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Phoebe and Her Unicorn #9
Unicorn Bowling
Book nine of the New York Time bestselling series, Phoebe and Her Unicorn. Whether they're visiting Camp Shimmerhorn or fitting unicorn hooves for bowling shoes, Phoebe and Marigold find magic in every moment.
A unicorn in bowling shoes is quite a STRIKE-ing sight. Bur for nine-year-old Phoebe Howell, it's just another fun outing with her best friend, the illustriuos unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. This unique and magical friendship is at the heart of the ninth Phoebe and Her Unicorn collection, which includes adventures such as writing original songs, publishing rival news websites, and making a summer visit to the exclusive Camp Shimmerhorn. Life with a unicorn BFF is not without its challenges, however, and whether it's homework, friction with classmates, or talent show jitters, Unicorn Bowling is full of amusing, heartwarming reminders that when the going gets tough, the tough get sparkling.
As a bonus, this book contains a glossary so that readers can learn about new words, people, and concepts mentioned in the book.
A unicorn in bowling shoes is quite a STRIKE-ing sight. Bur for nine-year-old Phoebe Howell, it's just another fun outing with her best friend, the illustriuos unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. This unique and magical friendship is at the heart of the ninth Phoebe and Her Unicorn collection, which includes adventures such as writing original songs, publishing rival news websites, and making a summer visit to the exclusive Camp Shimmerhorn. Life with a unicorn BFF is not without its challenges, however, and whether it's homework, friction with classmates, or talent show jitters, Unicorn Bowling is full of amusing, heartwarming reminders that when the going gets tough, the tough get sparkling.
As a bonus, this book contains a glossary so that readers can learn about new words, people, and concepts mentioned in the book.
173 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2019
396 people are currently reading
639 people want to read
About the author
Dana Simpson
61 books336 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 133 reviews
April 23, 2019
Unicorn Bowling is a collection of comics that would be suitable for young readers probably aged 8 through 11 or so. Some strips are complete in 4 panes on one page, others span multiple page (much like traditional comics that sometimes follow a plot for a full week, other times have unrelated strips each day).
Easy to read, very relatable, and nice to pick up for small bites here and there. Although this isn't really my cuppa, I didn't dislike reading it and I can see how young readers, especially girls, would find this charming. I *do* really like that there is a glossary included at the back to help build vocabularies!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with a DRC of this book.
Easy to read, very relatable, and nice to pick up for small bites here and there. Although this isn't really my cuppa, I didn't dislike reading it and I can see how young readers, especially girls, would find this charming. I *do* really like that there is a glossary included at the back to help build vocabularies!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with a DRC of this book.
April 28, 2019
Last time we saw them, Phoebe, Sue (Phoebe’s friend from camp), Max (Phoebe’s adorably nerdy friend) and their respective magical friends (Marigold, Ringo and Voltina) plus Marigold’s sister, Florence, were heading home from drama camp. I’ve loved the two graphic novels. Now we’re back for another collection.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this collection. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
I learned that unicorn hiccups sparkle (of course they do!) and Marigold discovered the marvel that is bubble wrap. Phoebe’s father partook in some nostalgia and in the process made me feel really old because I remember those days too! Claustrophoebea and Pointyhead were back!
Phoebe doesn’t think she’s being assigned enough homework so Marigold provides some for her. Phoebe also nerds out about getting to make a diorama for school.
Phoebe and Marigold get somewhat serious when they discuss the meaning of life and Marigold regales Phoebe with multiple unicorn legends, some more recent than others. Dakota uses her vlog to bully Phoebe.
Marigold invites Phoebe to unicorn camp. Phoebe’s friend from camp, Sue, also attends but Ringo the lake monster is absent. While I was glad Max had a birthday party in this collection, I was sad his only guests appeared to be Phoebe and Marigold. Where was Voltina? She seems to only exist in the graphic novels. Also absent were the goblins who hang out with Dakota and some of Dakota’s personality.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this collection. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
October 8, 2019
I've been reading this for the past few days. Unfortunately, I can't really remember what went on in the beginning of the collection... so it probably wasn't that memorable.
That said, I always seem to enjoy these comic collections more than the graphic novels. There are stories that continue for a number of panels, which I enjoy, but I like the randomness of the collections more. They also use more advanced language (necessitating the glossary at the back), so they seem aimed at an older audience.
My favourite part of this one was Phoebe's experience at unicorn summer camp. The bowling escapade was also fairly amusing.
