Review - Phoebe and Her Unicorn in Unicorn Theater

Phoebe and Her Unicorn in Unicorn Theater (Heavenly Nostrils #8)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2018
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Reading level: C
Book type: graphic novel
Pages: 152
Format: e-book
Source: library

The second Phoebe and Her Unicorn graphic novel!

Summer is here, and Phoebe and Marigold are headed to drama camp. Phoebe’s expecting some quality time with her best friend, but in a surprise twist, Marigold has invited her sister, Florence Unfortunate Nostrils! While the unicorn sisters head to camp in a magical rainbow pod, Phoebe is stuck riding with her parents in their boring car, wondering where it all went wrong. But at Camp Thespis, there are more daunting tasks at hand: writing, producing, and acting in an entirely original play! The second Phoebe and Her Unicorn graphic novel is a sparkling tale of sisterhood and summer fun, as well as a reminder that sometimes it takes a bit of drama to recognize true friendship.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I'm not the biggest fan of these graphic novels. I prefer the comic collections much more. Those are more clever and funny. This story is okay, but like the other graphic novel, it's squarely aimed at kids.

In this story, Phoebe goes to drama camp. Marigold is going, too, but so is her sister, Florence Unfortunate Nostrils. As the days go on, Phoebe grows more and more jealous as Marigold seems to spend less time with her. Eventually, everything works out and the kids and magical creatures (including Ringo and Voltina) put on a play at the end of camp.

The themes of jealousy and friendship are nice, and had this been in another series, I probably would have liked this graphic novel more than I did. But... expectations. When I'm reading about Phoebe and Marigold, I expect a certain level of intelligence and maturity to come through the writing. That really isn't apparent here. And while I did enjoy this one a whole lot more than The Magic Storm, I can't wait to get back to the comic collections.

Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustration: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 2.75 out of 5 ladybugs