I’m so excited that today is the day the illustrated hardcover of the second book in the Unicorn Island series, Secret Beneath the Sand, is released! You can order it here at your favorite bookseller. If you do, I’d love to send you a bookmark and autographed book plate label for you—or another special reader. Just email me your address and who you’d like the book personalized for at donna@donnagalanti.com.
It’s been a wonderful journey writing the Unicorn Island series and it all started with my publisher who said, “I’d like for you to write a book about a girl who has to take care of a unicorn.” And of course, I said YES to that because … unicorns! They are magical, wondrous, and mysterious. 🦄
In Volume 2 of the series, Sam and Tuck are on their way to becoming unicorn protectors when they discover new secrets about the island that threaten unicorns’ existence!
Sam can’t believe how much her life and luck have changed since she came to Foggy Harbor: First, she discovered that unicorns are real, and now she’s on her way to becoming an actual unicorn protector! With her new friend, Tuck, by her side during Uncle Mitch’s lessons, Sam finally feels like she’s home.
But as the long-buried dangers of Unicorn Island begin to surface and a mysterious scourge spreads throughout the herd, Sam learns the truth behind Aunt Sylvie’s disappearance and her own connection to the island. With determination, courage, and fierce loyalty to one another—and to their code as unicorn protectors—the kids set out to protect the island’s secrecy and the unicorns’ very existence.
Wonderful news has been rolling in about the book and here are some advance reviews …
“A sweet but not overly sugary treat for unicorn devotees.” – Kirkus Reviews
“The story-line was thrilling … a fantastic page turning, edge of your seat tale.” – Goodreads reviewer
Here is a sneak peek at the amazing artwork by Bethany Stancliffe!
Download these fun Secret Beneath the Sand activities! And of course you can watch the thrilling book trailer below.
Check out an excerpt from Secret Beneath the Sand:
Sam frowned. A month ago, it had seemed that Mel, Foggy Harbor’s veterinarian and Tuck’s mom, had cured Barloc of a strange illness. But now that Sam thought about it, the young unicorn had seemed more tired this past week. He was running more slowly and sleeping a lot more.
She knelt in front of Barloc, looking into his violet eyes. I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I promise. She gripped the necklace that Verny had given to her. Made from a unicorn tail, it was a symbol of his trust.
Barloc closed his eyes. I’m just tired. I have been since I got back to the island.
Sam bent her head to his and laid a hand on his horn. It felt warm against her fingers. She frowned and held the back of her hand against his horn to make sure she wasn’t imagining things. It was definitely radiating heat.
“Uncle Mitch,” Sam said, her voice quavering, “I think something’s wrong with Barloc.”
Uncle Mitch quickly knelt down next to her. He checked the young unicorn’s eyes and breathing, then stroked his horn.
“His horn is warm,” Sam whispered. “What does it mean?”
Uncle Mitch shook his head and bit his lip as he continued his inspection. Barloc whinnied softly, looking into Sam’s eyes.
“I know you don’t want to think about this, but . . . it could be the sign of another disease,” Tuck said.
“No!” Sam shook her head and jumped up. As she did, the ground beneath her suddenly rocked. She fell to her knees as the earth buckled. Uncle Mitch grabbed both her and Tuck, pulling them in close as Verny screeched and took to the skies, circling overhead with frenzied dips.
The herd bolted across the meadow in confusion and fear as Barloc bowed his head, digging his hooves into the quaking earth.
Watch for the 3rd and final volume of Unicorn Island to release in hardcover winter 2023.
Happy Reading!
XXOO–Donna
I had so much fun talking about the behind scenes ideas and creation of Unicorn Island 
365 DAYS TO ALASKA by 
MARY UNDERWATER by 
THE BRAVE by 
