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Phoebe and Her Unicorn #1
Fibi und ihr Einhorn
Diese Freundschaft beginnt mit einem perfekten Wurf, denn der Stein springt so oft über das Wasser, dass er es bis auf die andere Seite des Sees schafft.
Naja zumindest fast, denn er wird von einem Tier aufgehalten. Halt, einem Tier? Ja schon, aber etwas ungewöhnlich ist es doch.
Weißer Körper, eine perfekte Mähne, vier Beine und Hufe wie ein Pferd, aber was hat es denn vor der Stirn?
Ein Horn! Am anderen Ufer des Sees steht ein echtes Einhorn!
Naja zumindest fast, denn er wird von einem Tier aufgehalten. Halt, einem Tier? Ja schon, aber etwas ungewöhnlich ist es doch.
Weißer Körper, eine perfekte Mähne, vier Beine und Hufe wie ein Pferd, aber was hat es denn vor der Stirn?
Ein Horn! Am anderen Ufer des Sees steht ein echtes Einhorn!
224 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
621 people are currently reading
8148 people want to read
About the author
Dana Simpson
59 books338 followersDana 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,103 reviews
July 22, 2017
Hands down, Phoebe and Her Unicorn earns the award for literature’s most deceptive cover. Given its pink, glittery, unicorn-adorned front one would expect this title to be the graphic novel equivalent of Daisy Meadow’s (why select a pseudonym that so closely resembles that of a stripper? WHY??!!) kid-crack Rainbow Fairies series. A nauseating blend of cotton candy and insulting female stereotypes. BUT trust, this book….. this book is NOT that. At all.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn has all the sarcasm and dry wit of Calvin & Hobbes. It features Phoebe, a desperately lonely 4th grader who enjoys gaming in her free time (fuck that gender norms). Her classmates endlessly bully her, especially archenemy and Head Mean Girl Dakota, who has dubbed Phoebe “Princess Stupidbutt.” Don’t be deterred, believe me it gets better. Captain Underpants this is not.
Things take a turn for the better when Phoebe skips a rock across a pond smacking a unicorn right in the noggin. This action rescues the unicorn who’s been magically held captive. See, unicorns are essentially narcissists (no, I’m not joking) and easily distracted by their reflections. Relishing in their sheer awesomeness. In exchange for her freedom the unicorn, named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils (toldja: so not a "Rainbow Fairies" type book), offers to grant Phoebe one wish. Money, fame, limitless gaming, all at her fingertips…..Phoebe says NAH. What does she choose? For Marigold to become her bestie. Heartwarming but even Marigold contains enough self-awareness to basically reply: “are you for real, kid???....TAKE THE MONEY!!!”
May the adventures of Phoebe and Marigold commence! And they do...Phoebe introduces Marigold to such worldly pleasures as slumber parties, family dinners, trick or treating, “shield of boringness.”
Phoebe and Her Unicorn is laugh-out-loud hilarious. Marigold plays straight-man to Phoebe’s age-appropriate eccentric. There’s obvious situational humor combined with quippy one-liners, whip-smart dialogue and an abundance of snark. While it lacks Calvin & Hobbes’ academic references, the story is similarly entertaining. At my library, kids of both genders are equally enamored with the story and clamor to get their hands on the latest installment. Highly recommend.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn has all the sarcasm and dry wit of Calvin & Hobbes. It features Phoebe, a desperately lonely 4th grader who enjoys gaming in her free time (fuck that gender norms). Her classmates endlessly bully her, especially archenemy and Head Mean Girl Dakota, who has dubbed Phoebe “Princess Stupidbutt.” Don’t be deterred, believe me it gets better. Captain Underpants this is not.
Things take a turn for the better when Phoebe skips a rock across a pond smacking a unicorn right in the noggin. This action rescues the unicorn who’s been magically held captive. See, unicorns are essentially narcissists (no, I’m not joking) and easily distracted by their reflections. Relishing in their sheer awesomeness. In exchange for her freedom the unicorn, named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils (toldja: so not a "Rainbow Fairies" type book), offers to grant Phoebe one wish. Money, fame, limitless gaming, all at her fingertips…..Phoebe says NAH. What does she choose? For Marigold to become her bestie. Heartwarming but even Marigold contains enough self-awareness to basically reply: “are you for real, kid???....TAKE THE MONEY!!!”
