Secret Beneath the Sand (Unicorn Island #2), by Donna Galanti, illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe

In my review of Unicorn Island: The Secret of Lost Luck, the first book in Donna Galanti's series for elementary school readers, I said:   "This is very much a "book 1," introducing the characters and setting the stage for the series. It's more than just an introduction--the new friendship, the discoveries, and the baby unicorn are a solid story--but readers might feel when then finish it that they were just getting started, and will want the next book right away!"  And now I have read the next book, Secret Beneath the Sand (March 8th 2022, Andrews McMeel Publishing). and can say once again that young readers will want the 3rd book straight away too!

Sam now knows her uncle's big secret--he's the caretaker of a magical island off the coast that's shielded by magical mist to keep it safe from discovery.  It's home to unicorns and other magical creatures, and Sam is gung-ho to pitch right in and help out!  But her uncle hasn't shared all his secrets.  When the magic of the island starts draining away, threating the unicorns, one of the darkest of his secrets proves to be responsible for a monstrous manifestation on the island must be confronted.  And Sam is the one who has to lead the charge, even though it upends her world.

This is a perfect series to give to an elementary school kid who loves fantasy and who is still getting their reading feet firmly under them!  The sparkly cover with its shiny stars and the pleasant interior illustrations add kid friendliness.  Although I enjoyed reading this, and appreciated that there was some complexity to the plot involving family secrets, I think the story doesn't have quite enough heft for the older "middle grade" age range of 11-12, but younger readers may well love it!  I would have devoured this joyfully when I was seven or so....so give it to the kid that's been binging Early Reader and young graphic novels about unicorns!

disclaimer: review copy received from the publisher