Phoebe And Her Unicorn (Volume 1)

Phoebe And Her Unicorn (Volume 1)

"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 UnicornA 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 howPhoebe 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.From School Library JournalGr 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, NYReview"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?sBabymouse series and Frank Cammuso?sSalem Hyde...A sweet, spun-sugar confection just right for unicorn fans."