Unicorn vs. goblins: another Phoebe and her unicorn adventure

It's summer, and that means it's time for Phoebe and her unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, to attend summer camp, reunite with estranged family (specifically, Marigold's sister, Florence Unfortunate Nostrils), and make new friends. As in the previous two volumes of this graphic novel series, the relationship between Phoebe and her not-so-imaginary friend is sweet, winning, and genuinely funny, and the artwork remains consistently expressive. A sliver of snarky cynicism runs deep under every story line, resulting in a book that appeals to older readers while at the same time tickling the funny bones of middle-grade readers. A sure bet for graphic novel collections.--Volin, Eva Copyright 2016 Booklist

In this third installment, Phoebe and her unicorn find themselves encountering yet more whimsical hilarity. With school giving way to summer, precocious Phoebe and her utterly narcissistic unicorn best friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, learn they will be attending music camp. At Camp Wolfgang, Phoebe meets Sue, who mayor may notbe perkily homicidal and who ultimately becomes her new best (human) friend. Phoebe also meets Marigold's sister, Florence Unfortunate Nostrils, so named for her ability to sneeze spiders. In the titular episode, Phoebe must rescue her frenemy, Dakota, when she's kidnapped by goblins attracted to her enchanted hair. Throughout all their adventures, Phoebe maintains her wide-eyed innocence as a foil to Marigold's snarky arrogance. While the volume covers a specific linear time period, from summer to fall, the vignettes feel loose and disjointed, and they are often punctuated by shorter interstitials; the extended antics aren't enough to provide cohesion. However, the dreamy candy-colored sparkle-filled panels starring a giggle-worthy, pompous unicorn may be too much for some to resist. Fans of the series may appreciate its untiring comedic banter, but the endless sparkles and running jokes start to lose a bit of their luster, making this feel a bit like a one-trick ponyer, unicorn. (Graphic fantasy. 7-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

It's summer, and that means it's time for Phoebe and her unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, to attend summer camp, reunite with estranged family (specifically, Marigold's sister, Florence Unfortunate Nostrils), and make new friends. As in the previous two volumes of this graphic novel series, the relationship between Phoebe and her not-so-imaginary friend is sweet, winning, and genuinely funny, and the artwork remains consistently expressive. A sliver of snarky cynicism runs deep under every story line, resulting in a book that appeals to older readers while at the same time tickling the funny bones of middle-grade readers. A sure bet for graphic novel collections. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

Gr 3–6—Phoebe and her beautiful unicorn friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, have all summer to go to camp and solve mysteries together. Music camp is full of new friends—a funky yet friendly clarinet player for Phoebe, and the lake monster for Marigold. Of course, there are updates from Phoebe's frenemy, Dakota, whose hair Marigold magically cursed. Summer must come to an end, and Phoebe and Marigold attend school. Marigold, in an effort to help Phoebe become popular (or at least avoid anonymity) turns off her Shield of Boringness so all Phoebe's classmates can see her unicorn best friend. Finally, Phoebe and Marigold must save Dakota from the goblins, who have taken her hostage. The adventures of Phoebe and Marigold are just as amusing and eclectic as they sound. The pace is quick, almost to the point of being frenzied and unfocused. However, it fits the characters, who are engaging enough to make up for any flaws. The illustrations are quirky, and Simpson expertly places the characters in a real world setting. VERDICT Middle grade readers will find Phoebe and Marigold to be an exciting duo and will probably want a pet unicorn of their own. Purchase where this series is popular.—Morgan Brickey, Arlington Public Library, TX