Kid Review: The Secret of the Lost Gold: A Branches Book (Unicorn Diaries #11) By Rebecca Elliott

 

About This Book:

Bo and the unicorns meet a majestic griffin who is guarding an ancient secret in this early chapter book from the New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of Owl Diaries!
Pick a book. Grow a Reader! 

This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! 

In this eleventh book in the USA Today bestselling Unicorn Diaries series, a terrible storm ruins homes all across Sparklegrove Forest. Bo and the unicorns go to the castle to seek help from Queen Juniper. They learn there is an ancient spell that can restore everyone’s homes. But in order to perform that spell, they need to find a cave of ancient gold that is guarded by a mythical creature. Will Bo and the other unicorns be able to save the forest? With full-color artwork throughout and plenty of smiles, your young reader won’t be able to put this book down!

*Review Contributed By Bethany Wicker, Staff Reviewer*

Magical Adventure to Overcome Fear

When a really bad storm comes through, it destroys the homes of many creatures. In order to rebuild them, they’re going to need gold, but there’s a legend behind the Lost Gold. A king hid it away in a cave for safe-keeping and it’s heavily guarded by a griffin. They’re fierce protectors and really rare. This one hides by Black Diamond Lake, which is one of the scariest parts of the Dark Woods. But Bo won’t let that deter them. Together, they can tackle the creepiness of the Dark Woods and its inhabitants and get the chance to meet Edgar the Griffin. Bo and the unicorns learn just how special griffins really are.

THE SECRET OF THE LOST GOLD is an early chapter book full of magic, adventure, friendship, and mythical creatures. Just like the other books in the series, it’s written in diary format. My daughter and I always love the UNIFACTS, along with the lore and world-building this author has developed over the span of this series. I also love how Bo and the unicorns run into their friend Barry, who appears to be a scary wolf, but he’s actually really nice. It goes against the typical stereotypes which adds more character to the story. The illustrations are as cute as ever and I love the portrayal of Edgar the Griffin. In the back of the book there are some suggestions to get a discussion going and some questions to enhance a child’s retention of the story.

Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children aged six and older who love magical creatures, unicorns, friendship, and adventure. This is one of my daughter’s favorite series and as a parent, I’m never disappointed. The author teaches great morals with these stories and the diary format is much more intriguing to younger readers which encourages them to read more (at least that’s how it is with my daughter).

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*