The Secret Unicorn Club by Emma Roberts, Rae Ritchie and Tomislav Tomic

Do you believe in unicorns? Would you like to join a secret club of unicorn experts who search for and look after unicorns in the wild?

Well, this is the book for you and it is as intriguing as its introduction. To become a member, the reader has to collect 10 badges by reading the information about these magical creatures so they can learn about their wild habitats and habits, how they make the weather, their particular magical powers. and other fascinating facts and fantasies. Then for those who do collect their badges, after putting on their most colourful clothing, flashing their best smile and repeating the Unicorn Oath, there is a surprise hidden behind a sealed compartment.

With a topic that continues to fascinate young girls, particularly, this is a unique way to engage them in both reading and imagining. With soft, almost tangible illustrations, the reader is transported to this wondrous world that promises to be all that they imagined and more, and the added bonus of a secret book is such an allure to keep reading. (Because my copy is going to a little one with very special needs who has a deep belief in the magic of these creatures, I have kept the secret book sealed so she can have the joy of opening it.)

Sometimes reality comes too soon till our little people these days - even the story of Easter Bunny was disputed when I read to preschoolers - and so anything that continues the magic for them is five-star IMO. And it has a companion - The Secret Fairy Club, for those who believe in a different sort of magic.

And to prove that I do, there are photos of my granddaughters' bedroom. Even though they are young adults now they tell me I have to keep it that way - and the fairy garden in the backyard - because magic is not defined by age.

Barbara Braxton