Griso, the One and Only

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.)