The Unicorn Shore: The Secret of the Shell (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798998548000)

Title: The Unicorn Shore: The Secret of the Shell

Series: Book One of The Unicorn Shore series

Author: L.E. Dudley

Genre: Fantasy / Magical Adventure / Early Chapter Book

Target Age Range: 6-9 years

Word Count: 13,000 words

Estimated Lexile Range: 340L-360L

Narrative Style: Third person, simplified language, emotionally rich storytelling

Summary:

The Unicorn Shore: The Secret of the Shell

Book One in a Magical Chapter Book Series for Young Readers

Nine-year-old Marigold always believed her grandmother Pearl's stories about magic hidden in the waves. But during a visit to her grandmother's beach cottage, nothing could prepare her for the moment she finds a shimmering seashell, shaped like a unicorn's horn-and it whispers her name.

Swept away to the Unicorn Shore, a magical land where unicorns sparkle, seashells whisper secrets, and belief is the key to everything, Marigold discovers she's been chosen to help with a dangerous mission. The magical bond between the Unicorn Shore and the human world is fading, and if it breaks, the connection between the realms will be lost forever.

With the help of a wise unicorn named Coral, a snack-loving sidekick called Nibbles, and the fastest unicorn on four hooves-Spark-Marigold must uncover an ancient riddle hidden in a forgotten lighthouse and face the powerful sea spirit know as Stormcaller.

Will Marigold be brave enough to believe in herself-and the magic within her?

Perfect for fans of fairy tales, friendship, and magical adventure, this is a heartwarming story of courage, belonging, and the power of believing in magic.

The Unicorn Shore: The Secret of the Shell is an early chapter book designed for developing readers aged 6-9. With an estimated Lexile range of 340L-360L, it provides an ideal bridge between beginning reader books and more advanced chapter books. Featuring accessible vocabulary, shorter sentences, and imaginative storytelling rooted in themes of courage, belonging, and friendship, it is perfect for strong 1st grade readers, as well as grade-level 2nd and 3rd graders.

Fans of Magic Tree House, Unicorn Academy and Dragon Girls will find an engaging, age-appropriate adventure that nurtures confidence, emotional growth, and a lifelong love of reading.

Core Themes:

1. Belief and Imagination
2. Courage and Personal Growth
3. Friendship and Teamwork
4. Restoring Balance and Environmental Symbolism
5. Intergenerational Wisdom and Legacy through storytelling
6. Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (Healing broken communities)
7. Identity and Self-Worth (Being "Chosen" When You Feel Invisible)
8. Emotional Healing and Inner Strength