May the adventures of Phoebe and Marigold commence! And they do...Phoebe introduces Marigold to such worldly pleasures as slumber parties, family dinners, trick or treating, “shield of boringness.”
Phoebe and Her Unicorn is laugh-out-loud hilarious. Marigold plays straight-man to Phoebe’s age-appropriate eccentric. There’s obvious situational humor combined with quippy one-liners, whip-smart dialogue and an abundance of snark. While it lacks Calvin & Hobbes’ academic references, the story is similarly entertaining. At my library, kids of both genders are equally enamored with the story and clamor to get their hands on the latest installment. Highly recommend.
August 24, 2025
Adorable. Who wouldn't want Marigold Heavenly Nostrils as a best friend? (Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is the unicorn, by the way – I thought I should clear that up because otherwise I just sound like a weirdo.) Even though I'm *slightly* older than the intended audience, I found parts of this book to be laugh-out-loud funny. But don't just take my word for it …
Phoebe: Let's play something nobody wins or loses. Like … “DETECTIVE AGENCY”! I'll be intrepid sleuth Phoebe Hardboiledson, and you'll be … um … My desk!
Marigold: Because I have four legs? That is typecasting.
See? Hilarious.
I might actually read some of the other books in the series with my eleven-year-old son. There will be eye-rolling and he'll almost certainly pretend to be too cool for books about unicorns, but I think he'll secretly love them.
Phoebe: Let's play something nobody wins or loses. Like … “DETECTIVE AGENCY”! I'll be intrepid sleuth Phoebe Hardboiledson, and you'll be … um … My desk!
Marigold: Because I have four legs? That is typecasting.
See? Hilarious.
I might actually read some of the other books in the series with my eleven-year-old son. There will be eye-rolling and he'll almost certainly pretend to be too cool for books about unicorns, but I think he'll secretly love them.
July 22, 2017
Not laugh-out-loud funny, but it'll surely make you smile. Cute, lovely and witty. Recommended!!
"Is this meant to be science or art?"
"Both. I call it sart."
October 7, 2023
I picked this up because I liked the premise and I thought my daughter might like it and wanted to see how she'd react. Turns out that my daughter already subscribes to the webcomic. That's some superior Dadding right there, I tell you...
Anyway, I had some free time this afternoon and spent it with Phoebe and Marigold and was thoroughly charmed. Peter S. Beagle mentions this volume in light of Calvin and Hobbes in his introduction and I think he's spot on. Read that again. Peter S. Beagle wrote the introduction to this unicorn book!!! That is just. so. perfect! I had a nerdgasm before I'd even started the book.
Where was I? Oh yeah, I think his bringing in Calvin and Hobbes is inspired in that non-obvious but completely perfect kind of way you get with really insightful artists, sometimes. Phoebe isn't Calvin's brand of activity and mischief so the story isn't really similar. But if you replaced Calvin with a self-assured, but kind of quiet, nerd girl with a friend unicorn, this is exactly what you'd have. Simpson gave me lots of goldeny laugh-out-loud moments, the occasional verklemming, and a deep appreciation for a good story well-told. I just loved each new development and the deepening relationship between our two main characters.
So yeah, I heartily recommend this for anyone willing to roll with a magical unicorn who sometimes gets lost in contemplating her own perfection and a nerd girl who wants a best friend.
Anyway, I had some free time this afternoon and spent it with Phoebe and Marigold and was thoroughly charmed. Peter S. Beagle mentions this volume in light of Calvin and Hobbes in his introduction and I think he's spot on. Read that again. Peter S. Beagle wrote the introduction to this unicorn book!!! That is just. so. perfect! I had a nerdgasm before I'd even started the book.
Where was I? Oh yeah, I think his bringing in Calvin and Hobbes is inspired in that non-obvious but completely perfect kind of way you get with really insightful artists, sometimes. Phoebe isn't Calvin's brand of activity and mischief so the story isn't really similar. But if you replaced Calvin with a self-assured, but kind of quiet, nerd girl with a friend unicorn, this is exactly what you'd have. Simpson gave me lots of goldeny laugh-out-loud moments, the occasional verklemming, and a deep appreciation for a good story well-told. I just loved each new development and the deepening relationship between our two main characters.
