Dana Claire Simpson

Been missing Calvin and Hobbes? Mount your trusty steed of choice and get yourself a copy of this one (and the next one or two while you're at it, 'cause...well....UNICORN!) Can't begin to describe the delightfulness of this concept. Phoebe is a rising fourth grader with all summer to skip stones, when one of her throws bops a unicorn on the snout, breaking the narcissistic spell that has kept it staring at its own reflection in the water. This odd rescue results in the granting of a wish -- show more just one, and no, Phoebe, it can't be "infinity wishes". But what could beat having a unicorn (Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, specifically) as your best friend? There are other great characters, too. Like Todd, the Candy Dragon and Max, Phoebe's spelling partner back at school. It's all sparkly and wry...just the break all us pointy-headed intellectuals (that's unicorn humor) need from time to time. show less

This is the...oh well, I have no idea what book number this is in the series because there have been more than a few released. In any case, this is my first time visiting Phoebe and her unicorn, and it was quite the treat.

Phoebe is nine years old and has an unicorn for a best friend. While they've been friends for awhile in this edition, that doesn't mean that things are boring. The unicorn has quite the attitude and, yet, is very sweet. Just a unicorn of its own. Phoebe loves her unicorn show more with all of her heart but does call the creature out, when things get too ridiculous. Plus, it's hard to say what will pop up next when the land of magic is involved.

Normally, I'm not a huge unicorn fan, so I went into this a little skeptical, but with all of the silliness, that was soon long forgotten. This unicorn may have magic and sparkle (the secret to this is released in these pages, btw), but it has quite the healthy self-esteem and humor. Some of the situations might go above the intended age group's heads (so there are some jokes for older readers), but most will make everyone smile. So, it adds enough range to keep a slightly wider group entertained.

I also was thrilled to see that this doesn't leave reading skills behind. While it's a graphic novel, the author makes sure to stretch the vocabulary. There's even a glossary at the end to help with those more difficult terms. Of course, that's only a sideline benefit as humor is key on every single page. So kudos on this end!

The illustrations are bright and bring across the scenes well. The unicorn is well cast and has antics and poses, which are smile worthy on their own. The balance between text and illustrations is well played, letting each end take over its fair share. I enjoyed seeing the emotions and characters sparkle (not just the unicorn in a literal sense) and shine. I've become a fan and can only hope there are many more of these to come. show less

Though it is marketed as middle grade, this comics collection about a fourth-grader and her unicorn best friend would appeal far beyond the 8-12ers. It reminded me of both Calvin and Hobbes and Wallace the Brave but is fully its own thing too. Phoebe is a little bit of an outsider, so when she rescues a unicorn and is granted a wish, she wishes for the unicorn to be her best friend. And then adventures ensue, including run-ins with a mean-girl at school and summertime adventures. The humor show more stands out and I love Marigold Heavenly Nostrils and her commentary on human life. I'll be reading more. Recommended. show less

In this volume, 9-year-old Phoebe is skipping rocks on a pond when she meets a unicorn named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. As a reward for rescuing her from the overwhelming beauty of her own reflection (Marigold is more than a little conceited), Marigold offers Phoebe a wish. Phoebe eventually settles on wishing for Marigold to be her best friend. They spend time together, doing friend things like having a sleepover. Phoebe's arch nemesis, Dakota, also learns about Marigold, but Marigold's show more Shield of Boringness prevents this from being much of a problem.

Peter S. Beagle's introduction mentions Calvin & Hobbes, and I can definitely see the comparison, although the fantasy elements are handled a bit differently.

Overall, I loved the artwork. I can see these comics working for all ages - there's stuff here that kids could definitely enjoy, but also occasional jokes that will make more sense to older audiences (I loved Phoebe's dad's joke about life prior to the internet).

Extras:

A guide to drawing Marigold and Phoebe, instructions for making a Marigold stick puppet and an animated flip book, a recipe for a unicorn slumber party snack mix, some facts about unicorns, and instructions on how to make your own comic strip.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.) show less