Unicorn Famous

Phoebe and Her Unicorn #13

by Dana Simpson

When your best friend is a unicorn, every day is a stroll down the red carpet. Phoebe Howell’s unicorn BFF, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, is happy to provide the celebrity treatment—teaching Phoebe fancy new spells, giving her a ride to school so she doesn’t have to ride the bus, and even negotiating with the tooth fairy on her behalf.

But when Phoebe starts noticing that unicorns have become a trendy fashion statement, she doesn’t feel quite so unique. Fortunately, she’s distracted by adventures including a visit to the unicorn community and a trip to the woods to see her friend Dakota receive an unusual honor at the goblin award ceremony. Unicorn Famous is filled with amusing examples of the extraordinary lengths friends will go to make each other feel special.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Comics, Humor, Childrens, Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2021

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

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Unicorn Famous is the latest installment in the Phoebe and her Unicorn series by Dana Simpson.
These books read as graphic novel style inside which fits these books perfectly. I love this series it's so fun to read with lots of giggle moments to keep you entertained.
In this edition, Phoebe and her Unicorn discover human trends such as fashion and hats and Phoebe and her enemy even become more friendly towards each other too which is a lovely step in friendship related problems too.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stellar entry in the Phoebe and Her Unicorn series. Some of the best bits include the "Yay Humans" tees that are briefly popular in unicorn world, tooth fairy negotiations between Phoebe's dad and Marigold, the Spell of Enhanced Containment for Phoebe's back-to-school backpack, and the Magical Time Bubble. Includes a Glossary for unfamiliar terms and lots of Unicorn sparkliness.

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having a best friend who’s a unicorn for quite a while now, Phoebe discovers that unicorns have become popular and she’s not sure whether she’s okay with that or not. I, too, was into unicorns before they were cool so I understand where Phoebe is coming from.

Marigold employs her skills as a tooth fairy negotiator. Like all parents do, whether they want to admit it or not, Phoebe’s dad attempts to customise her. Phoebe and Marigold enjoy a day out at the water park.

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Dakota receives a Blarty Award but she’s not entirely sure what the award is for since she doesn’t speak goblin. Marigold proves she has great taste in movies.

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Dakota and Phoebe settle on being kind of friends. Phoebe makes her own Halloween costume without any magical unicorn assistance.

And my personal favourite, Claustrophoebea and Pointyhead make another long overdue appearance.

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I can’t believe I still love this series so much! This is the thirteenth time I’ve been allowed to see what lies beneath the Shield of Boringness and I’d hang out with Marigold and her human, Phoebe, again tomorrow if Marigold was inclined to magic up the fourteenth graphic novel by then.

There’s a great blend of comics that explore things we already know in a new way, like Marigold’s obsession with her reflection, and entirely new, very important unicorn related information.

Unicorn sneers will make 62% of your freckles fall off.

We also discover what’s to blame for us not being able to get negative comments out of our heads. It was peanut butter all along. Who would have suspected something that’s seemingly innocuous was capable of something so dastardly?!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to fall in love with this graphic novel early.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com

[Melissa McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment in the series is as hilarious and adorable as ever. I realized (because my daughter is binge-watching My Little Pony in the next room) that I hear Marigold Heavenly Nostrils in my head as voiced by Rarity. Dakota remains my favorite of the side characters; her special brand of friendship always hovers on the edge of forming a true understanding with Phoebe...and then she says something snarky that reminds you that yes, she is that self-absorbed. I could see her and Phoebe getting older and eventually leaving this weird relationship behind as Dakota finally decides not to be so committed to being cool--or maybe not. I look forward to more in this series (13 volumes and it still hasn't gotten old!).

[britt_brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marigold and Phoebe never disappoint! Together, they navigate school and friendship and unicorn-y things. These little stories are delightful, funny, and, of course, sparkly. 🦄✨

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventures of Phoebe and Marigold always bring a smile to my face and I adore sharing this series with my seven-year-old! There is alway relatable moments that have humor which appeals to both of us. This volume focuses on the need for acceptance and once again shows readers the value of real friendship!

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Unicorn Famous is scheduled for release on April 6, 2021.

[Cisz Geverink - Strasters · Rating 5 out of 5]

blijft leuk ♡

[Radwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

English Review below.

كتاب آخر في سلسلة فيبي واليونيكورن، التي تضم 13 كتابا حتى الآن على حسب ظني، وقد قرأت كتابا واحدا فقط قبل ذلك وهذا كتابي الثاني من السلسلة وأفضله أكثر من الكتاب السابق الذي قرأته. كنت أعرف هذه الكوميكس بالفعل سابقا من على الإنترنت، لكن عوضا عن أن تكون مجموعة كوميكس بقصص قصيرة جدا تنتهي في صفحة واحدة، الكتب تتبع قصص معينة وتجعلها تستحوذ أكثر من صفحة. السلسلة عن فيبي وصديقتها اليونيكورن ماريجولد وعلاقتهما، وتظهر شخصيات ومخلوقات أخرى. الكتاب طبعا موجه للأطفال لكن أظن أن البالغين سيستمتعون به، وبالذات بحس فكاهة اليونيكورن ماريجولد.

