions. Panel sizes vary to fit the scope of the scene, with full pages given over to the tale's most dramatic moments. A package that is both complimentary and complementary of its origins, this version will attract both those who already know the original story and readers who have yet to discover it. An interview with Beagle concludes the volume.--Goldsmith, Francisca Copyright 2010 Booklist

Since it was first published in 1968, Beagle's beloved fantasy novel has been made into a stage play and a film-and now this gorgeous, emotive graphic novel adaptation. Set in a fully realized but slightly tongue-in-cheek fantasy world that has inspired everything from The Princess Bride to Stardust, Beagle's story is a romantic fable about a regal unicorn who leaves the forest she has protected since time immemorial to find more of her kin. After a short spell of imprisonment by a witch's traveling circus, she journeys onward with an accident-prone magician, hoping to find the answer to her quest in the land of a coldhearted king and a monstrously fearsome red bull. Along the way, the unicorn and her good-hearted but hapless companion have many encounters, including one with a Robin Hood-esque group of bandits who seem dropped in from a Monty Python skit. Beagle's sumptuously descriptive writing, adapted ably by Gillis, casts a spell throughout, while De Liz's glowing, painterly artwork meshes perfectly with the haunting otherworldly beauty of the story. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 6 Up-A beloved story is now a graphic novel in this excellent adaptation. A unicorn leaves her forest home to find out if she is the last of her kind, befriending Schmendrick, a hapless magician, and Molly Grue, a bandit leader's runaway wife. These are vivid and lovable characters, and the story is filled with action, romance, and humor. Much of the original novel's lyrical language has been included, and readers will be eager to find out if the unicorn will give up her quest for love, or if any of Schmendrick's spells will ever turn out right. The legendary creature resembles the one in the film, but De Liz's artistic vision is original. This unicorn shimmers and glows, her mane framing her face with Art Nouveau-style tendrils. The illustrations are graceful and detailed, and inked in warm, glowing colors. This is a worthy successor to the classic novel and film.-Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Fanciful, fun, and timeless, Beagle's classic fantasy may be over five decades old, but it remains just as fresh as when it was first published in 1968. When a unicorn ventures out of her forest, she realizes she can't remember the last time she saw another unicorn--where have they all gone? She goes on a quest to discover where they are, teaming up with a hapless magician and an earnest peasant woman who is content to go along for the ride. The trio venture to King Haggard's kingdom, where rumor has it that a red bull has trapped all the unicorns. Beagle is a master wordsmith and the tale is beautifully, even poetically, written. Orlagh Cassidy masterfully narrates the story, bringing an expressive warmth that will help listeners lose themselves in the lush fantasy world. This audio edition also includes a new introduction by Patrick Rothfuss, a giant in the fantasy genre, who waxes poetic about "his favorite book ever." VERDICT This enchanting book is perfect for readers who love The Princess Bride, Ella Enchanted, and other whimsical fantasy stories. Filled with heroes, noble quests, magical creatures, curses, and unforgettable characters, it is an unforgettable listen for all ages.--Erin Cataldi