So yeah, I heartily recommend this for anyone willing to roll with a magical unicorn who sometimes gets lost in contemplating her own perfection and a nerd girl who wants a best friend.
March 14, 2015
I picked this up because: it was compared to Calvin and Hobbes. The unicorn's name is Marigold Heavenly Nostrils.
I loved it because: it is not Calvin and Hobbes. I can see why all the comparisons, and there are definitely similarities, but this is so NOT Calvin and Hobbes "for girls." Calvin and Hobbes was Calvin and Hobbes for girls. This is different and great, and had a really nice vibe going for it. Phoebe is spunky and fun and lonely, and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is a unicorn that occupies much more of the real world than reality should allow. The two characters play off each other so nicely, and together they create a fun place where I want to spend more time.
I loved it because: it is not Calvin and Hobbes. I can see why all the comparisons, and there are definitely similarities, but this is so NOT Calvin and Hobbes "for girls." Calvin and Hobbes was Calvin and Hobbes for girls. This is different and great, and had a really nice vibe going for it. Phoebe is spunky and fun and lonely, and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is a unicorn that occupies much more of the real world than reality should allow. The two characters play off each other so nicely, and together they create a fun place where I want to spend more time.
September 3, 2018
Simpson is clearly playing off of groundwork laid by Bill Watterson. Phoebe and her unicorn pal, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, parallel Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes. Sugary cereal, board games, color crayon illustrations depicting the child's interpretation of life events, super hero alter egos and more all hearken to Watterson's work, but Simpson's comics lack the philosophical musings that add depth and heart to Calvin's adventures with Hobbes.
Marigold's sarcasm is good for a chuckle here and there, but a flippant comic about mental illness warrants caution, and one story involving a girl at Phoebe's school is blatantly tone deaf about girls who suffer unwanted hair loss.
Marigold's sarcasm is good for a chuckle here and there, but a flippant comic about mental illness warrants caution, and one story involving a girl at Phoebe's school is blatantly tone deaf about girls who suffer unwanted hair loss.
April 9, 2020
This was a cute and funny graphic that I think all kids (and parents) would enjoy.
It's whimsical and innocent and weird.
Best quote:
"You are cute when you are desperately insecure."
November 3, 2020
I love these characters so much!
And yes, that illustration is just so cute and amazing!
The characters are so lively!
Phoebe reminds me of me, my younger siblings, my nephews and nieces, my cousins because we all have been through that phase trying to be our best but oh so clueless at the same time when we all started school.
The unicorn is just darn funny!
The banter between Phoebe and the Unicorn though!
So damn nostalgic.
We all tried to present ourselves as the best yet we all had this desire to know the unknown and learn from each other and everything around us when we were kids. They are so cute!
Children's books let me live my life so many times over and over again.
And yes, that illustration is just so cute and amazing!
The characters are so lively!
Phoebe reminds me of me, my younger siblings, my nephews and nieces, my cousins because we all have been through that phase trying to be our best but oh so clueless at the same time when we all started school.
The unicorn is just darn funny!
The banter between Phoebe and the Unicorn though!
So damn nostalgic.
We all tried to present ourselves as the best yet we all had this desire to know the unknown and learn from each other and everything around us when we were kids. They are so cute!
Children's books let me live my life so many times over and over again.
April 15, 2019
Absolutely adorable (I love fierce, determined Phoebe! I love vain but truly fabulous Marigold!), and often laugh-out-loud funny. I read this volume first on my own and then with my 10-year-old, and I'm planning to read it with my 5-year-old, too.
But first, I'm moving on to read Book 2!
But first, I'm moving on to read Book 2!
October 6, 2018
Este es un libro súper gracioso, no tanto por Cloe, sino por Caléndula, que es la unicornio más descarada, narcisista y pagada de sí misma de la historia de la fantasía.
April 17, 2017
I picked this one up for a challenge "All Ages Comic"- and fit that category it did!
I enjoyed the magic of this graphic novel, I appreciated the drawings and storyline. Phoebe is not very popular and finds herself upon Marigold Heavenly Nostrils (the unicorn) and wants her to become her best friend. Best friends indeed- hijinks ensue. I found myself a little lost as in between the major plot points, little vignettes were inserted- I found them all to be charming, but I found the disruption a little distracting.