Another instalment in the Phoebe and her Unicorn series, I've only read another one out of 13 so far, but I liked this one better. I already knew these comics from online, but having the bind up makes the comics instead of a being single strip, some stories take more than a strip, and it gets deeper into the relationships. Marigold, the unicorn, is so sassy and wile her humour suits the middle grade readers, whom are the intended audience, she says some things that I think adults will appreciate as well.

It's a fun comics series for kids, that adults can enjoy as well.
I thank Netgalley and Andrews McMeel publishing for the digital ARC

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always cause for celebration in our household when Dana Simpson announces a new release of the Phoebe and her Unicorn series. The latest in the series, Unicorn Famous, yet again, kept my daughter and I giggling. This one was harder to put down, and the phrase, “just a few more pages” was heard often at bedtime. In fact, Unicorn Famous had my daughter attempting to covertly skirt bedtime as she hid the book under the covers.

Simpson has an amazing talent of creating unique and relatable characters. My daughter can see her own Dad in the video gaming father, and she has classmates who remind her of Max, Phoebe, and Dakota. For this reason, my 9 year old adored seeing more of Dakota, but she lamented that there were less parts with Max. Which just goes to show, the more you read the series, the easier you fall in love with all the characters (even minor ones). We will eagerly await the next release of Phoebe and her Unicorn, and, until then, we will continue reliving Marigold’s adventures through rereading.

I wanted to extend a huge thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for our honest review.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review .

Such a fun and adorable graphic novel. I totally get why it is one of my 8- year- old's favorites! Dana Simpson has built a really entertaining world, and I love her sly commentary on modern culture. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a new series for middle grade readers!

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

And I finished this one at lunch. LOL!

I really, really, REALLY want my own unicorn. Sigh.

[Lover of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one with Phobe making her own costume was great!!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana Simpson is STILL coming up with completely new story ideas, jokes, and one-liners for these characters. We're thirteen books in, and this one is phenomenal.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid installment to the Phoebe and her Unicorn series. I love that these comics are full of observations and life lessons without feeling preachy at all. Plus there’s a glossary at the end (Is that a new thing? It’s been a while since I’ve read one of this series) is good for helping kids expand their vocabulary.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning. This one has the tooth fairy unmasked. Proceed with caution.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will possibly ruin the tooth fairy for younger children.

[mykittyquest17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This series continues to be fabulous, funny, and to bring me joy.

[Rachel Holtzclaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

"being alone with my own thoughts is HARROWING" wow soooo true marigold heavenly nostrils!!!!

[Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

For a lot of comic serieses, such as Big Nate, Fox Trot, etc, the jokes start getting old, and repetitive. When you're cycling through the same characters, and they never grow any older, it's inevitable that plot lines are going to start sounding familiar.

We're 13 installments into the Phoebe and Her Unicorn series, and I'm still marveling at the number of insane ways Dana Simpson has Phoebe and Marigold interact.

In fact, even when we get throw backs to prior plot points, they're hysterical Easter eggs for the people who've been reading and re-reading the previous volumes.

I fear I will never get tired of this series. I hope it goes on forever.

[Kenya Starflight · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "Phoebe and Her Unicorn" comics are some of my favorite comics -- essentially a more modern, slightly less philosophical "Calvin and Hobbes" with a girl and her unicorn instead of a boy and his tiger. And this collection of comics is just as entertaining as ever, with delightful artwork, plenty of humor, and shenanigans galore. And both kids and adults can enjoy this collection.

Dana Simpson's artwork is quite good, nicely balancing style and detail. The characters are expressive and unique, and the design of the fantastic creatures such as the unicorns and the goblins are delightful. I do like that, unlike some comic and cartoon characters, Phoebe is able to wear a variety of outfits instead of the same outfit every strip, and still be distinctive enough to recognize.

There's not an overarching story to this comic, but there are story arcs that manage to preserve the comic's continuity -- even referencing Voltina, a character that only appears in the graphic novels due to the art limitations of a daily comic strip. And while the story arcs are never terribly high-stakes -- stories include Marigold appearing on a unicorn radio show to talk about her time among humans, Phoebe's arch-nemesis Dakota receiving an award from the goblins she's unexpectedly befriended, and Marigold enjoying a waterpark for the first time -- they're still entertaining.

The "Phoebe and Her Unicorn" comics are a delight for both kids and adults, and blend wit and whimsy to a degree not seen since Bill Watterson's iconic work. And while Phoebe and Marigold may not be as iconic as Calvin and Hobbes, they've still earned a place among the best comic strips out there.

