Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Phoebe and Her Unicorn #1

Phoebe and Her Unicorn

Rate this book
Do you believe in unicorns? Phoebe does. She has no choice ... one day she skipped a rock across a pond, and hit a unicorn in the face. Improbably, this resulted in a lasting friendship between Phoebe and the unicorn, one Marigold Heavenly Nostrils.

Come along for the unicorn ride with Phoebe, as she deals with the usual burdens of childhood (cruel classmates, gym class, piano lessons) and also some unusual ones (magic hair, candy-breathing dragons, and the legendary Shield of Boringness).

Can a precocious little girl and a self-absorbed mythical forest creature find common ground? Indeed they can, and that's how Phoebe and Her Unicorn unfolds.

222 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2014

607 people are currently reading
8129 people want to read

About the author

Dana Simpson

61 books329 followers
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.

Attempts at doing real work along the way are hardly worth mentioning; the relevant fact is that, from 1998 to 2008, she drew the internet comic strip Ozy and Millie. After winning the Amazon-sponsored Comic Strip Superstar Contest in 2009, Universal Uclick signed her to a development deal for Heavenly Nostrils.

She currently lives in the Seattle area with her tech genius husband and her fairly stupid cat.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
7,061 (48%)
4 stars
3,677 (25%)
3 stars
2,341 (16%)
2 stars
791 (5%)
1 star
649 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,093 reviews
Profile Image for Kathryn.
169 reviews366 followers
July 22, 2017
Hands down, Phoebe and Her Unicorn earns the award for literature’s most deceptive cover. Given its pink, glittery, unicorn-adorned front one would expect this title to be the graphic novel equivalent of Daisy Meadow’s (why select a pseudonym that so closely resembles that of a stripper? WHY??!!) kid-crack Rainbow Fairies series. A nauseating blend of cotton candy and insulting female stereotypes. BUT trust, this book….. this book is NOT that. At all.

Phoebe and Her Unicorn has all the sarcasm and dry wit of Calvin & Hobbes. It features Phoebe, a desperately lonely 4th grader who enjoys gaming in her free time (fuck that gender norms). Her classmates endlessly bully her, especially archenemy and Head Mean Girl Dakota, who has dubbed Phoebe “Princess Stupidbutt.” Don’t be deterred, believe me it gets better. Captain Underpants this is not.

Things take a turn for the better when Phoebe skips a rock across a pond smacking a unicorn right in the noggin. This action rescues the unicorn who’s been magically held captive. See, unicorns are essentially narcissists (no, I’m not joking) and easily distracted by their reflections. Relishing in their sheer awesomeness. In exchange for her freedom the unicorn, named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils (toldja: so not a "Rainbow Fairies" type book), offers to grant Phoebe one wish. Money, fame, limitless gaming, all at her fingertips…..Phoebe says NAH. What does she choose? For Marigold to become her bestie. Heartwarming but even Marigold contains enough self-awareness to basically reply: “are you for real, kid???....TAKE THE MONEY!!!”

May the adventures of Phoebe and Marigold commence! And they do...Phoebe introduces Marigold to such worldly pleasures as slumber parties, family dinners, trick or treating, “shield of boringness.”

Phoebe and Her Unicorn is laugh-out-loud hilarious. Marigold plays straight-man to Phoebe’s age-appropriate eccentric. There’s obvious situational humor combined with quippy one-liners, whip-smart dialogue and an abundance of snark. While it lacks Calvin & Hobbes’ academic references, the story is similarly entertaining. At my library, kids of both genders are equally enamored with the story and clamor to get their hands on the latest installment. Highly recommend.


Profile Image for Jamie.
439 reviews626 followers
August 24, 2025
Adorable. Who wouldn't want Marigold Heavenly Nostrils as a best friend? (Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is the unicorn, by the way – I thought I should clear that up because otherwise I just sound like a weirdo.) Even though I'm *slightly* older than the intended audience, I found parts of this book to be laugh-out-loud funny. But don't just take my word for it …

Phoebe: Let's play something nobody wins or loses. Like … “DETECTIVE AGENCY”! I'll be intrepid sleuth Phoebe Hardboiledson, and you'll be … um … My desk!