Cute graphic novel and one I could recommend for all ages.
I enjoyed the magic of this graphic novel, I appreciated the drawings and storyline. Phoebe is not very popular and finds herself upon Marigold Heavenly Nostrils (the unicorn) and wants her to become her best friend. Best friends indeed- hijinks ensue. I found myself a little lost as in between the major plot points, little vignettes were inserted- I found them all to be charming, but I found the disruption a little distracting.
Cute graphic novel and one I could recommend for all ages.
December 9, 2018
I may have found a favourite comic. I loved reading about the adventures of Phoebe and Marigold!
At first, I thought this was a graphic novel, but even though there are a few continuous stories within the book, there's no overarching plot. So, really, it's a comic collection. But that didn't prevent me from enjoying the little stories that were included, such as the friends' slumber party, their detective agency, Phoebe's nemesis and her birthday party, the piano lessons, meeting the parents, Phoebe's new spelling partner, and more.
There's something kind of deep and profound to some of these comics, and the whole thing reminded me a bit of Calvin and Hobbes... except in this case it's a little girl and her unicorn. The book is marketed to middle graders (which becomes evident at the end where there are directions on making slumber-party snack mixes and Marigold puppets), but I have a feeling quite a few of the panels would go over kids' heads. There are plenty of references that only adults would get. (That said, there's absolutely nothing in here that would be inappropriate for children, so if kids want to read it, there's no reason why they shouldn't.)
The filler at the end I could've done without, although I did like the pages explaining how to draw Marigold and Phoebe. I'm always amazed at how artists can make it look so simple; I have a feeling that, if I tried to draw Marigold, she'd end up looking like a giraffe with rickets.
The library has more of the Heavenly Nostrils books, so I'm definitely going to be checking those out in the future. I want to see Phoebe and Marigold's relationship grow, and I'm also curious about some of the other characters that were introduced. Will Dakota remain a thorn in Phoebe's side? Will Max end up being a friend as well as a spelling partner? Will Phoebe ever practice the piano and satisfy her piano teacher? I guess I'll have to keep reading to find out!
Quotable moment:
At first, I thought this was a graphic novel, but even though there are a few continuous stories within the book, there's no overarching plot. So, really, it's a comic collection. But that didn't prevent me from enjoying the little stories that were included, such as the friends' slumber party, their detective agency, Phoebe's nemesis and her birthday party, the piano lessons, meeting the parents, Phoebe's new spelling partner, and more.
There's something kind of deep and profound to some of these comics, and the whole thing reminded me a bit of Calvin and Hobbes... except in this case it's a little girl and her unicorn. The book is marketed to middle graders (which becomes evident at the end where there are directions on making slumber-party snack mixes and Marigold puppets), but I have a feeling quite a few of the panels would go over kids' heads. There are plenty of references that only adults would get. (That said, there's absolutely nothing in here that would be inappropriate for children, so if kids want to read it, there's no reason why they shouldn't.)
The filler at the end I could've done without, although I did like the pages explaining how to draw Marigold and Phoebe. I'm always amazed at how artists can make it look so simple; I have a feeling that, if I tried to draw Marigold, she'd end up looking like a giraffe with rickets.
The library has more of the Heavenly Nostrils books, so I'm definitely going to be checking those out in the future. I want to see Phoebe and Marigold's relationship grow, and I'm also curious about some of the other characters that were introduced. Will Dakota remain a thorn in Phoebe's side? Will Max end up being a friend as well as a spelling partner? Will Phoebe ever practice the piano and satisfy her piano teacher? I guess I'll have to keep reading to find out!
Quotable moment:
April 9, 2019
🦄 Happy Unicorn Day! 🦄
When lonely fourth grader Phoebe rescues Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, who was trapped in the beauty of her own reflection, she is granted one wish. As the self appointed Federal Awesomeness Inspector, Phoebe declares herself the “most awesome girl in the world!”, which of course must be true because she wished to be best friends with a unicorn!
Together they play video games, have slumber parties in their pyjamas, play superhero and detective agency, gossip and enjoy music. Marigold gets trapped in her reflection more than once and I expect this will be a running joke throughout the series.
