Review - I'm Not a Girl

I'm Not a Girl: A Transgender Story
by Maddox Lyons & Jessica Verdi
illustrated by Dana Simpson
Date: 2020
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Based on a true transgender identity journey, the picture book I'm Not a Girl is an empowering story from writers Maddox Lyons and Jessica Verdi about a boy who is determined to be himself, illustrated by Dana Simpson.

Nobody seems to understand that Hannah is not a girl.

His parents ask why he won't wear the cute outfits they pick out. His friend thinks he must be a tomboy. His teacher insists he should be proud to be a girl.

But a birthday wish, a new word, and a stroke of courage might be just what Hannah needs to finally show the world who he really is.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I've read very few books about transgender kids. I'm Not a Girl is based on the transgender identity journey of 12-year-old Maddox Lyons. It skilfully shows Hannah's emotional reactions to trying to navigate between how the world sees him and how he sees himself.

The story is clear and simple, and offers a main character that other transgender kids will be able to relate to. Illustrated by Dana Simpson of Phoebe and Her Unicorn fame (who is a transgender woman herself), this book would be a useful, reassuring tool for kids who are just starting out on their own journey to live as they truly are.

The notes at the back add some interest (there's a great list of transgender figures in recent history, for example) and help the reader understand a bit about the background of the story. There's also a nice bibliography with resources for kids and parents.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 5/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.5 out of 5

Review - Virtual Unicorn Experience

Virtual Unicorn Experience (Heavenly Nostrils #12)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2020
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 176
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is one magical unicorn—and she knows it! But sometimes it’s harder for humans like Phoebe to understand that they can be magical, too. In the latest Phoebe and Her Unicorn adventure, the pair visits the science museum, tests out an extra-special virtual unicorn reality, and performs in the school talent show. With the help of her best friend and an emergency sparkle transfusion, Phoebe learns about confidence, empathy, and resilience—and even how to live without her cellphone. It’s all part of the very real excitement of Virtual Unicorn Experience.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This series has lost the magic for me. This twelfth volume kind of felt like it was phoning it in. Sure, we have the established characters, but how many times can we see Dakota be nasty, Max be wallpaper (he had so much potential when he was first introduced!), and Marigold be vain? It's getting old.

Marigold also slipped up and used a contraction in this book (shocking!) and there was an uncomfortable passage with a glitching computer and Phoebe talking about the world needing a reset. The timing is awfully suspicous. (Look up "The Great Reset". Finding what looks an awful lot like propaganda in a children's book left a bad taste in my mouth.)

If you're a die-hard Phoebe and Marigold fan, you might enjoy this. I've loved this duo from the beginning... but I think maybe 12 books is enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a digital ARC.

Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Camping with Unicorns

Camping with Unicorns (Heavenly Nostrils #11)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2020
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 176
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Life is never boring when your best friend is a unicorn! The latest installment in this bestselling series is full of mischief, magic and adventure — as well as an important reminder to always stay true to yourself.

School’s out, so Phoebe and her unicorn best friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, have the entire summer to play games, visit the pool, and even go camping. Unicorn horns are excellent utensils for roasting things over the campfire, too, even if Marigold prefers toasted apples to s’mores. While exploring in the woods, Phoebe and friends meet a unicorn named Alabaster, who uses a special video game console that’s powered by plants. Throughout her summer adventures, Phoebe learns that being cool isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and that it’s much better to be your true self. It’s all part of the unforgettable experience of Camping with Unicorns.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Here's yet another collection of comics featuring Phoebe and her unicorn friend, Marigold. Much of this book is focussed on the summer holidays (unlike many of the others, which feature the school months more heavily).

While this isn't my favourite, it's still entertaining. Fans of the series are sure to be engaged.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a digital ARC.

Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.6 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - The Unicorn Whisperer

The Unicorn Whisperer (Heavenly Nostrils #10)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2019
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 176
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Welcome back to the hilarious and heartwarming world of Phoebe and Her Unicorn, where readers of all ages can always find a friend to lend a magical helping hand — or hoof.

For 9-year-old Phoebe Howell and her sparkling companion, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, every day is an adventure. In this latest installation of Dana Simpson's award-winning Phoebe and Her Unicorn series, Phoebe navigates the challenges of school life with a little help from her unicorn friend, who is always ready with the perfect spell for the occasion. But as the magic spells mount up, both Phoebe and Marigold find themselves wondering if sometimes they might be taking things just a little too far...

