Today I'll Be a Unicorn

Phoebe and Her Unicorn

by Dana Simpson

Who wouldn't want to be a unicorn?

In this charming, super-sparkly board book, the stars of Phoebe and Her Unicorn celebrate the magical and enchanting world of being a unicorn, along with reminding young readers that being yourself is pretty great, too.

Who wouldn’t want to be a unicorn? You get to trot majestically through meadows, perch high up on rainbows, and wear tiaras made of starlight. Phoebe lists all the wonderful things she’ll get to do and can hardly contain her excitement about having a tail and magic horn. That is, until she learns that unicorns like to eat hay instead of pizza. Maybe she’ll be a unicorn tomorrow instead!

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Childrens, Unicorns, Magic, Graphic Novels, Fiction

12 pages, Board Book

First published May 8, 2018

About the author

Dana Claire Simpson grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington, drawing the entire time. She eventually graduated from The Evergreen State College, despite having spent all her time drawing, and not always for credit.

Attempts at doing real work along the way are hardly worth mentioning; the relevant fact is that, from 1998 to 2008, she drew the internet comic strip Ozy and Millie. After winning the Amazon-sponsored Comic Strip Superstar Contest in 2009, Universal Uclick signed her to a development deal for Heavenly Nostrils.

She currently lives in the Seattle area with her tech genius husband and her fairly stupid cat.

Reviews

[Shai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't expect that this graphic novel is just a 6-page storybook for young kids. If you are familiar with the author Dana Simpson and her Heavenly Nostrils series, you knew already that the books target middle graders and young adults. As for "Today I'll Be a Unicorn," it is intended for kids ages 7 and below. Although this latest book by Simpson is for younger readers, fans of the graphic novel series will still love this release.

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

🦄 Happy Unicorn Day! 🦄

The illustrations are everything in Today I’ll Be a Unicorn. This gorgeous board book features Phoebe and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils from Dana Simpson’s Phoebe and Her Unicorn graphic novels.

Phoebe dresses and acts like a unicorn throughout the board book accompanied by her unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. Phoebe is excited about dressing up with unicorn ears and a horn, which are both attached to a headband decorated with beautiful flowers. She loves trotting through meadows with her unicorn tail flowing behind her. She enjoys all aspects of being a unicorn. Then she discovers that maybe being a young girl is sometimes better than being a unicorn. I’m inclined to agree with her reasoning!

Today I’ll Be a Unicorn is light on words but shines with personality. Phoebe’s expressions are captured so well, from excited to blissful, from dumbfounded to happy and content. I loved the choice of colours used, ranging from soft yet bright pastels to a vibrant rainbow.

I can imagine this becoming a favourite bedtime story. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

[Chance Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm already a unicorn.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

So I am normally not a big fan of the Unicorn/Heavenly Nostrils comics, but I just couldn't resist this one. It looked just too cute to ignore, plus I wanted to see the girl get to be a unicorn!

The book tells us all about the little girl, how she dons a tail and a magic horn (tail stuck to her middle, horn is a headband with some cute ears and flowers) and then goes to prance around the fields, just like a unicorn. There are rainbows, sparkles, and more! But is being a unicorn really that fun? Haha, I am not going to tell you, but I do know that I was totally agreeing with the girl at the end.

The book is quite short, just 12/14 pages, but it is packed with cuteness, glitter, colours and more! The art really shines in this one.

It was definitely a very fun and cute read that I would recommend to everyone. Unicorn lovers unite!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[La Coccinelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this one loses something in translation to e-book format. The synopsis describes it as a super-sparkly board book, but of course there are no sparkles to be had in the digital format.

It's also very short. It's cute, but it's almost like someone took a couple of panels of the comic that's featured in the full-length books and stretched it out to make a picture book. There's nothing wrong with it, and it will be a nice way to introduce much younger kids to the characters, but it's probably not going to have a lot of appeal to the kids who are reading the full comic collections.

[Books and Gelato · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short delight, a delight nonetheless.

Today I'll Be a Unicorn by Dana Simpson

Today I'll Be a Unicorn was fun to read to my little sisters, they liked it and I did too, the drawing was fun ,we all liked it, but we all realised a little flaw.
It was too short even my youngest sister realised.

If it was a little longer it would've been nice, but other than that the story was simple, the drawing was attracting, the title and topic was nice, a good bedtime story and a quick read.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Unicoooooorn!