I don't know how much longer Simpson can drag this out without becoming stale. This installment was still enjoyable, but not quite as much as some of the previous volumes.
Quotable moment:
That said, I always seem to enjoy these comic collections more than the graphic novels. There are stories that continue for a number of panels, which I enjoy, but I like the randomness of the collections more. They also use more advanced language (necessitating the glossary at the back), so they seem aimed at an older audience.
My favourite part of this one was Phoebe's experience at unicorn summer camp. The bowling escapade was also fairly amusing.
I don't know how much longer Simpson can drag this out without becoming stale. This installment was still enjoyable, but not quite as much as some of the previous volumes.
Quotable moment:
April 24, 2019
+Netgalley ARC gently provided by publishers and Netgalley for an honest review+
Cute n' Fluffy.
I think Phoebe and Marigold adventures in everyday school and summer camp are kind of addictive because I had no intention of going for another of this books -again in form of comic strips and other longer short stories with the summer camp- and here I am.
This book is clearly intended for classroom discusion about the changes bringed for modern technology, the virtue of practicing for piano lessons (or rather for the importance of practicing to get better without magical short cuts), about gender roles, and that internet is nice but be careful with the things you post about other people (or the badness of simply bullying when you hurt other people feelings).
Because I'm a nerd too, Phoebe, I enjoy the little 'waxing nostalgic' of Phoebe's parents about the old days with dial-internet; and the joke about the Pong.
Also, the summer camp experience it's about how you feel if you were the different one in front of other people.
The art is nice . And there is a glossary at the end .
But... for *me* the humor is lacking. Thought you still can pull some of my strings ;P
Cute n' Fluffy.
I think Phoebe and Marigold adventures in everyday school and summer camp are kind of addictive because I had no intention of going for another of this books -again in form of comic strips and other longer short stories with the summer camp- and here I am.
This book is clearly intended for classroom discusion about the changes bringed for modern technology, the virtue of practicing for piano lessons (or rather for the importance of practicing to get better without magical short cuts), about gender roles, and that internet is nice but be careful with the things you post about other people (or the badness of simply bullying when you hurt other people feelings).
Because I'm a nerd too, Phoebe, I enjoy the little 'waxing nostalgic' of Phoebe's parents about the old days with dial-internet; and the joke about the Pong.
Also, the summer camp experience it's about how you feel if you were the different one in front of other people.
The art is nice . And there is a glossary at the end .
But... for *me* the humor is lacking. Thought you still can pull some of my strings ;P
October 17, 2023
I'm going through these too fast to keep up with reviewing them. And my memory for individual details isn't holding up. So I may just copy this as the review for those I've read, at least for as long as the quality keeps up. My review of the first should hold up for the rest.
Okay, one note. Phoebe's dad is totally me. He even looks like me since I've grown my hair out. It's uncanny.
Okay, one note. Phoebe's dad is totally me. He even looks like me since I've grown my hair out. It's uncanny.
April 12, 2019
This sparkly addition to the Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series is like bowling a perfect game. Filled with a year of adventures including the llama diorama pajama comma drama trauma (a legend involving Robin Velvet Eyes and a diorama) it does not disappoint. Another highlight is Camp Shimmerhorn where stereotypes are explored and Phoebe is an exchange camper in the midst of unicorns. Phoebe and Her Unicorn fans will rejoice over this collection.
A big thank you to Andrews McMeel and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A big thank you to Andrews McMeel and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2019
This was a funny cartoons for kids that remind me a little of Calvin & Hobbes, less trashy, in the way that a girl goes around doing thing with her imaginary unicorn. Very short «story», mostly one page of four scares each. Those were more girly cartoons but I still find them funny and enjoy most of them, so it’s definitely a book that girl might enjoy more, but the humor is good enough so even if the theme are more girly, boy can enjoy this book as well. Way better then what I was expecting!
March 8, 2019
Phoebe is a nine year old with a unicorn for a best friend, Marigold. The two have lots of adventures together in this fun young graphic novel, full of clever humor and adorable illustrations. I haven’t read any of the others in the series but decided to give this one a try. I would absolutely recommend this for younger readers in love with unicorns! There are several pages with more advanced wording or phrases but the definitions are included in the back. I found it a great way to introduce some new concepts to younger readers.
If I was a young reader I would have wanted to read all of these! Heck, I still might!