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Here's yet another enjoyable collection of comics about Phoebe and Marigold. All the things that make the previous collections are so enjoyable are here: the cultural references, the humour, the stories, the secondary characters... (I love Todd! Rar.)

I've read most of the series this year, and I think it's one of my favourite comics. Keep 'em coming, Dana Simpson!

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a digital ARC.

Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Unicorn Bowling

Unicorn Bowling (Heavenly Nostrils #9)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2019
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 176
Format: e-book
Source: library

A unicorn in bowling shoes is quite a STRIKE-ing sight. But for nine-year-old Phoebe Howell, it’s just another fun outing with her best friend, the illustrious unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. This unique and magical friendship is at the heart of the ninth Phoebe and Her Unicorn collection, which includes adventures such as writing original songs, publishing rival news websites, and making a summer visit to the exclusive Camp Shimmerhorn. Life with a unicorn BFF is not without its challenges, however, and whether it’s homework, friction with classmates, or talent show jitters, Unicorn Bowling is full of amusing, heartwarming reminders that when the going gets tough, the tough get sparkling.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I've been reading this for the past few days. Unfortunately, I can't really remember what went on in the beginning of the collection... so it probably wasn't that memorable.

That said, I always seem to enjoy these comic collections more than the graphic novels. There are stories that continue for a number of panels, which I enjoy, but I like the randomness of the collections more. They also use more advanced language (necessitating the glossary at the back), so they seem aimed at an older audience.

My favourite part of this one was Phoebe's experience at unicorn summer camp. The bowling escapade was also fairly amusing.

I don't know how much longer Simpson can drag this out without becoming stale. This installment was still enjoyable, but not quite as much as some of the previous volumes.

Quotable moment:

Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.6 out of 5 ladybugs

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

Review - Unicorn of Many Hats

Unicorn of Many Hats (Heavenly Nostrils #7)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2018
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 176
Format: e-book
Source: library

Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is no ordinary unicorn. She has Wi-Fi-enabled appendages. She’s the most enchanted babysitter of all time. She’s published numerous scholarly articles on the “shimmering” versus “glimmering” debate. She is, in short, a unicorn of many hats.

Phoebe and her exceptional hooved pal are back in this all-new collection of comics! Laugh alongside the lovable duo as they question the idea of “coolness,” gain a deeper appreciation for the power of friendship, and put off summer reading assignments for as long as physically possible.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Thank goodness we're back to our regularly scheduled program format! I really did not like Phoebe and Her Unicorn in The Magic Storm. All the cleverness and maturity was gone, and we were left with an insipid graphic novel for very young children. Unicorn of Many Hats returns to the format of the other books in the series, which is that of a comic collection. There are a few stories that extend over a few panels, but also a number of standalone strips. I far prefer this; the characters of Phoebe and Marigold are back to the way they were, and all is right with the world again.

There's not much more to say. This is another enjoyable entry in the series. Now I guess I have to see if the library has the next one...

Quotable moment:

Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm

Phoebe and Her Unicorn in The Magic Storm (Heavenly Nostrils #6)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2017
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Reading level: C
Book type: graphic novel
Pages: 160
Format: e-book
Source: library

Phoebe and Marigold decide to investigate a powerful storm that is wreaking havoc with the electricity in their town. The adults think it’s just winter weather, but Phoebe and Marigold soon discover that all is not what it seems to be, and that the storm may have a magical cause. To solve the case, they team up with Max, who is desperate for the electricity to return so he can play video games, and frenemy Dakota, who is aided by her goblin minions. Together, they must get to the bottom of the mystery and save the town from the magic storm.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I hate to say it, but... that was pretty awful.

Gone are most of the clever quips. Instead, we have a childish storyline about a power outage and a group of preteens running around with magical creatures. I might've enjoyed this book when I was under ten, but after reading the first five books in the series--which were comic collections with astute observations and challenging language, unlike this dumbed-down graphic novel--I was expecting something way more advanced. The first five comics collections can be enjoyed by all ages. This book is going to turn off a lot of the older fans of the series.