With our main characters fluent in sarcasm and dry humour, I found a lot to love. In this first graphic novel of the series we meet Phoebe’s parents, Dakota (Phoebe’s arch enemy, who calls her Princess Stupidbutt) and Max (Phoebe’s spelling partner). We’re also introduced to Todd, the candy dragon, who was my favourite minor character because … CANDY DRAGON!!!
Despite being so self absorbed, Marigold is capable of compassion and insight. I loved how literal she is and my stubbornness appreciated the stubbornness of both Marigold and Phoebe. Though they’re often not on the same wavelength these new friends get along surprisingly well.
I adore these new friends and feel like I’ve made two new ones myself. I’m especially looking forward to more superhero segments with Claustrophoebea and Pointyhead. I smiled a lot during this book and can’t believe it’s taken me this long to finally start this series. Thank you, Unicorn Day!
P.S. The magical picture of the unicorn reading is by Ivona Design.
July 13, 2016
As a result of having a fourth grade daughter, I am in touch with this universe I had largely ignored. When L was younger she was like a triplet with her similarly-aged brothers. She refused to wear dresses--oh, good, I thought, she won't be a cheerleader--and liked to hike and camp. Then something happened. There was this sudden invasion of princesses and fairies and unicorns. I--self-proclaimed feminist--brushed it off as a phase. But all this emo and pink and crowds of friends watching My Little Ponies! I hid from it. I am more inclined to read the slightly more identifiably boy books my sons are reading than this stuff.
But you know, from time to time I realize I have to dip my toes into these girly-book waters. She's my daughter, damn it, and I love her. Girl power! Yeah! And I am teaching a course on YA graphic novels with a strong feminist focus, including Paper Girls, Ms Marvel, Lumberjanes, Nimona, Anya's Ghost, and so on. So L is looking at some of this stuff, too, thanks to heaven.
But L luuuuvs Phoebe and Her Unicorn! And okay, I liked it, all right?! I read it thanks to Raina's review of it as adorable. The unicorn, uh, named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils {. . .} (Oh, Dostoevsky, where I thee when I need thee?}, is comically vain, but also Phoebe's bestie. So in this story, we go to school, we meet her parents and her piano teacher, we meet her friends, and her bullies, and we see how having this (it's not supposed to be!) imaginary friend can help her cope with the challenges of being, whoa, 9. Cute! Okay, Raina, adorable! I am not being condescending, I'm not! I am going to watch another episode of My Little Ponies right now!
But you know, from time to time I realize I have to dip my toes into these girly-book waters. She's my daughter, damn it, and I love her. Girl power! Yeah! And I am teaching a course on YA graphic novels with a strong feminist focus, including Paper Girls, Ms Marvel, Lumberjanes, Nimona, Anya's Ghost, and so on. So L is looking at some of this stuff, too, thanks to heaven.
But L luuuuvs Phoebe and Her Unicorn! And okay, I liked it, all right?! I read it thanks to Raina's review of it as adorable. The unicorn, uh, named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils {. . .} (Oh, Dostoevsky, where I thee when I need thee?}, is comically vain, but also Phoebe's bestie. So in this story, we go to school, we meet her parents and her piano teacher, we meet her friends, and her bullies, and we see how having this (it's not supposed to be!) imaginary friend can help her cope with the challenges of being, whoa, 9. Cute! Okay, Raina, adorable! I am not being condescending, I'm not! I am going to watch another episode of My Little Ponies right now!
June 17, 2016
Oh my gosh. Super charming, super adorable, super everything-that-it's-cracked-up-to-be.
And hooray that Simpson is a local author!
This is already being superpromoted all over my district (I know of two different branches which have featured it in their school outreach, and the author is likely to come to an event), otherwise I'd be all over pushing it to my kids. Very Calvin & Hobbesie, I understand. More kid-friendly than many other webcomics I've read which end up on the kid shelf in the library.
Full color, likeable/flawed characters, nice panel technique, punch lines which actually make me chuckle.
Yep, count me a fan.
And hooray that Simpson is a local author!
This is already being superpromoted all over my district (I know of two different branches which have featured it in their school outreach, and the author is likely to come to an event), otherwise I'd be all over pushing it to my kids. Very Calvin & Hobbesie, I understand. More kid-friendly than many other webcomics I've read which end up on the kid shelf in the library.