Marigold: Because I have four legs? That is typecasting.


See? Hilarious.

I might actually read some of the other books in the series with my eleven-year-old son. There will be eye-rolling and he'll almost certainly pretend to be too cool for books about unicorns, but I think he'll secretly love them.
Profile Image for Exina.
1,269 reviews412 followers
July 22, 2017
Not laugh-out-loud funny, but it'll surely make you smile. Cute, lovely and witty. Recommended!!
"Is this meant to be science or art?"
"Both. I call it sart."

Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,272 reviews2,108 followers
October 7, 2023
I picked this up because I liked the premise and I thought my daughter might like it and wanted to see how she'd react. Turns out that my daughter already subscribes to the webcomic. That's some superior Dadding right there, I tell you...

Anyway, I had some free time this afternoon and spent it with Phoebe and Marigold and was thoroughly charmed. Peter S. Beagle mentions this volume in light of Calvin and Hobbes in his introduction and I think he's spot on. Read that again. Peter S. Beagle wrote the introduction to this unicorn book!!! That is just. so. perfect! I had a nerdgasm before I'd even started the book.

Where was I? Oh yeah, I think his bringing in Calvin and Hobbes is inspired in that non-obvious but completely perfect kind of way you get with really insightful artists, sometimes. Phoebe isn't Calvin's brand of activity and mischief so the story isn't really similar. But if you replaced Calvin with a self-assured, but kind of quiet, nerd girl with a friend unicorn, this is exactly what you'd have. Simpson gave me lots of goldeny laugh-out-loud moments, the occasional verklemming, and a deep appreciation for a good story well-told. I just loved each new development and the deepening relationship between our two main characters.

So yeah, I heartily recommend this for anyone willing to roll with a magical unicorn who sometimes gets lost in contemplating her own perfection and a nerd girl who wants a best friend.
Profile Image for Erin.
4,492 reviews55 followers
March 14, 2015
I picked this up because: it was compared to Calvin and Hobbes. The unicorn's name is Marigold Heavenly Nostrils.

I loved it because: it is not Calvin and Hobbes. I can see why all the comparisons, and there are definitely similarities, but this is so NOT Calvin and Hobbes "for girls." Calvin and Hobbes was Calvin and Hobbes for girls. This is different and great, and had a really nice vibe going for it. Phoebe is spunky and fun and lonely, and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is a unicorn that occupies much more of the real world than reality should allow. The two characters play off each other so nicely, and together they create a fun place where I want to spend more time.
Profile Image for Hannah Greendale (Hello, Bookworm).
804 reviews4,144 followers
September 3, 2018
Simpson is clearly playing off of groundwork laid by Bill Watterson. Phoebe and her unicorn pal, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, parallel Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes. Sugary cereal, board games, color crayon illustrations depicting the child's interpretation of life events, super hero alter egos and more all hearken to Watterson's work, but Simpson's comics lack the philosophical musings that add depth and heart to Calvin's adventures with Hobbes.

Marigold's sarcasm is good for a chuckle here and there, but a flippant comic about mental illness warrants caution, and one story involving a girl at Phoebe's school is blatantly tone deaf about girls who suffer unwanted hair loss.
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,276 reviews3,393 followers
November 3, 2020
I love these characters so much!

And yes, that illustration is just so cute and amazing!

The characters are so lively!

Phoebe reminds me of me, my younger siblings, my nephews and nieces, my cousins because we all have been through that phase trying to be our best but oh so clueless at the same time when we all started school.

The unicorn is just darn funny!

The banter between Phoebe and the Unicorn though!

So damn nostalgic.

We all tried to present ourselves as the best yet we all had this desire to know the unknown and learn from each other and everything around us when we were kids. They are so cute!

