Unicorn Detective 1: Who Stole the Mermaid's Purse?
Hardcover
AnimalsChapter BooksGeneral Juvenile Fiction
Publisher Price: $18.99
ISBN13: 9781223189697
Publisher: Paw Prints Publishing
Published: Dec 15 2026
Pages: 112
Language: English
A top-secret case. A mythical mystery. And a crime-fighting unicorn detective with no patience for nonsense (or split ends).
Detective Spark Bubblewand takes pride in two things: his flawless mane and flawless case record. He thought he'd seen it all working at the Mythical Bureau of Investigation. But when a fairy causes chaos and a mermaid's magical purse goes missing, Spark finds himself up to his horn in a case that's stranger than a sasquatch's shower schedule. Spark and his big-footed rookie partner Squatch will have to follow the clues and outsmart the Rainbow Realm's cleverest creatures to crack the case--before it's too late. Mystery, mayhem, and magical mishaps await in this laugh-out-loud adventure that proves one thing: Not all heroes need capes. Some just need a little bit of magic... and a lot of glitter. Unicorn Detective is an illustrated chapter book series featuring a clever unicorn detective, his big-foot partner, and mysteries rooted in global folklore and mythology. Who Stole the Mermaid's Purse? is the first title in the series, and the next two in the series--one featuring leprechauns and the other werewolves--will follow in 2027.Baines's beat is typically nonfiction, and appended notes on real mermaid purses, mermaid myths, mice, Blackbeard, and more, along with a character guide, show her sure hand. Spark's vanity and silly swears (Fluffy frog fingers!) and Squatch's earnest misunderstandings add amusement. Marks' goofy line drawings enliven every page. The mash-up of fantastical elements and hardboiled detective story will garner plenty of fans for this series opener. Magic and laughs fuel an engaging and goofy mystery. --Kirkus Reviews
Features:
- Unicorns, mermaids, sasquatches--oh my! A laugh-out-loud chapter book mystery featuring a cast of mythical creatures, led by an unforgettable unicorn detective and his lovable yeti sidekick.
- Blends wacky humor with social-emotional themes, including teamwork, intuition, fairness, and first impressions.
- For fans of Inspector Flytrap, InvestiGators, and Unicorn Diaries--this is the perfect bridge from picture books to chapter books for ages 6-9.
- Packed with cinematic storytelling, cliffhanger chapter endings, and clever banter, ideal for reluctant readers or classroom read-alouds.
- Mythical world-building meets detective noir, featuring secret organizations, decoy villains, and a mystery with a cheese-based twist no one will see coming.
- Backmatter includes fun facts based on the characters and storylines from the book, presented as Detective Notes.
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