[Elley Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute book with gorgeous illustrations. That unicorn... LOVE. Nice and short so it's PERFECT for a bedtime story (especially when they want "just one more book, Mommy" and you really want them to just go to sleep... You know what I'm talking about.)

[Mindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was a pretty cute little book but it was just too short! It's not quite simple enough to be a really good board book (which I feel this is the appropriate length) and it's just too short to be considered a good picture book. I wish they had done more together instead of the first thing together being the only deciding factor as to why she'd want to be a unicorn. It just doesn't really let the kids reading the book use their imagination. For what it was, it war pretty cute though and the illustrations were adorable.

I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[orangerful]

Sparkly picture book featuring Phoebe and Heavenly Nostrils. Just as cute as it sounds.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Today I'll Be a Unicorn" by Dana Simpson was found on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5FNS.... This book is geared towards the primary levels. Phoebe, decides one day she wants to be a unicorn and do unicorn things. Until the end, she finds out that unicorns like to eat hay so she doesn't want to be a unicorn because she likes pizza. This book could be used to teach students to be yourself! Unicorns are such a wild thing, you see them everywhere with rainbows. It brings joy to someone's face & by having it in a book will invite any reader to pick it up and read it. I did, however, only give it three stars because the book was quite a short read. I wanted to see more examples.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded up because of my appreciation for the characters.

At work yesterday, I saw a copy of this board book on the accidental returns shelf, and I was pleased to have a chance to read it. However, it definitely is something that I would want to read for free, because it's very short and doesn't have much of a story. This can be a fun introduction to Phoebe and Marigold for younger siblings of kids who love the graphic novel series, but it's not a strong story in and of itself, or for someone who doesn't already know the characters.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute sweet book with hilarious ending. <3

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe and Marigold are my favorite cartoon duo since Calvin and Hobbes.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel is a great metaphor on conformity in today’s society. In an attempt to truly become the unicorn the little girl dons a tail and magic horn, this is a great example of purposely choosing the path of the outsider. The unicorn-esque accessories represent the embodiment of individuality while simultaneously calling to ones self and thusly, separating from the mundane.

While trotting through the forest, the girl envisions herself as the “most beautiful of all creatures”, this speaks power in and of itself. Beauty should not be defined by other people, the media or society. Beauty is a state of self awareness, a mindset, an illusion. Human beings are intrinsically beautiful creatures and the validation that our society places on beauty is a barbaric act that only leads to the lowering of self esteem to all but the privileged few.

The girl also views her house from high up top a rainbow and that scene draws nothing but the upmost admiration about how a loving stable family is the key to happiness. In a loving stable family, one looks forward to spending time at ones home. A home provides security, safety and respite from stress of everyday life and problems.

As the girl wears her tiara of starlight that shows that a healthy imagination only leads to seeing the silver lining in all scenarios which results in an optimistic, bright and successful future. If you are constantly bogged down or always see the worst and can never see the great little details of life then what exactly is the point of everything? Life is about having fun, having new experiences and enjoying life.

However, the book does have a dark note when the girl is introduced to the dietary lifestyle of a unicorn. When the girl is informed that unicorns don’t eat pizza and eat hay instead, the little girl appears mortified. Her delusions that the unicorn is indeed “the most beautiful of all creatures” is now reinforced to become that one must obtain an eating disorder.

In the end the girl decides that living life her way is the best of all. The benefits of becoming a unicorn does not live up to the restrictions one must follow to maintain appearances of such. Which in my opinion is how people should choose to live there lives. Do not live your life with people telling how you should do things, find your own way and have your way while doing so.

[Ula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was very sweet. I love the illustrations, they're very colourful and cute. I felt the story was too short but remembered that it was a board book and those are usually short. I read it to my daughters and they enjoyed it. Great way to introduce kids to these characters. Thank you for the chance to review the book.

[Satangan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Source: Hoopla Digital (Free Borrow)
[November 2022 Bonus Borrow]
Format: Ebook
Length: 12 Pages, but I olnly had 8 total pages.
Genre: Childrens

Rating: 3.25

This book was really short and was easily finished reading within a minute.
I borrowed this book at the end of November for the bonus borrow but kind of forgot about it because of so many other books I am reading. Anyways, I finally read it and kind of felt like there could be more. I mean it was a cute book and imagination comes into play here.

A little girl who wants to play unicorn for a day, but would rather eat pizza instead of hay. So she decides to be a unicorn tomorrow. LOl, that last page was cute (Pages 6 and 7)..