Children's books let me live my life so many times over and over again.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
Author 78 books1,310 followers
April 15, 2019
Absolutely adorable (I love fierce, determined Phoebe! I love vain but truly fabulous Marigold!), and often laugh-out-loud funny. I read this volume first on my own and then with my 10-year-old, and I'm planning to read it with my 5-year-old, too.

But first, I'm moving on to read Book 2!
Profile Image for Isa Cantos (Crónicas de una Merodeadora).
1,009 reviews43.6k followers
October 6, 2018
Este es un libro súper gracioso, no tanto por Cloe, sino por Caléndula, que es la unicornio más descarada, narcisista y pagada de sí misma de la historia de la fantasía.
Profile Image for Britany.
1,138 reviews492 followers
April 17, 2017
I picked this one up for a challenge "All Ages Comic"- and fit that category it did!

I enjoyed the magic of this graphic novel, I appreciated the drawings and storyline. Phoebe is not very popular and finds herself upon Marigold Heavenly Nostrils (the unicorn) and wants her to become her best friend. Best friends indeed- hijinks ensue. I found myself a little lost as in between the major plot points, little vignettes were inserted- I found them all to be charming, but I found the disruption a little distracting.

Cute graphic novel and one I could recommend for all ages.
Profile Image for La Coccinelle.
2,259 reviews3,567 followers
December 9, 2018
I may have found a favourite comic. I loved reading about the adventures of Phoebe and Marigold!

At first, I thought this was a graphic novel, but even though there are a few continuous stories within the book, there's no overarching plot. So, really, it's a comic collection. But that didn't prevent me from enjoying the little stories that were included, such as the friends' slumber party, their detective agency, Phoebe's nemesis and her birthday party, the piano lessons, meeting the parents, Phoebe's new spelling partner, and more.

There's something kind of deep and profound to some of these comics, and the whole thing reminded me a bit of Calvin and Hobbes... except in this case it's a little girl and her unicorn. The book is marketed to middle graders (which becomes evident at the end where there are directions on making slumber-party snack mixes and Marigold puppets), but I have a feeling quite a few of the panels would go over kids' heads. There are plenty of references that only adults would get. (That said, there's absolutely nothing in here that would be inappropriate for children, so if kids want to read it, there's no reason why they shouldn't.)

The filler at the end I could've done without, although I did like the pages explaining how to draw Marigold and Phoebe. I'm always amazed at how artists can make it look so simple; I have a feeling that, if I tried to draw Marigold, she'd end up looking like a giraffe with rickets.

The library has more of the Heavenly Nostrils books, so I'm definitely going to be checking those out in the future. I want to see Phoebe and Marigold's relationship grow, and I'm also curious about some of the other characters that were introduced. Will Dakota remain a thorn in Phoebe's side? Will Max end up being a friend as well as a spelling partner? Will Phoebe ever practice the piano and satisfy her piano teacher? I guess I'll have to keep reading to find out!

Quotable moment:

Phoebe and Her Unicorn
Profile Image for Schizanthus Nerd.
1,317 reviews298 followers
April 9, 2019
image by Ivona Design
🦄 Happy Unicorn Day! 🦄

When lonely fourth grader Phoebe rescues Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, who was trapped in the beauty of her own reflection, she is granted one wish. As the self appointed Federal Awesomeness Inspector, Phoebe declares herself the “most awesome girl in the world!”, which of course must be true because she wished to be best friends with a unicorn!

Together they play video games, have slumber parties in their pyjamas, play superhero and detective agency, gossip and enjoy music. Marigold gets trapped in her reflection more than once and I expect this will be a running joke throughout the series.
description
With our main characters fluent in sarcasm and dry humour, I found a lot to love. In this first graphic novel of the series we meet Phoebe’s parents, Dakota (Phoebe’s arch enemy, who calls her Princess Stupidbutt) and Max (Phoebe’s spelling partner). We’re also introduced to Todd, the candy dragon, who was my favourite minor character because … CANDY DRAGON!!!

