Unicorn Island: Secret beneath the sand by Donna Galanti, illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe

 In her first adventure, Sam (Samantha) discovered the existence of Unicorn Island and has found a new and somewhat more stable home with her uncle while her mom tours. However, there were plenty of questions left unanswered, and lots of adventures left for Sam and her new friend Tuck.

At first, Sam and her friend Tuck are enjoying their work as apprentice unicorn protectors, but when Barloc, the unicorn colt they saved in the first book, begins to show signs of illness again and there are strange happenings on the island, Sam and Tuck must decide if they will obey Uncle Mitch and return to the mainland, leaving him alone to cope with the unicorns, or if they will investigate themselves.

Of course, they investigate themselves and in the process discover more of Mitch's painful past and some shocking secrets about Sam's own origins. There are lessons to be learned about trust and bravery, the consequences of anger and fear, and what's most important as well as lots of exciting appearances of unicorns and other creatures.

The pages are sprinkled with full-page, colored illustrations from Stancliffe showing the unicorns and the characters exploring the island and encountering various strange creatures. Back matter explains some of the things referenced in the book like invasive species and salves and profiles the author and illustrator.

This series falls into what, for lack of a better term, I'm calling intermediate chapters. There's an odd blank spot between older readers who can't handle a full-length, 200-300 page chapter book with no illustrations and younger readers who are academically able to read more challenging books but are not mature enough for the more complex issues often included in middle grade titles. One could discuss falling literacy rates and the changes in the publishing industry and in offerings for readers, but basically the gap is here and I need books to fill it.

From a literary standpoint, this and other series from Epic! are not going to win any awards. They're rather trite and this second title in particular puts in some rather heavy revelations about the characters without fully explaining or developing them. However, it's still just what these intermediate readers will - and do - love and I have a line of eager readers waiting for this sequel. I will not be giving them any spoilers though!

Verdict: I'm realistic about my collection development and am focusing heavily on beginning and intermediate chapter books as that is what my audience wants and needs. This is a satisfying sequel to a popular title and has more depth than the usual run of "unicorn princess" style books with the added bonus of Latinx/Black characters. Purchase if you have unicorn fans and/or own the first book.

ISBN: 9781524871970; Published March 2022 by Andrews McMeel; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library