Thank you to Andrews McMeel and NetGalley for this fun advanced reader copy! My opinions are my own.
If I was a young reader I would have wanted to read all of these! Heck, I still might!
Thank you to Andrews McMeel and NetGalley for this fun advanced reader copy! My opinions are my own.
November 7, 2020
The series remains delightful. I think my favorite bits were at the unicorn Camp Shimmerhorn. Not as many laugh-out-loud moments as before, but not in a bad way.
October 29, 2024
Heerlijk eenhoorn plezier voor groot en klein ♡
May 11, 2021
I'm disgusted by you, Dana Simpson.
How dare you compare this worthless piece of filth to 'Calvin And Hobbes', the name that shouldn't even be used from your mouth. I would've gave you and your ridiculous book a chance, but the forward I saw in one of your books made me want to rip it into a thousand pieces and use it to wipe my dogs butt. I hate this book with a BURNING PASSION.
Bill Watterson will be better then you and your stupid, useless vector art pictures will ever be.
Calvin and Hobbes is a breathtakingly unique concept, a book that is treasured for the love, humor, worry, passion and sadness spilled into the pages. His book is genius, and if I could read one thing for the rest of my life, it would be that. Your art is messy and you REUSE THE SAME PANEL OVER AND OVER like we're all too stupid to notice.
Not only do you compare, but you say you're book is BETTER, and Calvin and Hobbes is boring.
And yet here you are, sitting and your trashy high and mighty throne, using and pushing down other authors to lift yourself up.
I wish to never set sight on another one of these books again.
Grow up, Dana Simpson.
And while you're at it, keep the name Bill Watterson out of your immature mouth.
(As for this review, you are JUST the type to be sneaking on Goodreads and acting like you aren't reading your own reviews- Yet here you are. Hopefully this well help you GET A CLUE.)
How dare you compare this worthless piece of filth to 'Calvin And Hobbes', the name that shouldn't even be used from your mouth. I would've gave you and your ridiculous book a chance, but the forward I saw in one of your books made me want to rip it into a thousand pieces and use it to wipe my dogs butt. I hate this book with a BURNING PASSION.
Bill Watterson will be better then you and your stupid, useless vector art pictures will ever be.
Calvin and Hobbes is a breathtakingly unique concept, a book that is treasured for the love, humor, worry, passion and sadness spilled into the pages. His book is genius, and if I could read one thing for the rest of my life, it would be that. Your art is messy and you REUSE THE SAME PANEL OVER AND OVER like we're all too stupid to notice.
Not only do you compare, but you say you're book is BETTER, and Calvin and Hobbes is boring.
And yet here you are, sitting and your trashy high and mighty throne, using and pushing down other authors to lift yourself up.
I wish to never set sight on another one of these books again.
Grow up, Dana Simpson.
And while you're at it, keep the name Bill Watterson out of your immature mouth.
(As for this review, you are JUST the type to be sneaking on Goodreads and acting like you aren't reading your own reviews- Yet here you are. Hopefully this well help you GET A CLUE.)
February 28, 2019
Unicorn Bowling is another adorable collection of adventures starring Phoebe and her unicorn Marigold!
The four panel comics follow Phoebe as she navigates friendship, bullying, and summer camp with some familiar friends and the help of her ever-faithful unicorn BFF.
As always, I loved reading this out loud with my daughter and some of my favorite panels are the conversations between Phoebe and her parents.
This is a great series that covers several important topics about growing up with humor and charm.
I think there's something in this series for readers of all ages to appreciate and I always look forward to sharing the new release with my daughter!
Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
The four panel comics follow Phoebe as she navigates friendship, bullying, and summer camp with some familiar friends and the help of her ever-faithful unicorn BFF.
As always, I loved reading this out loud with my daughter and some of my favorite panels are the conversations between Phoebe and her parents.
This is a great series that covers several important topics about growing up with humor and charm.
I think there's something in this series for readers of all ages to appreciate and I always look forward to sharing the new release with my daughter!
Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
January 16, 2023
They only went bowling once !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2021
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 15, 2021
I liked this book a lot, and sort of want to read the series now. It's a book about a unicorn and a kid who are best friends. Pretty basic idea, but it's funny and good.
April 10, 2019
PT
Acompanhamos mais uma aventura da Phoebe e Marigold, o unicórnio bastante divertido. Sempre radiosa, sempre a espalhar brilho e a comparar o mundo dos humanos com o dos unicórnios, vamos acompanhando as peripécias das duas amigas. É uma história divertida, excelente para crianças, mas até os adultos gostaram.