This honestly reminds me of when I have to babysit my toddler nieces and we like to play pretend with our imagination. I feel like this book is more of encouraging kids to play and be whatever they want and have fun with it.

The illustrations are really well drawn. You can see how much fun it is to be a unicorn or just a regular girl.

On a side note, if I ever saw this book in store or somewhere else as a board book version. I know I would get all the sparkles this book promised it would be (look like), rather than it being in ebook form and I would find it possibly cuter in person. The cover of the book was what intrigued me to read it and plus, who doesn't like unicorns.

This was my first reading of Heavenly Nostrils series, but I wouldn't mind reading more from this author. I'm also reading "Ozy and Millie" too.

[Claire Healy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I discovered the children's picture book Today I’ll Be a Unicorn by Jessi Simms on the Book Riot website. This charming story follows a girl who decides to be a unicorn for the day. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful, making it feel like you’re watching a fun children’s cartoon come to life.

Though the book is short and simple, it carries many valuable messages for kids. It encourages them to use their imagination, dream big, and realize they can be anything they want. It's all about sparking creativity and the importance of being yourself.

The story ends with the girl realizing that being a unicorn means eating hay, so she decides to go back to being herself so she can enjoy pizza instead. This ending adds another powerful message for children: it’s important to embrace who you are and stay true to yourself. It shows that while we may sometimes wish to be something else, it’s always best to be exactly who we are.

The picture book incorporates some of the elements highlighted in Chapter 9 of Essentials of Children’s Literature. In the picture book they include the supernatural with the unicorn portrayed as both a mythical creature and a friend to the girl. Additionally, there is a shifting of worlds present because the girl shifts from being in her room getting ready to being on a rainbow and a magical journey with her unicorn friend and then back to the real world at the end of the story to eat pizza. I think this would be a perfect book for young readers, sparking their creativity and encouraging them to dream big while staying authentic to themselves.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fantasy children’s book, “ Today I’ll be a Unicorn by Dana Simpson,” tells the story of Phoebe describing the world as a unicorn until she realizes unicorns eat hay and not pizza. After that realization, she wants to be herself again and maybe wants to be a unicorn another time. The purpose of this story is to know that it's great to be yourself and know what you want and want to do. Something Phoebe wanted was pizza and being a unicorn did not come with that sensual gratification of enjoying a pizza. This is a WOW book because not only is it short and straight to the point, but it’s also inspiring since sometimes I wish I was someone else but then I realize that’s not how it works. It reminds kids that they are unique in their way and they don’t need to pretend to be someone they are not.
The author’s writing craft is very straightforward and easy to read as well. There was a lot of imagery involved as well, as she described in each picture what the items were, and what she was holding or doing. It was a short book from the point of view of the little girl. This book is anti-bias since it talks about being an animal rather than being someone else like famous or rich. It avoids any topics that may be taken the wrong way. I would say this book contributes mostly to the cultural contexts since is mostly about being a different person but then seeing how that wasn’t the case and going back to her old self

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the fantasy genre with a kindergarten reading level. While it appears humorous, and it is, this book provides a message that communicates the importance of being yourself. In this book, the main character wants to be a unicorn until she realizes that sometimes it's much better to be herself instead. The illustrations are very entertaining and definitely further interested me in the book. However the text is most definitely minimal and would be more beneficial for lower elementary grades. It could be used for both read aloud and individual reading, but I don't think it would be as beneficial for upper elementary grades. I could see this book being included in a lesson about the importance of diversity because it talks about the importance of not trying to be someone else and to focus on who you already are. It could also be tied into a lesson on bullying because it promotes differences and sheds a positive light on individuality. This book's simplicity could be beneficial for students who are still working on building their foundational reading skills. It also introduces fantasy but ties it to reality, which I think will make more sense to younger students because it's more relatable to them versus a book that is strictly fantasy.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. The gifting of this eARC in no way influenced my review and all opinions expressed within are entirely my own.

That being said, this book was adorable! I initially downloaded it because a friend of mine loves unicorns and I knew it would be a hit with my daughter, as well.

The book revolves around a little girl who decides she's going to be a unicorn today. She talks about all the fun things she's going to do while being a unicorn. Then her unicorn friend lets her in on a little secret - unicorns eat hay. Well, the little girl isn't going to eat hay today. Maybe she'll be a unicorn tomorrow, instead.