[Books By the Bay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 11-year old's review:

When your best friend is a unicorn, you may feel pretty special about yourself. Fourth grader Phoebe Howell feels this way every day, either when it’s waiting in line for the water park, unicorn back riding to school instead of taking the bus, and even perhaps making friends with someone cool. When unicorns, however, start to become a fashion trend, Phoebe feels less special. Though her unicorn keeps up with her and takes her on adventures of all sorts, the truth is, it’s hard to feel down when you have a unicorn as a friend.

I love Phoebe and her Unicorn! Some of my favorite parts in the book are when Phoebe speaks Ancient Unicornese (ancient unicorn language), due to an accidental wish, and when the two friends get invited to a Goblin awards ceremony. This is another great collection of comic strips and I look forward to another long set of more clever strips along the way. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading funny fantasies or comic strips such as Big Nate, or the Garfield comics. Have fun reading amusing adventures with Phoebe and her unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have to say by far this was my favorite of the Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure series. This really opened up my eyes on the relationship Phoebe and Marigold had with one another and Phoebe realizes how special and unique their relationship is. The dialogue and humor in the conversations with Phoebe and Marigold are so humorous and relatable which I believe is the reason why this series is so popular with our young reader community and the fact that Marigold is a very pretty unicorn thanks to the magnificent illustrations.

We will consider adding this title to our JGraphic Novel collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Chris Zable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this series is great for kids. But it's great for other people too. Everyone in our house -- that's two teens and two middle-aged adults -- loves it. This book is as good as all the others; I laughed out loud again and again while reading it. In a typical four-panel spread, three panels advance the plot, talk about the interpersonal problems of grade school life, or give background info on unicorn society. And then that fourth panel just kills me -- making me snort or burst into laughter more often than not, and nearly always carrying a clever surprise. This volume will be joining all the others on our bookshelf -- though to be honest it will be found in the kids' rooms an awful lot of the time. Or on the floor. Or the sofa. Or in the bathroom. Because it's going to be read and enjoyed everywhere in the house.

[Kellen Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once more Dana Simpson makes me laugh out loud and share the experience with my loved ones.

This new installment of the cute duet Phoebe, the human girl, and Marigold, the Unicorn, has us thinking what make things relevant and popular.

What makes the world of humans suddenly fan around unicorns, and how the unicorns can be swayed toward loving humans.

This and more questions have our friendly couple analyzing and testing how friendship and the world works.

Sweet and funny as always, recommended for a Middle grade or pre-teen audience, it is advisable to share it with a parent or a teacher to draw the most out of the situations, questions and discussions presented.

An e-ARC of this book was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Serenechaosnyc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I requested this book from NetGalley in hopes that my daughter could read this. But it was only readable on my Netgalley app so she didn't get to read it. I read it and I have to say, there were some really amusing points. I've never read any of these books but I did find that Phoebe and Marigold the Unicorn's banter was really funny. And Marigold's super ego is hilarious. I thought some of the parts were disjointed but honestly, it may be something that kids gravitate towards. The book seems to take 2-3 pages to go through one skit and then start a new skit. For my daughter who loves unicorns and humor, I think this would be a huge hit.

[Alyxe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was cute! I loved reading it as an adult and thought it was very funny. As a 5th-6th grade special education teacher, I thought some of the dialogue and conversations between characters were too advanced-almost as if this book was written for adults or teenagers. I am not sure I would choose to read this one aloud to my class. However, I do have some students that I know would still find this story humorous. I loved the message of self-acceptance and the encouragement that we can be whatever we want to be! That is definitely something I want all of my students to believe and understand. Thank you for this ARC!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unicorn Famous: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure by Dana Simpson
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Genre: Children's Fiction
Release Date: April 6, 2021

I have been following the Phoebe and Her Unicorn page on Facebook for years (back when it was called Heavenly Nostrils)! I loved the page and the comics! I'm so excited that I got to read this book!

This was so cute and a fun read! I loved the humor. I actually laughed out loud several times!

I'm so grateful to Dana Simpson, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Julia Pika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"I shall read it through horn osmosis." That line made me laugh pretty hard! As always, the comics follow Phoebe and her best friend who just so happens to be a unicorn. The sense of humor is great and the artwork simple but easy to follow. Marigold is sassy and self-centered but she's really entertaining and has some great one-liners. She can get pretty dark too which makes the comics even funnier!

Highly recommend for any comic book fans!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun addition to the Phoebe and Marigold saga. I have to admit that these books are my guilty pleasure and, while I buy them for my daughter, I'm the one who reads them before anyone else in the family. And probably gets the most fun out of them too. Although my teen still grabs them off the shelf when she spots a new one before I do.

This one had some enjoyable strips, and then some that were just ok. Kind of the norm when they are a bit more random than following a storyline. The water park was definitely my favourite, and anything featuring the goblins and Montana.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to get this one for myself so I could see and read for myself one of the books in the series I keep sending to out of state granddaughter at her request. Now I know and can recommend it to all and sundry! And now I want my very own Unicorn for my friend!
A must read for elementary/middle school graphic novel enthusiasts!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!