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Brave Jack and the Unicorn
Neither handsome nor clever, Jack � the youngest of three brothers � causes his widowed mother much concern. The family is convinced he is nothing but a fool. When his brothers go off to seek their fortune and don’t return, Jack is sent to find them. Along the way he performs good deeds for helpless creatures, who repay his kindness in magical ways. Hearing of an evil magician who controls the life of the princess, Jack poses as a suitor and faces three tests � but can he find the elusive unicorn and save the princess from her fate?
Acclaimed Newfoundland author Janet McNaughton tells a classic tale of good and evil, accompanied by Susan Tooke’s illuminating paintings, rich with influences from the Middle Ages, Celtic symbolism, and Newfoundland’s breathtaking coastal landscape.
Acclaimed Newfoundland author Janet McNaughton tells a classic tale of good and evil, accompanied by Susan Tooke’s illuminating paintings, rich with influences from the Middle Ages, Celtic symbolism, and Newfoundland’s breathtaking coastal landscape.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 12, 2005
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About the author
Janet McNaughton
22Ìýbooks51ÌýfollowersJanet McNaughton is the multi-award-winning author of many books, including The Secret Under My Skin, An Earthly Knight and her most recent novel, Dragon Seer, which was shortlisted for the prestigious TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as both the CLA Young Adult Book Award and the Book of the Year for Children Award. McNaughton lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland, with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 31, 2023
Janet McNaughton's Brave Jack and the Unicorn is an original Canadian, or more to the point Newfoundland inspired fairy tale (but one most certainly very much reliant on both Newfoundland and European folkloric themes and elements), and both the author's presented, imagined, constructed narrative and Susan Tooke's accompanying illustrations are indeed magical and evocative. And while as rather a folklore purist at best, I was (at first) more than a bit leery of this here tale, as I was worried that Brave Jack and the Unicorn would perhaps be labelled as a traditional folktale when it clearly is not one, but a constructed original offering, the author thankfully never does claim Brave Jack and the Unicorn to be a traditional folktale, as she always states that it is, indeed, an original, a composed Kunstmärchen like work, albeit one based on traditional folk themes and motifs (which are also for the most part and to my delight acknowledged by Janet McNaughton in her author's notes and explanations).
Now truth be told, Janet McNaughton has done a simply wonderful job combining diverse folkloric elements and threads into an excitingly entertaining original story, with actually surprisingly little violence and eeriness (making Brave Jack and the Unicorn also very much suitable for reading with and to sensitive children who might find some of the more traditional hero quest types of folktales too potentially frightening). And while by themselves, I would probably consider Susan Tooke's accompanying pictures a trifle to brightly gaudy and garish for my personal aesthetic tastes, in combination with the author's text, they are sweetly expressive, colourfully bold and really quite magical (most certainly capturing the atmosphere of place, of Newfoundland, with intriguing and geographically authentic little added touches, such as passing icebergs and the harbours dotted with fishing boats).
Personally, the only minor little issue that prevents me from ranking Brave Jack and the Unicorn with five instead of four stars is that I kind of do wish a bit that Janet McNaughton had managed to be a trifle more detailed with certain parts of her otherwise excellent author's note. For while (as already alluded to), she has indeed and much appreciatively stated from where and from which traditions, in general, she has obtained the traditions and ideas for Brave Jack and the Unicorn, I for one and most certainly would have also liked for her to have listed the actual and particular specific tales of which she had made use, and from which she had incorporated themes and ideas into her narrative, into the textual part of Brave Jack and the Unicorn. However, please do note that this is truly just my scholarly self talking, and it does in no way detract any from the beauty of the story itself, and from the fact that Brave Jack and the Unicorn presents a delightful and in all things wondrous marriage of text and images.
Now truth be told, Janet McNaughton has done a simply wonderful job combining diverse folkloric elements and threads into an excitingly entertaining original story, with actually surprisingly little violence and eeriness (making Brave Jack and the Unicorn also very much suitable for reading with and to sensitive children who might find some of the more traditional hero quest types of folktales too potentially frightening). And while by themselves, I would probably consider Susan Tooke's accompanying pictures a trifle to brightly gaudy and garish for my personal aesthetic tastes, in combination with the author's text, they are sweetly expressive, colourfully bold and really quite magical (most certainly capturing the atmosphere of place, of Newfoundland, with intriguing and geographically authentic little added touches, such as passing icebergs and the harbours dotted with fishing boats).
Personally, the only minor little issue that prevents me from ranking Brave Jack and the Unicorn with five instead of four stars is that I kind of do wish a bit that Janet McNaughton had managed to be a trifle more detailed with certain parts of her otherwise excellent author's note. For while (as already alluded to), she has indeed and much appreciatively stated from where and from which traditions, in general, she has obtained the traditions and ideas for Brave Jack and the Unicorn, I for one and most certainly would have also liked for her to have listed the actual and particular specific tales of which she had made use, and from which she had incorporated themes and ideas into her narrative, into the textual part of Brave Jack and the Unicorn. However, please do note that this is truly just my scholarly self talking, and it does in no way detract any from the beauty of the story itself, and from the fact that Brave Jack and the Unicorn presents a delightful and in all things wondrous marriage of text and images.