I wasn't that impressed with Today I'll Be a Unicorn, a picture book based on these characters. It seemed like it was simply taking advantage of the popularity of the characters. Phoebe and Her Unicorn in The Magic Storm seems like an all-out cash grab.

It looks like some of the subsequent books go back to the comic format. I hope that's the case and that I can simply wipe this boring, juvenile graphic novel from my memory.

Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2/5
Pace: 2/5
Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustration: 3/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Unicorn Crossing

Unicorn Crossing (Heavenly Nostrils #5)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2017
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 176
Format: e-book
Source: library

Time flies in this fifth volume of Dana Simpson's Phoebe and Her Unicorn! Follow the lovable duo as they experience somewhat-spooky Halloween parties, ecstatic snow days, and looming summer reading assignments. Although the journey of growing up can sometimes be difficult, along the way Phoebe and Marigold discover something more enduring than goblin fads, unicorn spa vacations, and even a Spell of Forgetting--their one of a kind friendship.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I don't know if I'm getting unicorn fatigue, but I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as some of the previous installments. Maybe it's just that there aren't as many memorable moments in this one, or as many continuing stories (there seem to be a lot of standalone panels). It's not terrible, by any means, but it just doesn't seem quite as magical as some of the previous titles.

Simpson really isn't holding back with the advanced language, either. There was a small glossary at the back of the previous book, but the glossary here is three pages long! Determined young readers won't have a problem with the language, but I worry that more reluctant readers might be turned off by coming across so many unfamiliar words.

All in all, it's still a highly enjoyable comic, and I'll definitely be continuing with the series!

Quotable moment:

Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.6 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Razzle Dazzle Unicorn

Razzle Dazzle Unicorn (Heavenly Nostrils #4)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2016
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 184
Format: e-book
Source: library

Dana Simpson's Phoebe and Her Unicorn is back with more sparkles than ever! In this fourth volume, join in the adventure as Phoebe and Marigold confront messy rooms, trouble at school, and a nasty case of “Sparkle Fever.” Follow the pair back to Camp Wolfgang, where their old pals Sue (a.k.a. “Monster Girl”) and Ringo, the lake creature, remind them that being weird is WAY more fun than being normal.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

These books are just so much fun!

In this installment, Marigold gets "Sparkle Fever" (sort of like a cold for unicorns), makes Phoebe's room temporarily vanish, and follows her friend to another year of summer camp.

I enjoyed the summer camp scenes a little more in this one. When we first met Sue, she freaked me out. (She came across as a little psychopath.) In this book, she's more odd than frightening. The interactions with the lake monster, Ringo, are kind of fun, too. (Marigold even gets a crush!)

The back matter in this volume features the author talking about the creative process and how she puts together a comic strip. There's also a glossary of tricky words to help kids figure out what some of the panels are trying to say. I still don't think this is really a series for young children, in part due to the complex language and the jokes that will go over their heads. (It's not inappropriate for children, it's just a little too advanced. When you have words like "feign", "prescient", and "schism" in a book, it's probably not for early readers!)

Overall, this is another fun book about Phoebe and Marigold. On to the next one!

Quotable moment:

Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Unicorn vs. Goblins

Unicorn vs. Goblins (Heavenly Nostrils #3)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2016
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 176
Format: e-book
Source: library

School’s out! That means no more teachers, no more books, and lots of time to compliment Marigold Heavenly Nostrils on her good looks. In this third volume, Phoebe and her obligational best friend, Marigold, learn that summer still has plenty of surprises for the both of them. All of our old friends are back—Phoebe’s part-time “frenemy” Dakota, upon whom Marigold has bestowed sentient hair, Phoebe’s goofy parents, and even Lord Splendid Humility (but please, ignore his magnificence if you can)! Have fun as Phoebe and Marigold continue the “Phoebegold Detective Agency,” spend a week at Wolfgang Music Camp, and find themselves in more misadventures, thanks to Marigold’s enchanted sparkles! Along the way, Phoebe makes some new friends, such as Sue—her unique clarinet-playing bunkmate, Florence Unfortunate Nostrils, Marigold’s estranged sister, and Camp Wolfgang’s lake monster who enjoys tacos and Wi-Fi. When school resumes, read along as Phoebe enjoys (or suffers from) a brief case of popularity, mentally catalogs her grievances against dodge ball, and, with Marigold’s help, rescues Dakota and her hair from the queen of the goblins. Through these wacky adventures, Phoebe and Marigold learn that their friendship is the second most magical thing of all, after Marigold’s beauty, of course.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This collection seemed to go faster than the previous two. I enjoyed it well enough, though.