As ilustrações são fantásticas e fiquei fã da autora.
EN
We follow another adventure of Phoebe and Marigold, the unicorn quite fun. Always radiant, always spreading brightness and comparing the world of humans with that of unicorns, we are following the plight of the two friends.
It's a fun story, great for kids, but even adults like it.
The illustrations are fantastic and I became a fan of the author.
Acompanhamos mais uma aventura da Phoebe e Marigold, o unicórnio bastante divertido. Sempre radiosa, sempre a espalhar brilho e a comparar o mundo dos humanos com o dos unicórnios, vamos acompanhando as peripécias das duas amigas. É uma história divertida, excelente para crianças, mas até os adultos gostaram.
As ilustrações são fantásticas e fiquei fã da autora.
EN
We follow another adventure of Phoebe and Marigold, the unicorn quite fun. Always radiant, always spreading brightness and comparing the world of humans with that of unicorns, we are following the plight of the two friends.
It's a fun story, great for kids, but even adults like it.
The illustrations are fantastic and I became a fan of the author.
May 2, 2019
Another great collection from Dana Simpson. Am I biased? Too much of a fan to give an honest review?
Possibly.
With an always adorable art style and relatable characters harkening back to my childhood favorite, Calvin and Hobbes, Phoebe and Marigold are perfect for readers of all ages. The jokes are hilarious and the lessons are real, even if they are covered in glitter and perfect nostrils.
Unicorn Bowling is yet another wonderful collection perfect for reading on a cool Sunday morning.
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Possibly.
With an always adorable art style and relatable characters harkening back to my childhood favorite, Calvin and Hobbes, Phoebe and Marigold are perfect for readers of all ages. The jokes are hilarious and the lessons are real, even if they are covered in glitter and perfect nostrils.
Unicorn Bowling is yet another wonderful collection perfect for reading on a cool Sunday morning.
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 29, 2019
I’m still not 100% sure why these books are so popular. At the beginning I didn’t really enjoy this book, but it grew on me and by the end I thought it was pretty cute. The unicorn’s weirdness ended up being endearing because she reminded me of my sister.
I was surprised that the book didn’t have a story arc but was more episodic - like reading a book of Garfield comics.
*Popsugar challenge 2019 - a book featuring an extinct or imaginary creature
I was surprised that the book didn’t have a story arc but was more episodic - like reading a book of Garfield comics.
*Popsugar challenge 2019 - a book featuring an extinct or imaginary creature
April 2, 2019
I really enjoy this series, it's so funny and sweet. Even though I'm adult, and not the target audience, I still relate to both Phoebe and her parents. Marigold is a delight, as always. Unicorn!
September 22, 2019
Not much to add here that I haven't said in my reviews of the rest of the series. My daughter and I like reading a few pages together every night (I do a great unicorn voice) and we agree that Dana Simpson is one of the great comic writer/artists of our time!
May 1, 2019
This is the first book I've read from this series and I will be getting all of them for my girls! What a delightful and fun book! I'm thrilled there is an entire series!
June 25, 2019
Maybe 3.5 stars, really - not that many actual out-loud laughs for me - but the Phoebe and Her Unicorn books are always cute and fun.
November 21, 2019
What more can I say about this series? It still makes me giggle, it's hard not to adore Phoebe and Heavenly Nostrils.
July 3, 2021
This is funny and full of great vocabulary for the kiddos.
January 10, 2020
It was funny.
March 26, 2022
My favorite panels were Marigold’s attempt at a steeplechase and Phoebe and Sue attending Unicorn Camp. That Sue: what a delightful weirdo!!
December 7, 2025
Skimmed the last 40% of this one. These volumes are really hit or miss with me. I like the ones that have a little more plot.
May 13, 2020
Graphic Novel.
The humorous interactions continue in book 9 of the series. Phoebe and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils continue to build their friendship. Serious undertones elevate the sometimes repeated comics in this series.
The humorous interactions continue in book 9 of the series. Phoebe and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils continue to build their friendship. Serious undertones elevate the sometimes repeated comics in this series.
March 21, 2019
Another great series of adventures starring Phoebe and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. Perfect for both new readers to the series or returning ones.
January 10, 2022
PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN NEVER DISAPPOINT
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews