Review - Once Upon a Unicorn

Once Upon a Unicorn
by Isla Wynter
illustrated by Anju Chaudhary
Date: 2021
Publisher: Peryton Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: Kobo

Blaze the unicorn is born without a horn - will he be able to get it back?

Or is he maybe not a unicorn at all?

Join Blaze on his adventures as he searches for his horn, meets new friends and encounters an unexpected foe.


This illustrated children's book tells a magical story of friendship, helping others and forgiveness.

Revised edition with beautiful new illustrations.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

The pictures here are cute, but this book suffers from a major problem: The creatures depicted aren't actually unicorns. They're winged horses.

The story is fairly predictable. A "unicorn" named Blaze is born without a horn. But it turns out that an evil camel has stolen all the horns. So Blaze steals one back, the camel apologizes, and... I guess there's some sort of lesson here.

Huge chunks of the text were missing. At least, I'm assuming that's the case. There were some blank pages, and it seemed like parts were missing from the narrative because they were referred to later. I guess it's a formatting issue, but it needs to be corrected. I think a good portion of the showdown with the camel was missing, which is unfortunate.

Overall, I'm not impressed. The plot is silly, the "unicorns" aren't actually unicorns, and the formatting issues mean the reader doesn't get the full story. The illustrations are somewhat appealing, but even they can't save this one for me.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - You Don't Want a Dragon!

You Don't Want a Dragon!
by Ame Dyckman
illustrated by Liz Climo
Date: 2020
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Be careful what you wish for — again! This follow-up to You Don't Want a Unicorn points out the hilarious mishaps that come with adopting a dragon.

Our protagonist wishes (much to the narrator's continued chagrin) for a pet dragon. Though initially thrilled, the kid quickly discovers that dragons aren't quite as awesome as they originally thought. From the scooting to the digging to the fire-breathing, our Kid is dismayed that they still haven't found their perfect pet. Little do they know, that pet might just be right around the corner...

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a simple, but fun, picture book about a kid who wishes for a dragon... and gets more than he bargained for.

I can't help but feel that I'm missing something by not having read You Don't Want a Unicorn! first. There are lots of unicorn references throughout this book, in both the text and illustrations. That's not to say that you can't get something out of it on its own; I'm just more curious now about the first book.

There are some silly, puerile moments here, but overall, it's a fun take on dragons and the things we tend not to think about when we're wishing for them as pets.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Review - Roxy the Last Unisaurus Rex

Roxy the Last Unisaurus Rex
by Eva Chen
illustrated by Matthew Rivera
Date: 2020
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Instagram superstar and New York Times bestselling author of Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes Eva Chen embarks on an all-new picture book venture of jurassic proportions, vibrantly brought to life by Matthew Rivera's rainbow watercolors.

Dinosaurs are awesome. Unicorns are, too. So what happens when you combine the best parts of each?

Roxy the Last Unisaurus Rex!

Join Roxy in all her sassy, steak-loving, glittery glory as she learns about the importance of staying true to yourself, celebrating your differences, and finding friends who love you for who you are.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Aside from the colour-popping illustrations and the nice little rundown of various dinosaurs in the back, I'm not sure what this book has going for it. After the initial gimmick of a dinosaur crossed with a unicorn, there's not much else. Roxy has trouble fitting in because she's not like all the other dinosaurs at her school. Apparently, her mom was getting frisky with her food and got pregnant with... wait a minute. It's probably best not to overthink this one. Anyway, Roxy is the only dinosaur-unicorn hybrid... or so she thinks.

I'm not sure what the message is here. It's not quite "be yourself", because that just led to loneliness. It's not "there's a friend out there for everyone", because what are the chances of finding a second creature that shouldn't exist in the first place? Okay, the premise is kind of funny, but it doesn't really go anywhere.

The idea is creative. But it's not quite enough to sustain a whole picture book (at least, not the way it's done here).

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - Unicorns Are the Worst!

Unicorns Are the Worst!
by Alex Willan
Date: 2020
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Perfect for fans of Dragons Love Tacos and Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great, this wildly funny and imaginative picture book celebrates the value of differences as a grumpy goblin gets to know his new unicorn neighbors.

It’s an undeniable fact that unicorns are the worst!

Magic is serious business, but all unicorns do is frolic around, have tea parties, and leave glitter all over the place! They’re nothing like goblins—practical and hard-working, who can put magic to good use! Unicorns aren’t helpful at all.

Or are they?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

There's not really anything objectively wrong with this. I just didn't find it that exciting. Basically, a jealous goblin explains all the reasons why unicorns are the worst, only to have to eat his words when the unicorns save his bacon from a dragon.

Stereotypes and commercial tropes about unicorns are heavily employed here (down to the glitter... and I have a feeling the print version of this book is very sparkly). These unicorns are basically frivolous horses with horns who like to play harps and have tea parties. If that kind of unicorn is your thing, you might like this one.

I'd probably only recommend this to die-hard unicorn fans. There's not much of a story, and the goblin's whining gets old after the first few pages.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 2/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert, Is a Detective Genius

Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert, Is a Detective Genius
by Morag Hood
illustrated by Ella Okstad
Date: 2019
Publisher: Aladdin
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Sophie Johnson studied very hard to become a detective and it's a good thing she did – there has been a terrible crime!

Someone has stolen Lion's tail. Unfortunately, this means that Sophie doesn't have time to train her new (and not very good) assistant, Bella.

However, is it possible that, while Sophie is busy rounding up suspects, she doesn't see that Bella may be better than she thinks?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I liked the first Sophie Johnson book much better than this one.

Sophie's still oblivious, and there is a unicorn in here, but... it's mainly a story about her dog, Bella. While Sophie is trying to solve a "crime", Bella has already solved it. And the dog also manages to thwart three burglars at the same time.

I did not like the burglar aspect. Sophie and her baby sibling are at home, seemingly alone, when three men break in. I don't care that they're dressed like elves; it's still creepy (perhaps more creepy because they're dressed like elves)! Rather than doing what a child should do in such a situation (call 911), Sophie is shown being completely oblivious while the men break into the house. Bella catches them, but in an unrealistic way involving banana peels and cookware. I'm not sure what the message is supposed to be here, and making light of a terrifying situation seems a little irresponsible.

The schtick worked in the first book where Sophie was oblivious about the unicorn in her own house. (The same unicorn is here, and she still seems not to have noticed!) But being oblivious about home invaders? That just doesn't work in a children's book.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Margaret's Unicorn

Margaret's Unicorn
by Briony May Smith
Date: 2020
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

A perfect gift for the unicorn lovers in your life, this lovely and utterly transporting picture book tells the story of what every little girl wishes would happen to her: a girl finds and takes care of a lost baby unicorn.

Margaret's whole world changes when her family moves to a cottage by the sea to be near her grandma. One evening, Margaret spots a mist over the water. No, that's not mist...clouds maybe? No, they're unicorns descending onto the shore! They vanish as quickly as they'd appeared, but accidentally leave behind a baby, tangled in the weeds. Margaret, lonely and in need of a friend, brings him home and cares for him through the fall and winter. Together, they chase the waves, stomp on frozen puddles, and build snow unicorns. When spring finally comes around, and the other unicorns return, Margaret's takes her small friend back to his family... but these two won't forget one another. And though Margaret misses him, she has made a new friend, and her new cottage is starting to feel like home. With all the feel of a classic, here is a picture book young readers will want to revisit again and again.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is probably the best picture book I've read all year, and the strongest unicorn book I've ever read.

Margaret has just moved with her parents to a small village to be near her grandmother. She's a bit lonely. When her parents suggest she explores, she witnesses a herd of unicorns galloping through the mist. Margaret is surprised to find that a little baby unicorn has been left behind. She takes him under her wing, and the two spend a magical winter together as they wait for spring--and the return of the other unicorns.

The story is simple and sweet, and the illustrations are just gorgeous. Light is used to great effect and highlights the sensory impressions of the changing seasons. The little unicorn is the traditional Scottish kind, with cloven hooves and tasselled tail. The setting of the story, in fact, looks decidedly Scottish, with its hills full of thistles and heather.

This is a definite must-read for unicorn lovers, as well as those looking for stories about magic, friendship, and adapting to a new home.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.83 out of 5

Review - Once Upon a Unicorn's Horn

Once Upon a Unicorn's Horn
by Beatrice Blue
Date: 2019
Publisher: Clarion Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Do you know how unicorns got their horns? Find out in this charming picture book about friendship, family, and magic. (Hint: It's something sweet!)

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This book is sort of mythology in a blender. I'm not sure it works.

A little girl named June finds a bunch of magical baby horses who are learning to fly. One of them, however, seems to be having trouble. June gets really worried about this, and tells her parents. They come up with a solution that seems to have nothing to do with anything, the baby horse learns to fly, magic horses decide to wear horns on their heads to honour June (this is where unicorns come from), and June realizes she's full of magic.

It's really kind of disjointed. I'm not sure what ice cream cones have to do with flying. And unicorns--as far as I know--don't fly.

The pictures, however, are adorable. June in her bunny cape is cute, and the little horses look cuddly and sweet. There's a luminescent quality to some of the illustrations that's lovely.

I just wish the pictures had a stronger story to go with them.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.83 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 - It's Okay to Be a Unicorn!

It's Okay to Be a Unicorn!
by Jason Tharp
Date: 2020
Publisher: Imprint
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Cornelius J. Sparklesteed is known among all the other horses in Hoofington for his beautiful and creative handmade hats. But Cornelius is hiding a secret under his own tall, pointy hat: He's really a unicorn.

Hoofington is a friendly place, but its horses pass on lots of mean rumors about unicorns. When Cornelius is chosen to perform for this year's Hoofapalooza, will he find the courage to show everyone his unicorniness?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is basically a book about self-acceptance, played out with equine characters.

Cornelius is a unicorn, but he hides that fact under a fancy hat. The rest of the town of Hoofington is comprised of more mundane creatures like horses and ponies. When the mayor asks Cornelius to make him an un-unicorny hat, Cornelius agrees. We're told that the other horses say mean things about unicorns, so Cornelius obviously has a reason to hide his true nature. But then he starts planting seeds among his friends to make things in Hoofington a little more colourful and whimsical. And when he finally reveals that he's a unicorn, everyone's okay with it. Even the mayor.

While the message about loving yourself is fine, I thought the resolution of the plot was a little too facile. The mayor's just suddenly okay with unicorns? Okay... but where did that change of heart come from?

Fans of unicorns might want to check this one out, but readers who are looking for a strong story about standing up to the world to be yourself might want to keep looking.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

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 - When Unicorns Poop

When Unicorns Poop
by Lexie Castle
illustrated by Christian Cornia
Date: 2019
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Celebrate all things sparkly, including unicorn poop, with this rainbow-filled, humorous story!

Did you know that when a unicorn poops, rainbows arch across the sky? And when they toot, shiny bubbles float all around! What happens when a unicorn sneezes or spits or cries? More magical whimsy occurs when unicorns do all these things, of course.

Just don't step in their poop-eww!

Complete with stunning, bright, and magical full-color illustrations, When Unicorns Poop is sure to delight kids as well as be the perfect gift for any unicorn-crazed adult.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Err... okay.

This isn't even a story. It's just a collection of admittedly humorous illustrations detailing various bodily excretions of unicorns. When unicorns sneeze, they get glitter everywhere. They fart shiny bubbles. Their tears are milkshakes. You get the idea. The book ends by telling the reader not to step in their poop. But... weren't we just told that unicorn poop is simply a rainbow-emitter?

I guess if you're really into unicorns, you might like this. But a lot of the jokes are more cleverly done in Dana Simpson's Phoebe and Her Unicorn comics; I'd recommend those instead.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.67 out of 5

Review - Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert

Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert
by Morag Hood
illustrated by Ella Okstad
Date: 2018
Publisher: Aladdin
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Meet the master of magical creatures: Sophie Johnson! She’s an expert on unicorns…or so she thinks!

Sophie is a unicorn expert. She dresses up her toys, stuffed animals, and even her baby brother as unicorns! But living with enchanted animals can be tricky business. And Sophie is so caught up in teaching others that she fails to notice the magic right under her nose.

This funny and fresh picture book tells the story of a unicorn hiding in plain sight and a little girl who is totally oblivious to his presence!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Sophie Johnson thinks she's a unicorn expert. After all, she lives with lots of unicorns (which are really just her baby sibling, stuffed animals, and pets--notably, however, not the cat). One day, however, a real unicorn shows up with its rainbow lunchbox, presumably to spend the day with a unicorn expert. But does Sophie notice? No! She's too busy teaching her other "unicorns" everything they need to know.

This is really two stories in one. The first is Sophie's narrative. But the more entertaining story is what's going on behind the scenes with the unicorn. It sits in on the unicorn lessons, engages in bath time, and looks suitably terrified when Sophie teaches her unicorns about their enemies. But Sophie never realizes that the very creature she's so obsessed with has been right under her nose all day!

The illustrations are cute and colourful. The unicorn (the real one) is particularly amusing, with its perpetual stunned expression and rainbow dandruff.