Full color, likeable/flawed characters, nice panel technique, punch lines which actually make me chuckle.
Yep, count me a fan.
September 28, 2024
I've had this on my shelf to read for so long. What a silly and fun little romp. Reminds me of Calvin and Hobbes, but more for us that sparkle and shine!! Best afternoon of reading I've spent in a while. Silly, humorous, and just all together an enjoyable little read.
January 4, 2019
4.5 stars. Phoebe and her conversations and adventures with unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is a really funny series. I laughed out loud frequently during their exchanges, with Phoebe stating something and Marigold replying, in a very sarcastic fashion. Marigold could be insufferable, with her constant reminders of her, and unicorns in general, superiority over everyone else, but somehow I just couldn't stop laughing. Phoebe is a bit intense, and has no other friends but Marigold for much of this volume. The two wander about having discussions about all sorts of things, with Marigold usually capping off disagreements with reminders of her beauty and awesomeness. Author Dana Simpson gradually introduces other characters to the narrative, but the focus remains on Phoebe and Marigold, and their wonderful, silly friendship.
February 7, 2017
Incredibly, ridiculously fun to read. Yes, it kind of is like a Calvin and Hobbes for girls, except that a) Calvin and Hobbes is Calvin and Hobbes for girls and b) aside from a few similarities in the relationship between the main characters, the two really aren't all that much alike. For one, pretty much everybody can see and communicate with Marigold, and Phoebe has an actual nemesis in the resident mean girl at school. On its own merits, it's silly and funny and smart enough for an adult to read. Kind of like Calvin and Hobbes, actually.
February 8, 2019
Even better as a rerun. One of my favorites is when Phoebe believes Marigold will help her improve at her piano lessons. She wavers a bit when looking at Marigold's hooves, but wants to believe as she hates to practice. Then Phoebe finds herself playing the piano with her face. Unicorn!
January 20, 2018
This was so fun and clever! I laughed a lot reading this and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
March 8, 2022
I forgot to update with this book. I must say when Phoebe finds Marigold I was surprised. When I got 5-7 pages in i was stuck. I all around love graphic novels. This book was all around amazing!
February 6, 2017
Loved this cute graphic novel. Can't wait to get my hands on the next one. :)
October 28, 2014
1. Unicorns have to maintain the shield of boringness so we don't freak out in their presence.
2. Technically, one deepens the ocean by spitting in it.
There--two things I learned from this book. I ordered it after allowing my daughter to surf through children's graphic novels on this here site and falling prey to her pleas for this book: Mom! This book! This book!
I remember reading books in third grade and when finished, thinking, This book! This book! Ah, book loves, they last forever. And I'm so glad they do.
Four stars for plucky girls and egotistical unicorns.
2. Technically, one deepens the ocean by spitting in it.
There--two things I learned from this book. I ordered it after allowing my daughter to surf through children's graphic novels on this here site and falling prey to her pleas for this book: Mom! This book! This book!
I remember reading books in third grade and when finished, thinking, This book! This book! Ah, book loves, they last forever. And I'm so glad they do.
Four stars for plucky girls and egotistical unicorns.
December 15, 2014
Yes it's pink and sparkly and there's a unicorn on the cover - so what's wrong with that?!! If you're thinking this is going to be a sickly sweet saptastic story, fear not. Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is no one's pet pony, and Phoebe is the right combination of feisty, clueless, and rockin' cool outsider.
September 22, 2016
WHY DON'T I HAVE A MAGICAL UNICORN AS A FRIEND?!?!?!
September 6, 2017
This is such an adorable comic. Not just because the art is cute and it's about a girl and her unicorn, but because it's so easy to relate to, as well as being sweet and funny. I read it on Saturday morning while cuddling with my infant daughter, and while I'm sure she didn't understand a word, my husband kept snickering nearby. Like Peter Beagle said in the foreword, it is even a bit reminiscent of Calvin and Hobbes! I finished it all in one go, and I'm looking forward to picking up the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2019
***Rated by my daughter***
March 19, 2024
it was funny, but it had rudeness and name calling. mom did not love it.
February 12, 2022
it doesnt get better than this !!!
January 18, 2023
2023 EDIT:
Reread: A hilarious anecdotal, cartoony comic about a girl and a unicorn.
