Phoebe and Her Unicorn (Volume 1) - Softcover

Simpson, Dana

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1449446205 ISBN 13: 9781449446208

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2014

Synopsis

This magical beginning of the popular Phoebe and Her Unicorn comic strip series introduces the unlikely friendship between Phoebe, a clever, quirky girl with a big imagination, and Marigold, a glamorous, self-absorbed unicorn who gradually shows her just how special she really is.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR!

“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

When nine-year-old Phoebe accidentally skips a rock into the face of a unicorn, she doesn't expect to make a lifelong best friend. But that's exactly what happens when she meets Marigold Heavenly Nostrils—a magical, endlessly confident unicorn whose vanity is matched only by her sense of humor. Together they navigate school, friendships, imagination, family life, mythical creatures, and the everyday adventures of growing up.

In this first collection of Dana Simpson’s beloved comic strip series, the bond between precocious Phoebe and self-absorbed but kind Marigold grows into a true friendship. Along the way, Phoebe deals with the usual burdens of childhood (cruel classmates, gym class, piano lessons) and some unusual ones (magic hair, candy-breathing dragons, and the legendary Shield of Boringness).

Witty and vividly drawn in full color, this charming series is perfect for young readers ages 8-10 and fans of imaginative stories.

• The first full-color comic collection in the bestselling Phoebe and Her Unicorn series
• A funny, heartwarming friendship between an imaginative girl and a hilariously self-absorbed unicorn
• Perfect for ages 8–10, reluctant readers, and fans of graphic novels and comic strips
• Blends school, family, fantasy, magic, and humor into relatable everyday adventures
• An excellent choice for readers who love Calvin and Hobbes, Dog Man, and whimsical middle grade comics

Meet the unicorn best friend readers have fallen in love with and start the adventure from the very beginning.

About this title

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.

Reviews

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

Edition details

• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1449446205
• ISBN 13: 9781449446208
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224