In this installment, we see Phoebe go to music camp, we get to meet Marigold's sister, and Dakota has a run-in with some goblins at the local burger joint. I wasn't really a fan of the whole music-camp experience... or, rather, I wasn't a fan of Phoebe's bunkmate. She was supposed to be funny, but I don't find little psychopaths-in-the-making particularly funny. Meeting Marigold's sister, Florence Unfortunate Nostrils, was pretty fun, though (and once you find out why she has that last name, you'll never be able to forget). The storyline with Dakota and the goblins felt a little tacked-on and too easily resolved, but the magical-hair storyline was fun while it lasted.

The back matter in this one consists of a trail mix recipe and instructions on how to draw some supporting characters. For those who are practicing drawing Phoebe and Marigold and their friends, it's a nice touch.

Overall, this probably isn't my favourite of the books so far. But I'm definitely going to keep reading. I just love these two characters and their unusual friendship!

Quotable moment:

Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.6 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Unicorn on a Roll

Unicorn on a Roll (Heavenly Nostrils #2)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2015
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 224
Format: e-book
Source: library

The magical friendship of Phoebe and her best friend, unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, is back in this second adventure of a girl and her mythical creature!

One year has passed since Phoebe skipped a rock across a pond, accidentally hit a unicorn in the face, and was granted a single wish—which she used to make the unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, her obligational best friend. In some ways, not much has changed. At school Phoebe still clashes with her rival--and sometimes “frenemy”--he ever-taunting and imperious Dakota. Outside of school, she still fills her free time with extra-credit homework assignments, dramatic monologues about the injustices associated with school cliques, and imaginative conspiracy theories regarding global forces like the “powerful construction paper lobby.” But unlike before, Phoebe now has a best friend to share it with—someone to make her laugh and to listen to all her extravagant ideas.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I think I may have enjoyed this second installment about Phoebe and Marigold's adventures as much as the first!

A year after their first meeting, Phoebe and Marigold are still best friends. In this book, there are a few continuous stories that run for many panels (such as trying to buy a Christmas present for a unicorn, the incident with Lord Splendid Humility's birthday party, and the school play about insects and candy), along with a number of freestanding panels that are pretty funny all on their own.

As in the first book, the back of this one has some instructions for drawing Phoebe and Marigold (facial expressions this time), as well as instructions for unicorn poop cookies and some origami. I could do without these little extras, but I'm sure some readers love them.

I guess it's time to seek out the third book in the series. I'm really enjoying these so far!

Quotable moment:

Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Today I'll Be a Unicorn

Today I'll Be a Unicorn (Phoebe and Her Unicorn)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2018
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 12
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this charming, super-sparkly board book, the stars of Phoebe and Her Unicorn celebrate the magical and enchanting world of being a unicorn, along with reminding young readers that being yourself is pretty great, too.

Who wouldn’t want to be a unicorn? You get to trot majestically through meadows, perch high up on rainbows, and wear tiaras made of starlight. Phoebe lists all the wonderful things she’ll get to do and can hardly contain her excitement about having a tail and magic horn. That is, until she learns that unicorns like to eat hay instead of pizza. Maybe she’ll be a unicorn tomorrow instead!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I think this one loses something in translation to e-book format. The synopsis describes it as a super-sparkly board book, but of course there are no sparkles to be had in the digital format.

It's also very short. It's cute, but it's almost like someone took a couple of panels of the comic that's featured in the full-length books and stretched it out to make a picture book. There's nothing wrong with it, and it will be a nice way to introduce much younger kids to the characters, but it's probably not going to have a lot of appeal to the kids who are reading the full comic collections.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.17 out of 5

Review - Phoebe and Her Unicorn

Phoebe and Her Unicorn (Heavenly Nostrils #1)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2014
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 224
Format: e-book
Source: library

A boy and his dog... a girl and her... unicorn? It all started when 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 how "Phoebe and Her Unicorn" unfolds. This beautifully drawn strip follows the unlikely friendship between a somewhat awkward girl and the 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.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

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:

Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 ladybugs