February 26, 2011
Jack is not as handsome or as clever as his older brothers, but he is kind. The title of this traditional third-son-makes-good as almost a misnomer; although Jack is reasonably brave, it is his kindness that characterizes him and allows him to succeed on his rather accidental quest.
After his older brothers fail to return from seeking their fortunes, Jack's unloving mother sends him to find them. As is often the case in stories of this sort, Jack performs acts of generosity or kindness towards various inhabitants of the natural and supernatural worlds which will pay off during later challenges. Jack is almost ego-less. He seems to think nothing of his own good deeds, and even when he hears about a princess available for marriage to whomever can pass three tests, he does not consider winning her but only deduces that this is where his brothers have gone. After he meets the princess, he is motivated to accept the impossible tasks not by love but out of pity for her imprisonment.
At this point the initiative in the story actually shifts to the princess, whose knowledge and initiative help Jack to succeed and guide their escape from the evil magician. She also takes the romantic lead in their relationship. Although Jack is the hero of the tale, the princess supplies talents and personality traits which complement his -- a rather wonderful depiction of marriage and governance.
After his older brothers fail to return from seeking their fortunes, Jack's unloving mother sends him to find them. As is often the case in stories of this sort, Jack performs acts of generosity or kindness towards various inhabitants of the natural and supernatural worlds which will pay off during later challenges. Jack is almost ego-less. He seems to think nothing of his own good deeds, and even when he hears about a princess available for marriage to whomever can pass three tests, he does not consider winning her but only deduces that this is where his brothers have gone. After he meets the princess, he is motivated to accept the impossible tasks not by love but out of pity for her imprisonment.
At this point the initiative in the story actually shifts to the princess, whose knowledge and initiative help Jack to succeed and guide their escape from the evil magician. She also takes the romantic lead in their relationship. Although Jack is the hero of the tale, the princess supplies talents and personality traits which complement his -- a rather wonderful depiction of marriage and governance.
September 6, 2010
I fell in love with this tale. When I first looked at the cover, I didn’t think I’d even like it, but it grew on me. Yes, this original fairy tale, with a Newfoundland, Canadian landscape is formulaic (three sons/the youngest “good� son/the winning of the princess by going through trials, etc.) but it’s told so lovingly, and it has an end I really appreciated. I tend not to like endings where there is too much vengeance and here there is really none at all. Not really.
I’d also assumed I wouldn’t like the illustrations but I ended up thinking they were gorgeous. Every page contains a worthy painting, and they all fit the story perfectly.
I think that Jack is a particularly fine hero, and his princess is a credible heroine as well. I came close to tears at points in this story; it was just lovely.
I thank Å·±¦ÓéÀÖâ€� friend Gundula for alerting me to this wonderful book.
I’d also assumed I wouldn’t like the illustrations but I ended up thinking they were gorgeous. Every page contains a worthy painting, and they all fit the story perfectly.
I think that Jack is a particularly fine hero, and his princess is a credible heroine as well. I came close to tears at points in this story; it was just lovely.
I thank Å·±¦ÓéÀÖâ€� friend Gundula for alerting me to this wonderful book.
January 9, 2020
Inspired by the folklore of Newfoundland, itself a reinvention of various European traditions, author Janet McNaughton spins this original fairy-tale about Jack, the youngest and (seemingly) least of three sons. Kindhearted and humble, he is dismissed as a fool by his own mother, and by his two older brothers, the eldest of whom (Tom) is very handsome, and the middle one (Bill) of whom is terribly clever. When Tom and Bill depart to seek their fortunes, and never return, it falls to Jack to seek them out, helping many creatures - some ants, a magical apple tree, and old woman by the side of the road, a local farmer - on his journey. His kindness and consideration is amply repaid, however, when he finds that he must perform three impossible tasks, in order to free a princess...
Many of the themes here will be familiar to folklore enthusiasts - the kindnesses shown to strangers (human, animal or arboreal) being rewarded, the three impossible tasks that the hero must perform, even the sorting of the wheat and the sand, with the aid of the ants - and will make Brave Jack and the Unicorn feel like an "old friend," while new elements (the unicorn!) will make it feel original and new. The combination of the two is very winsome, particularly for anyone (like me) who has a weakness for this sort of story. The acrylic illustrations by Susan Tooke are likewise appealing, despite what felt (at the beginning) like an unpromising cover image. I'd actually passed this title by, in a store, because the cover didn't appeal to me, so special thanks to my friend Gundula for reviewing it, and bringing it to my attention once again! It is definitely one that fairy-tale fans should pick up!