Adorable and hilarious. I have watched my toddlers pretend to be something, only to find out a small detail (like unicorns don't get to eat pizza - they eat hay) and nope, they aren't going to pretend that anymore. This book was a beautifully illustrated representation of the whims of a child's imagination.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every child loves unicorns. They are the most charming creatures in the mythical world. The main character is a little girl with a unicorn friend, that likes to pretend she's herself a unicorn. She likes to dress and act like a unicorn. She has a great time embodying a really joyful and excited unicorn. Until lunchtime. That's when she finds out that unicorns don't eat pizza. Really? They actually only eat hay. That's a big no-no. So, little Phoebe (that's the girl's name) decides that maybe she'll be a unicorn tomorrow as she tackles her yummy slices of pizza. :) After all, childish imagination is always there, to be used when and as you want.

This book is adequate for young children because it doesn't have much text, usually a sentence every two pages. The main attractions are the colorful and bright illustrations.

This is a very short board book, meant for very young children, toddlers and preschoolers. An ideal book for bedtime. Sweet and cute with a touch of humor.

I received this book as an eARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Today I'll Be a Unicorn' by Dana Simpson is a board book based on the hilarious Heavenly Nostrils series.

A young girl, who readers of Heavenly Nostrils will recognize as Phoebe, narrates the book. She wants to be a unicorn with all the cool things like a tail and a horn. It all sounds rather grand until she finds out what a unicorn eats.

I like the Heavenly Nostrils series, so why not create a board book? It's charming. The illustrations are simplified a bit for younger readers and the story is colorful. It's light on any kind of lesson, and might promote eating pizza for young readers, but I liked it well enough.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[Kathryn (Dragon Bite Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally published on my blog, Nine Pages .

This book uses characters from Dana Simpson’s graphic novel series, Heavenly Nostrils, but the story and the characters are fairly universal, really. A young girl wants to be a unicorn. She dons a tail and a headband with horse ears, a horn, and a crown of flowers. With her unicorn friend, she prances through the meadow and sits atop a rainbow. But unicorns don’t eat pizza. So maybe tomorrow she will be a unicorn. There’s perhaps not much original about this story; it’s been done before with other animals—and I think even with pizza. I’m not sure how much I care about the originality. The story remains cute, and Simpson’s illustrations are delightfully whimsical.

[Paul Franco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike most of the Phoebe and her Unicorn books, this one is short and sweet. . . well, okay, they’re always sweet, but this one is really short. It feels more like one of the Sunday specials the strip is known for, though this one seems to be more geared for little kids.
Over the years I’ve been reading this strip, and its books, I’ve seen Phoebe dressed in all manners and styles, but even though the horn looks okay, the tail doesn’t work for me, just makes her too strange.
Excellent twist at the end, as the author is prone to doing.

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

These board books are both cute and adorable! Phoebe books are all about adventure and imagination using magic that only little kids possess. Add an adorable unicorn... and you'll have a beautifully written and enchanting story. Absolutely love the story, especially the quirky ending... reminds me of my daughter, Katie, and my niece, Hannah. The illustrations are bright, beautiful, fun and a perfect compliment to the story.

There's a theme of friendship which is ideal for young children!

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a new book at our library so it was sitting on the top of the children's shelves. As our daughter has become very interested in unicorns (thanks to the Dungeons and Dragons cartoon) I thought this would be perfect for her (and us) to read.

I am very disappointed. I guess I expected more of the little girl being a unicorn with her new friend. I know that it is a board book and so it will be short to keep a young child's attention but I felt it was lacking in an actual story.

My daughter seemed to like it but she hasn't asked me to reread it.

[Mary Letterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Phoebe and Her Unicorn series of graphic novels. I purchased them from my elementary school library and when the students don’t actually have them checked out (not often), I read them. So when a new title appeared at my public library as an ebook I checked it out for some light summer reading. Well it was extra light because I didn’t realize it was published as a board book! Honestly this review took longer to write in the book did to read. However I think it is a charming board book and would be a terrific present for any new parent.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book was shorter than expected, I felt that it would be the perfect pick for a bedtime story. The colors used in the illustrations are very dreamy and whimsical, and will have your little one dreaming of being a unicorn in no time. Absolutely loved it, and will be checking out more from this author as soon as I can.

I received this from #NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe describes all the things she'll do as a unicorn, but when Marigold tells her what unicorns eat Phoebe has second thoughts.

Phoebe and Marigold's first venture into picture books is a glorious success according to my nieces. They're too young to appreciate the comic strip, but they loved this, all the things a unicorn does, and the slightly silly ending. Recommended for little unicorn fans.