Phoebe and Her Unicorn (Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series #1)

by Dana Simpson

Overview

"Phoebe is a remarkably real little girl, as bright and imaginative as Bill Watterson's Calvin, as touchingly vulnerable as Charles Schulz's Charlie Brown...Simpson is that good, and that original."
—Peter S. Beagle, author of The Last Unicorn

A boy and his dog . . . a girl and her . . . unicorn?

It all started when a girl named Phoebe skipped a rock across a pond and accidentally hit a unicorn in the face. Improbably, this led to Phoebe being granted one wish, and she used it to make the unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, her obligational best friend. But can a vain mythical beast and a nine-year-old daydreamer really forge a connection? Indeed they can, and that's how Phoebe and Her Unicorn unfolds.

This beautifully drawn comic strip follows the unlikely friendship between a somewhat awkward girl and the magic unicorn who gradually shows her just how special she really is. Through hilarious adventures where Phoebe gets to bask in Marigold's "awesomeness," the friends also come to acknowledge that they had been lonely before they met and truly appreciate the bond they now share.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781449446208
Publisher:	Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication date:	09/02/2014
Series:	Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series , #1
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	8,980
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	GN390L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

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.

From 1998 to 2008, she drew the internet comic strip Ozy and Millie. After winning the Amazon-sponsored Comic Strip Superstar Contest in 2009, Andrews McMeel Syndication signed her to a development deal for Heavenly Nostrils, which was later renamed Phoebe and Her Unicorn.

She currently lives in Santa Barbara, California, with her tech genius spouse and her fairly stupid cat.

Editorial Reviews

"Clean lines, clearly delineated panels and sparse background detail keep readers focused on the characters, driving the story forward without distraction. Recommend this to fans of Jennifer and Matthew Holm’s Babymouse series and Frank Cammuso’s Salem Hyde...A sweet, spun-sugar confection just right for unicorn fans." (Kirkus Reviews)

“… hilarious, sweet, and unsentimental…” (Cory Doctorow, BoingBoing)

"Readers in need of a good friend can curl up with this title. They won’t be sorry." (Esther Keller, School Library Journal's Good Comics for Kids blog)

"…unique and witty…Simple line drawings bring the characters to life without detracting from the clever dialogue…those looking for something to read after Jenni Holm’s 'Babymouse' books might want to take a look.” (Barbara Moon, School Library Journal)

"I can’t wait to share this collection with my students." (Travis Jonker, School Library Journal’s “100 Scope Notes” blog)

"...the friendship between [Phoebe and Marigold] is impeccably developed…Rich humor lies in the illustrations…" (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books)

“This is a really cute book that is cleverly written…very relatable to girls ages 8 to 12…” (Time to Play Magazine)

Named one of the "Best Feminist Books for Young Readers" list, "...a breathtakingly refreshing look at friendships and school age struggles." (Brandi Bailey, BookRiot)

“Situational humor will appeal to all regardless of gender. The volume contains chuckles and pop references that will entertain the most skeptical adults as well as the target audience.” (Library Media Connection)

Included in the “Your pre-approved list of feminist books for all the kids in your life” roundup. (Caroline Gerdes, Hello Giggles)

From the Publisher

08/01/2014
Gr 4 Up—Simpson's syndicated comics featuring the unlikely friendship between an awkward young girl and an arrogant unicorn are published as one volume for the first time. Phoebe, a somewhat precocious nine-year-old, releases a unicorn held captive underwater by a magic spell. In exchange for her freedom, the unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils grants Phoebe one wish, namely that the two will become best friends. Although imaginary childhood friends such as Hobbes and Winnie-the-Pooh are common, Simpson's take on the subject is unique and witty. Marigold is not invisible but often goes unnoticed, protected by a "shield of boringness." Simple line drawings bring the characters to life without detracting from the clever dialogue. Phoebe's face is particularly expressive, mirroring her wonderment and frustration with her recently acquired friend. The intended audience for this work is unclear. While the protagonist expresses her longing for a best friend, delights in sleepovers, and is enchanted with the mythical creature, there is an underlying sarcastic and mocking tone throughout. Facetious one-liners, such as "Terrible Vortex of Meh" and "summon your inner unicorn" may appeal to a more sophisticated audience. Reference to bathroom humor and several variations on "stupid," such as "stupidbutt" are obviously aimed at younger readers. Still, those looking for something to read after Jenni Holm's "Babymouse" books (Random), might want to take a look.—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

School Library Journal

2014-06-10
A pink, bubble-gum bonbon of a tale spun of a likable, albeit self-centered, fourth-grader and her magical, self-obsessed, although sometimes-kind, unicorn. On a perfectly ordinary day, young Phoebe accidentally hits a unicorn named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils while skipping rocks. Unicorns, vain by nature, cannot help but become engrossed with their own reflections, and when Phoebe’s rock hits Marigold, she frees the mystical creature from her Narcissus-like state and offers to grant Phoebe a wish. Phoebe then wishes for Marigold to be her best friend. From then on, the two are inseparable, embarking on one adventure after another. Phoebe is often tempestuous and prone to whimsy (what fourth-grader isn’t?), whereas Marigold is often the straight man (or unicorn, as it is), taking our human expressions literally and setting up a good deal of the comedic action. As seen in short vignettes, the pair make everyday events—like boring piano lessons or a skirmish with a mean girl—giggle-worthy by the addition of the egocentric unicorn. Clean lines, clearly delineated panels and sparse background detail keep readers focused on the characters, driving the story forward without distraction. Recommend this to fans of Jennifer and Matthew Holm’s Babymouse series and Frank Cammuso’s Salem Hyde. A sweet, spun-sugar confection just right for unicorn fans. (Graphic fantasy. 7-11)

Kirkus Reviews

Read More