Despite being so self absorbed, Marigold is capable of compassion and insight. I loved how literal she is and my stubbornness appreciated the stubbornness of both Marigold and Phoebe. Though they’re often not on the same wavelength these new friends get along surprisingly well.
description
I adore these new friends and feel like I’ve made two new ones myself. I’m especially looking forward to more superhero segments with Claustrophoebea and Pointyhead. I smiled a lot during this book and can’t believe it’s taken me this long to finally start this series. Thank you, Unicorn Day!

P.S. The magical picture of the unicorn reading is by Ivona Design.
Profile Image for Dave Schaafsma.
Author 6 books32.1k followers
July 13, 2016
As a result of having a fourth grade daughter, I am in touch with this universe I had largely ignored. When L was younger she was like a triplet with her similarly-aged brothers. She refused to wear dresses--oh, good, I thought, she won't be a cheerleader--and liked to hike and camp. Then something happened. There was this sudden invasion of princesses and fairies and unicorns. I--self-proclaimed feminist--brushed it off as a phase. But all this emo and pink and crowds of friends watching My Little Ponies! I hid from it. I am more inclined to read the slightly more identifiably boy books my sons are reading than this stuff.

But you know, from time to time I realize I have to dip my toes into these girly-book waters. She's my daughter, damn it, and I love her. Girl power! Yeah! And I am teaching a course on YA graphic novels with a strong feminist focus, including Paper Girls, Ms Marvel, Lumberjanes, Nimona, Anya's Ghost, and so on. So L is looking at some of this stuff, too, thanks to heaven.

But L luuuuvs Phoebe and Her Unicorn! And okay, I liked it, all right?! I read it thanks to Raina's review of it as adorable. The unicorn, uh, named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils {. . .} (Oh, Dostoevsky, where I thee when I need thee?}, is comically vain, but also Phoebe's bestie. So in this story, we go to school, we meet her parents and her piano teacher, we meet her friends, and her bullies, and we see how having this (it's not supposed to be!) imaginary friend can help her cope with the challenges of being, whoa, 9. Cute! Okay, Raina, adorable! I am not being condescending, I'm not! I am going to watch another episode of My Little Ponies right now!
Profile Image for Raina.
1,701 reviews159 followers
June 17, 2016
Oh my gosh. Super charming, super adorable, super everything-that-it's-cracked-up-to-be.
And hooray that Simpson is a local author!

This is already being superpromoted all over my district (I know of two different branches which have featured it in their school outreach, and the author is likely to come to an event), otherwise I'd be all over pushing it to my kids. Very Calvin & Hobbesie, I understand. More kid-friendly than many other webcomics I've read which end up on the kid shelf in the library.
Full color, likeable/flawed characters, nice panel technique, punch lines which actually make me chuckle.

