Quickie Review: Unicorn vs. Goblins by Dana Simpson

Unicorn vs. Goblins by Dana Simpson
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Heavenly Nostrils series. It's a cute collection of humorous comic strips. The primary audience is children, but there is a lot of humor that will also appeal to adults. It follows the adventures of Phoebe and her unicorn friend, Marigold, through the summer and into the school year. Phoebe is in elementary school. The book hits on some key issues: making friends at camp, having a frenemy, and being picked last for a team among others. One of my favorite bits was one involving Marigold, tacos, and the Lake Monster at summer camp.

I expected more about Goblins than there was. And I thought some of it was a little more repetitive than the last 2 books. As a result, I gave this collection 3.5 stars instead of 4 this time around. It's still a good book. And it's funny. I just didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first two. That being said, perhaps kids would rate it differently.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Teaser Tuesday: Unicorn vs. Goblins by Dana Simpson

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Miz B of A Daily Rhythm. 

Anyone can participate, just do the following:

• Grab your current read and open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and the author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

Expected publication:
 February 23rd 2016
by Andrews McMeel Publishing

The Unicorn regarding the camp counselor's description of the Monster that Lives in the Lake: "I met him! He was  hungry, but I brought him some tacos and he is full now. Nice Fellow!"

p. 32 in Unicorn vs. Goblins by Dana Simpson (Heavenly Nostrils #3) It's a collection of comic strips.

It's supposed to be for kids, but I love the humor in the series. The forward is done by Cory Doctorow and his daughter.

What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out. Thanks for coming by!

Review: Unicorn on a Roll by Dana Simpson

Expected publication: May 26th 2015
by Andrews McMeel Publishing

Unicorn on a Roll is book #2 in the Heavenly Nostrils series by Dana Simpson. Book two picks up when Phoebe and her unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, have been best friends now for a year.

From Goodreads.com:
In this second volume of Heavenly Nostrils the reader is invited on a journey into the lives of Phoebe and Marigold as they navigate the difficulties of grade school, celebrate the winter holidays, and explore their superhero/supervillain personas together. Join in the fun, as Phoebe competes against Dakota for the leading role of “Lisa Ladybug” in their fourth-grade play—or as she struggles to “manage” the PR debacle related to her nose-picking-scandal. (“I will neither confirm nor deny the events surrounding Boogergate.”) Witness a band of unicorns staging an “intervention” and learn all the details of Marigold’s secret crush on a mysterious creature she has never seen. Perhaps most important, watch as this surprising friendship between a charming, nine-year-old dreamer and a vain, mythical beast forever changes both of them for the better. 

The book is appropriate for the younger set, middle graders and up mostly, though some upper elementary might enjoy it as well. It's funny enough and has enough good humor for even adults to enjoy it. The cartoon has been compared to Calvin and Hobbes. 

One example of the humor is a 4 panel page on p.42 with Phoebe discussing with her father what to get Marigold for Christmas. 

Phoebe: I just know Marigold is going to get me something incredible for Christmas. She's my best friend and I want to get her something special too. 

Dad: Well, What does she like? 

Phoebe: Mostly herself.

Dad: And she has one of those already. 

Phoebe: You see my problem. 

It's really a cute book. It would be fun to share with younger children, but it's also enjoyable on your own as an adult. I am planning to share it with my adult daughter who I think could use a laugh. 

I gave this book 4 stars for the art, the humor, the continuity, and the general plot that it follows. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Waiting on Wednesday #73 - Unicorn on a Roll by Dana Simpson

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. 

And now for something completely different... Unicorn on a Roll - Another Phoebe and her Unicorn Adventure by Dana Simpson is due  out May 26, 2015. Phoebe and her friend Marigold Heavenly Nostrils have been compared to Calvin and Hobbes. There is the same sort of snarky humor involved. And even though it says that it is aimed at grades 4 and up, there is definitely humor for the and up. 

Book one of the Heavenly Nostrils Chronicles, Phoebe and her Unicorn has quite a few pages available to preview on Amazon.com
so you can get an idea of what kind of humor is involved. In book one, Phoebe skips a rock across some water and hits the unicorn in the head. The unicorn had been transfixed by its reflection in the water and grants Phoebe a wish. After several failed attempts at wishes, she finally succeeds with having the unicorn become her best friend. 

Book two picks up a year later. Synopsis from Goodreads.com
In this second volume of Heavenly Nostrils, titled, Unicorn on a Roll, the reader is invited on a journey into the lives of Phoebe and Marigold as they navigate the difficulties of grade school, celebrate the winter holidays, and explore their superhero/supervillain personas together. Join in the fun, as Phoebe competes against Dakota for the leading role of “Lisa Ladybug” in their fourth-grade play—or as she struggles to “manage” the PR debacle related to her nose-picking-scandal. (“I will neither confirm nor deny the events surrounding Boogergate.”) Witness a band of unicorns staging an “intervention” and learn all the details of Marigold’s secret crush on a mysterious creature she has never seen. Perhaps most important, watch as this surprising friendship between a charming, nine-year-old dreamer and a vain, mythical beast forever changes both of them for the better.

What book are you waiting on this week? Please leave it or a link in the comments so we can check it out. Happy Reading!