Many of the themes here will be familiar to folklore enthusiasts - the kindnesses shown to strangers (human, animal or arboreal) being rewarded, the three impossible tasks that the hero must perform, even the sorting of the wheat and the sand, with the aid of the ants - and will make Brave Jack and the Unicorn feel like an "old friend," while new elements (the unicorn!) will make it feel original and new. The combination of the two is very winsome, particularly for anyone (like me) who has a weakness for this sort of story. The acrylic illustrations by Susan Tooke are likewise appealing, despite what felt (at the beginning) like an unpromising cover image. I'd actually passed this title by, in a store, because the cover didn't appeal to me, so special thanks to my friend Gundula for reviewing it, and bringing it to my attention once again! It is definitely one that fairy-tale fans should pick up!
February 25, 2014
Written for read-alouds. Jack is a role-model of kindness and duty for young men to emulate. The illustrations present a dual world of contemporary clothing and housing gradually merging into the fairy realm. I liked this effect and think that it will draw children into the story.
July 7, 2019
Wonderful story!
February 5, 2014
I am a huge folklore/fairy tale fan and I loved the story. It had similar motifs to other folk tales I have read: someone shows kindness to small creatures, such as ants or bees, and is rewarded for his kindness later.
I liked the illustrations, but did not love them. But what was interesting is that the illustrator (Susan Tooke) painted landscapes of various parts of Newfoundland, where the story takes place. The place names are listed on the verso of the title page.
Also typical of this folktale is that the older two sons are favored, while the youngest son is looked down upon. But it is the youngest son who prevails in the end, in this case, he gets the girl (or princess).
In addition, young Jack is kind to the ants and to an apple tree, and is rewarded by both in due time. With their help, and the help of the princess, he defeats the evil magician who would take over the princess's kingdom. The author calls this "an original Newfoundland folktale," but as noted above, it does share similarities with other folktales that I have read in the past.
I liked the illustrations, but did not love them. But what was interesting is that the illustrator (Susan Tooke) painted landscapes of various parts of Newfoundland, where the story takes place. The place names are listed on the verso of the title page.
Also typical of this folktale is that the older two sons are favored, while the youngest son is looked down upon. But it is the youngest son who prevails in the end, in this case, he gets the girl (or princess).
In addition, young Jack is kind to the ants and to an apple tree, and is rewarded by both in due time. With their help, and the help of the princess, he defeats the evil magician who would take over the princess's kingdom. The author calls this "an original Newfoundland folktale," but as noted above, it does share similarities with other folktales that I have read in the past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2014
This was a familiar tale to me. I'm not sure if I've read this before or if the tales upon which this story was based are what I've heard before. Either way, this story didn't wow me as amazing or original. It was a nice telling of a tale of kindness and bravery, and the illustrations were a good accompaniment, but still - the book just didn't wow me.
February 18, 2014
Jack is brave and kind, and when he sets off to find his two brothers, his kindness leads him to find good fortune and love.
June 24, 2020
We liked it. The art work was impressive. It had a fairy tale quality (obviously) and was a story with a moral. A young man goes along his way, on a journey, performing good deeds for others, and his kindness is repaid in magical ways which ultimately help him save a princess from an evil magician.
November 4, 2020
I like the message of kindness bringing rewards, but it also has other messages and interactions that I don’t like- brothers and his mother being very mean to Jack.
library-priority
May 9, 2024report to unicorn thread in Children's Books
Want to read
May 28, 2011WHY: This book reminds me of a Latvian tale Logan liked, , adapted by the fabulous Eric Kimmel. In both stories, the least likely (on the surface) of three brothers to win the heart of a lady is the one who finally succeeds. In this tale, it's the least attractive one and in Kimmel's story it's the least clever. Both stories reward kindness. Although unicorns don't have the quite the draw for L that cats do, L is likely to love the illustrations.
June 4, 2012
My 7-year-old: "I love the unicorn and how nice Jack is."
My 4-year-old: "I loved it when the magician turned into a dragon and when the eagle got the rabbit."
This original Newfoundland folktale is about a young son who is unremarkable in personality or appearance yet accomplishes much through his compassion for others. It took kindness and wit and not bravery or muscle to outsmart the magician.
My 4-year-old: "I loved it when the magician turned into a dragon and when the eagle got the rabbit."
This original Newfoundland folktale is about a young son who is unremarkable in personality or appearance yet accomplishes much through his compassion for others. It took kindness and wit and not bravery or muscle to outsmart the magician.
September 21, 2016
This was a good book that I categorized in the fantasy genre. I would recommend this book for children in fourth grade or fifth grade. There are longer words, longer ages, and difficult things to understand for a younger child. The reader can learn social skills through the message that this book is introducing. There are no content concerns that I saw. Jack goes on a journey to find his brother and on the way he saved a princess.
September 10, 2014
See: The Enchanted Wood by Ruth Sanderson
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