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
A cute and funny book of comic strips, about a girl and her unicorn.
'Phoebe and Her Unicorn' is similar to the 'Peanuts' strips, but with a unicorn, and a little girl at the center. There is no overarching plot, just the adventures in the life of this awesome duo, a sketch book in more ways than one.
I like how the unicorn lore is comically handled in a contemporary setting, and how Phoebe, at nine-years-old, already wants to explore and try different things on her quest to find herself, in a mundane environment where she is considered a lonely outcast at her school - even though she is quite hilarious. Being friends with her would be as much fun as being friends with a unicorn! Truthfully Phoebe, she of the one-track mind, can be whatever she wants if she endures and persists in a specific area, i.e. detective work, or piano playing. In one story, she might like a boy, as a friend or as something more, she really doesn't care which: this shows her growing and maturing casually, in her understanding her own feelings and undecided desires.
Phoebe's wish to be special and noticed by her peers not only make her relatable to the book's target audience (young females possibly suffering from low self-esteem), it also subtly contrasts with how her new unicorn friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, sees herself: as "scintillating", fully-developed in absolute perfection, the pinnacle of beauty, and superior to humans. An immortal, timeless unicorn's only apparent weakness is getting lost in her reflection.
So a narcissistic yet witty unicorn and an insecure, bungling fourth-grade girl with an impressive resume in her future make an adorable comedy pair. Seriously, who says that girls and mythical "girly" creatures can't be funny? The bond Phoebe and Marigold share has many nice, understated layers to it - such as how lonely both of them are, but not when they're together, plus their display of sarcasm in their banter - marking this book higher than mere "kiddy fluff".
And where else is there a story featuring a slumber party with a unicorn!?
Light, funny, girly, fluffy, bubbly, and utterly charming, 'Phoebe and Her Unicorn: A Heavenly Nostrils Chronicle' is a graphic novel I would recommend to those who love girl power, fantasy, slice-of-life, laughing, and unicorns. A wacky, suburban, junior version of Peter S. Beagle's 'The Last Unicorn', it's a sweet, cartoony sugar romp.
Final Score: 4/5
Reread: A hilarious anecdotal, cartoony comic about a girl and a unicorn.
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
A cute and funny book of comic strips, about a girl and her unicorn.
'Phoebe and Her Unicorn' is similar to the 'Peanuts' strips, but with a unicorn, and a little girl at the center. There is no overarching plot, just the adventures in the life of this awesome duo, a sketch book in more ways than one.
I like how the unicorn lore is comically handled in a contemporary setting, and how Phoebe, at nine-years-old, already wants to explore and try different things on her quest to find herself, in a mundane environment where she is considered a lonely outcast at her school - even though she is quite hilarious. Being friends with her would be as much fun as being friends with a unicorn! Truthfully Phoebe, she of the one-track mind, can be whatever she wants if she endures and persists in a specific area, i.e. detective work, or piano playing. In one story, she might like a boy, as a friend or as something more, she really doesn't care which: this shows her growing and maturing casually, in her understanding her own feelings and undecided desires.
Phoebe's wish to be special and noticed by her peers not only make her relatable to the book's target audience (young females possibly suffering from low self-esteem), it also subtly contrasts with how her new unicorn friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, sees herself: as "scintillating", fully-developed in absolute perfection, the pinnacle of beauty, and superior to humans. An immortal, timeless unicorn's only apparent weakness is getting lost in her reflection.
So a narcissistic yet witty unicorn and an insecure, bungling fourth-grade girl with an impressive resume in her future make an adorable comedy pair. Seriously, who says that girls and mythical "girly" creatures can't be funny? The bond Phoebe and Marigold share has many nice, understated layers to it - such as how lonely both of them are, but not when they're together, plus their display of sarcasm in their banter - marking this book higher than mere "kiddy fluff".
And where else is there a story featuring a slumber party with a unicorn!?
Light, funny, girly, fluffy, bubbly, and utterly charming, 'Phoebe and Her Unicorn: A Heavenly Nostrils Chronicle' is a graphic novel I would recommend to those who love girl power, fantasy, slice-of-life, laughing, and unicorns. A wacky, suburban, junior version of Peter S. Beagle's 'The Last Unicorn', it's a sweet, cartoony sugar romp.
Final Score: 4/5
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