Griso: The One and Only

PreS-Gr 3--Griso, the last of the Unicorns, gallops across the plains in search of another unicorn. On each vibrantly illustrated page, he travels the world encountering creatures, from chameleons, to buffaloes, to sea-unicorns. As Griso meets the various creatures, he shape-shifts to resemble their likenesses; alas, he can find no one just like him! Batchelder Honor author and illustrator Mello has exquisitely presented works of art throughout history to depict Griso's travels in search of companionship. Spanning the seventh to 18th centuries, with artwork including Tang dynasty murals, medieval tapestries, African paintings, and Egyptian pyramids, Griso transforms to appear in each artistic style. Following the story is a listing of every illustration's origin, time period, and a note about the legends of unicorns throughout literature. Translated from Portuguese, the text accompanying the artwork perfectly coalesces the beautiful story. VERDICT This is an artistic masterpiece introducing readers to centuries of artistic movements, while reinforcing the strengths and merits of being one's authentic self.--Michele Shaw

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Painting each of the story's beats in illustrations inspired by a distinct art style, Mello creates a tale about Griso, "the last of the unicorns," on a lengthy search for "another just like him." The being appears first as a folk form, covered with spirals, interlocked hands, and other motifs--an image, per back matter, that's based on seventh-century Germanic art. Spreads that mimic Tang Dynasty murals, 18th-century Indian paintings, 20th-century surrealism, and more follow the wandering beast, and 10th-century Egyptian decoration inspires the painting in which Griso, at last, meets a mythical creature that's just as unique and weary as he is. Velvety storytelling text appears throughout, such as that which describes Griso settling down for the night: "And so he went to sleep, in the lap of the night, and then the night itself drifted off, too." Griso may be the one and only, but he's rendered in many different variations throughout this veritable unicorn tapestry, which demonstrates, with power and immediacy, each style's particular way of seeing. A list of art styles and notes concludes. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

An evocative, enchanting tale of the quest for community.

"This Brazilian import is an artful tour de force." —Stephanie Tournas, Youth Services Book Review

"Griso encourages you to take inspiration from the world's art, and to feel freedom in exploring alternative styles. It also speaks to the feeling of yearning, and of close, watchful study of a color, artwork, or line. Griso makes you want to prop up a museum stool, gaze at a medieval tapestry for hours, and set to work on observing all that you can." — Emma Raddatz, Elsewhere Editions director interviewed in Publishers Weekly