Yep, count me a fan.
Profile Image for Cass Winters.
155 reviews11 followers
September 28, 2024
I've had this on my shelf to read for so long. What a silly and fun little romp. Reminds me of Calvin and Hobbes, but more for us that sparkle and shine!! Best afternoon of reading I've spent in a while. Silly, humorous, and just all together an enjoyable little read.
Profile Image for Lata.
4,768 reviews253 followers
January 4, 2019
4.5 stars. Phoebe and her conversations and adventures with unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is a really funny series. I laughed out loud frequently during their exchanges, with Phoebe stating something and Marigold replying, in a very sarcastic fashion. Marigold could be insufferable, with her constant reminders of her, and unicorns in general, superiority over everyone else, but somehow I just couldn't stop laughing. Phoebe is a bit intense, and has no other friends but Marigold for much of this volume. The two wander about having discussions about all sorts of things, with Marigold usually capping off disagreements with reminders of her beauty and awesomeness. Author Dana Simpson gradually introduces other characters to the narrative, but the focus remains on Phoebe and Marigold, and their wonderful, silly friendship.
Profile Image for Sesana.
6,115 reviews330 followers
February 7, 2017
Incredibly, ridiculously fun to read. Yes, it kind of is like a Calvin and Hobbes for girls, except that a) Calvin and Hobbes is Calvin and Hobbes for girls and b) aside from a few similarities in the relationship between the main characters, the two really aren't all that much alike. For one, pretty much everybody can see and communicate with Marigold, and Phoebe has an actual nemesis in the resident mean girl at school. On its own merits, it's silly and funny and smart enough for an adult to read. Kind of like Calvin and Hobbes, actually.
Profile Image for Darla.
4,657 reviews1,167 followers
February 8, 2019
Even better as a rerun. One of my favorites is when Phoebe believes Marigold will help her improve at her piano lessons. She wavers a bit when looking at Marigold's hooves, but wants to believe as she hates to practice. Then Phoebe finds herself playing the piano with her face. Unicorn!
Profile Image for Kerri.
1,090 reviews463 followers
January 20, 2018
This was so fun and clever! I laughed a lot reading this and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
9 reviews
March 8, 2022
I forgot to update with this book. I must say when Phoebe finds Marigold I was surprised. When I got 5-7 pages in i was stuck. I all around love graphic novels. This book was all around amazing!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
612 reviews11 followers
February 6, 2017
Loved this cute graphic novel. Can't wait to get my hands on the next one. :)
Profile Image for Jen.
247 reviews156 followers
October 28, 2014
1. Unicorns have to maintain the shield of boringness so we don't freak out in their presence.
2. Technically, one deepens the ocean by spitting in it.

There--two things I learned from this book. I ordered it after allowing my daughter to surf through children's graphic novels on this here site and falling prey to her pleas for this book: Mom! This book! This book!

I remember reading books in third grade and when finished, thinking, This book! This book! Ah, book loves, they last forever. And I'm so glad they do.

Four stars for plucky girls and egotistical unicorns.
Profile Image for Kristen.
Author 5 books31 followers
December 15, 2014
Yes it's pink and sparkly and there's a unicorn on the cover - so what's wrong with that?!! If you're thinking this is going to be a sickly sweet saptastic story, fear not. Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is no one's pet pony, and Phoebe is the right combination of feisty, clueless, and rockin' cool outsider.
Profile Image for Carrot.
117 reviews8 followers
June 24, 2025
4.99 Stars / 5!!

Knowing me, there needn’t be a sophisticated reason nor explanation. Or perhaps it does, because this book is truly, well, magical (in unicorn accent).

Beautiful illustrations! So witty and, again, magical! Filled with whimsy too. And, of course, truly amazing characters. I’d read it again and again, and read all their adventures if I could!!

I first read this when I was in fourth grade and I devoured the whole series. I really think it had a subconscious impact on who I am today, whether through my passions or likings. And what’s funny is, Phoebe reminds me so much of myself!!

"It [a single last leaf] doesn't care that it’s different, or that it’s alone. It inspires me…
(Marigold uses magic to insert another leaf with the leaf)
“Now the two leaves can cling, or fall, together."



P. S. I didn’t rate this five stars because I never do it these days!! Unless a reallllyyy good book comes along. But this one is one of them. And so so simple too! Amazing how it works… So, fine, I will categorize this as a five star. Truly shocking!! :))
Profile Image for Jeannette.
1,128 reviews52 followers
September 6, 2017
This is such an adorable comic. Not just because the art is cute and it's about a girl and her unicorn, but because it's so easy to relate to, as well as being sweet and funny. I read it on Saturday morning while cuddling with my infant daughter, and while I'm sure she didn't understand a word, my husband kept snickering nearby. Like Peter Beagle said in the foreword, it is even a bit reminiscent of Calvin and Hobbes! I finished it all in one go, and I'm looking forward to picking up the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ellie.
43 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2024
it was funny, but it had rudeness and name calling. mom did not love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,093 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.