Kids will probably get a chuckle out of seeing Sophie's obliviousness when they themselves can clearly see the unicorn hiding in plain sight. As an adult, I kind of enjoyed this one, too; it's a cute take on a little know-it-all who's so busy being an expert that she doesn't have time to appreciate the magic that's come to visit.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

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 Training

Unicorn Training
by Amanda Brandon
illustrated by Mike Byrne
Date: 2019
Publisher: QED Publishing
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 28
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Tilly Teasel loves working at the Unicorn Rescue Center but what she really wants, more than anything else, is a unicorn of her very own.

When Splodge shows up at the center, looking a bit scruffy and a little sad, Tilly decides he’s perfect! When she brings him home, however, Mr. and Mrs. Teasel aren’t so convinced especially when he eats Mr. Teasel’s slippers, whines all night and gets sparkly hoof prints all over the couch! Will Tilly convince her parents that all Splodge needs is a little training?

A touching story about patience, perseverance, and the responsibility of owning a pet.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Unicorn Training is about the responsibility of pet ownership. Really, the animal could be everything (in fact, if you switch the unicorn out for a dog, the story still works). Tilly does everything she can to try to turn Splodge into the perfect pet. But it takes perseverance and patience (and a lot of treats) to make this happen.

My complaints about this book are mostly of the technical variety. For some reason, a new trend in picture books seems to be italicizing people's speech. I don't understand the purpose of this, and it could potentially confuse kids who are just learning what italics are actually used for. I'm also not completely impressed with the grammar; it's a bit shaky in places. And, finally, I really don't see the purpose of the last page with tips for parents. The "projects" for kids are kind of boring, and I don't see many parents actually sitting down with their children to do them. (That part of the book might be better for teachers, but again, the "projects" aren't very interesting.)

I can see this being a good book for kids whose parents are looking into getting a pet. It shows the importance of taking responsibility for the critter under your care. The illustrations are cute, too, and there are just enough poop and fart jokes to amuse kids. Because of the technical issues with the writing, I think this might work best as a read-aloud book (so that nobody gets confused by sentence fragments or the weird use of italics).

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

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 2.83 out of 5

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 Day

Unicorn Day
by Diana Murray
illustrated by Luke Flowers
Date: 2019
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky has bought Unicorn Day by Diana Murray, illustrated by Luke Flowers. The book tells the story of what happens to an imposter horse who tries to crash the most glittery day of the year, Unicorn Day.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

At first glance, this looks like a pretty frivolous book full of unicorns, fairies, cupcakes, and glitter fights. But it's actually about friendship and acceptance. Unicorns just want to have fun, fun, fun! Would they really be so petty as to exclude those who aren't exactly like them? Of course not!

The confection-sweet illustrations might be a bit much for some readers (including this one; I found the Lisa Frank-like colour palette a bit intense), but the rhyming text and pure exuberance of the characters will likely make the book very appealing to kids. Especially kids who love unicorns.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.43 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy and the Quest for the Unicorn

Fancy Nancy and the Quest for the Unicorn (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Carolyn Bracken
Date: 2018
Publisher: HarperFestival
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 28
Format: e-book
Source: library

Nancy and Bree are unicorn experts. (That’s a fancy way of saying they know almost everything about them.) When they decide to go on an epic quest to find a unicorn, Freddy and JoJo want to play too.

Together, they follow trails of glitter—but after searching high and low, Freddy and JoJo complain that they are all quested out! The big sisters won’t quit, and take a guess at what they discover…

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This story about Nancy and her friends isn't one of my favourites. (I think part of it is that I'm not a huge fan of Carolyn Bracken's illustrations; they're close to Robin Preiss Glasser's and Ted Enik's takes on the characters, but... they're not quite the same).

In this book, Nancy and Bree decide to have a unicorn quest, and they let their younger siblings help. Dad hides one of Nancy's unicorn toys in the backyard, and the kids try to find it. But Dad hides it too well, and the younger siblings get frustrated and bored. So they quit. After Nancy and Bree find the unicorn, they retire to their tent for a tea party... and of the course the siblings want to join. But Nancy tells them it's a "questers-only tea party". (Eventually Dad comes in and manipulates them with flattery so the little ones can join in. Whatever works, I guess.)

The story is just okay. The illustrations are just okay. The message is just okay. I do like the amount of "fancy" words in this book. I just wish the whole thing had been as magical as the mythical creature the kids were trying to find! As it is, it fell a little flat for me.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

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 - 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