Cover Image: Unicorn Bowling

Unicorn Bowling

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Member Reviews

Phoebe and her unicorn friend Marigold are back with another book giving their take on life, with sparkles thrown in. Between bowling, school reports, fashion, the piano, birthday parties and dealing with the class bully, they have their hands full. I love this series and have read everyone to my Granddaughter. The world according to Phoebe and Marigold are how you would really think how children think. Hats off to this series and waiting for more.

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A modern day Calvin and Hobbes. Phoebe's best friend is Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, a unicorn she rescued from being mesmerized by her own beautiful reflection. A collection of Phoebe and Marigold’s adventures.

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I have loved all of Dana Simpson's Phoebe and Her Unicorn books, and this installment is no exception.
The continuing story of Phoebe is always such a treat to read about, and I recommend this series to every child and caregiver who enjoys graphic novels. The books are relatable, nostalgic of our childhoods, and just so so funny!

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Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was another ultra-cute yet somehow down-to-earth installment of Phoebe and her Unicorn comic collections. As always, the art was clean and lively. While there’s really no set theme to these collections, the topics explored are always intriguing. As I have in the past, I very much enjoyed Phoebe and Marigold’s friendship and how they handled being friends, despite how different they are. The glimpses of the unicorn world in this volume were fun, as were the school scenes about how Phoebe integrated Marigold into her daily life at school and at home. Usually, I find a lot to relate to in the books, be it bits and pieces of certain panels, or concepts expressed. I like that Simpson (delicately) comments on very modern issues like Internet safety, expectation, difficult ‘frenemies’, and more. I also enjoy Phoebe’s interaction with her parents! So again, Simpson has produced a fun, funny comic collection that’s just plain enjoyable to read.

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Dear Dana Simpson,
We will never tire of Phoebe and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils! Once again, Simpson has given our girls something to truly look forward too! Fun new vocabulary, tackling gender roles, and of course complicated ideas like the meaning of life! I truly enjoy following the adventures of this dynamic duo! Bring on #10!

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Who wouldn't want to have a best friend like Marigold Heavenly Nostrils? Just ask her BFF, Phoebe Howell - a nine-year-old with a sharp wit and (often) sharper tongue, who sometimes butts head-to-horn with the unicorn but more often regards the magical, pixie dust-spewing creature as her closest confidante and ally. Unicorn Bowling is the ninth collection of comics featuring the dynamic duo, though this was my first experience with the characters - and while charming and often funny, creator/author Dana Simpson seems to be going for a Calvin & Hobbes kind of vibe that just doesn't come off that potent in the end. Phoebe has her sarcastic side, for sure, and is quick with a funny line or jab - her unicorn buddy all sugar and spice on the outside but able to hold her own when she has to. But whereas Calvin & Hobbes - and the sense of humor the comic series contains - is just as appealing for adults as kids, Phoebe and Marigold skewer decidedly younger in their audience. For that group, I dare you to show this book to any little girl or boy in that age range or younger, and NOT expect that child to want a unicorn of his or her own. 3/5 stars

Note: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

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I just love how inventive Dana Simpson is, even in volume 9 she's still coming up with new, fun, every day activities for Phoebe and Marigold to participate in, always to hilarious result. Who would have thought of a unicorn bowling?? And as a parent now myself, I find the panels with the parents "waxing nostalgic" more and more funny :-)

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This is another cute addition to the Simpson series of Phoebe and Her Unicorn! These are great middle grade and younger books that can get children interested in comics and graphic novels, or reading in general. Like always, the art is adorable.

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Another collection of my favorite comic strip.
Phoebe nails it when she says Dad is waxing nostalgic again. He does tend to do that a lot.
Oh lord, I’d forgotten how silly Marigold looks in a bowling shirt. Makes me miss the legwarmers. . . but not the bikini.
The best plot this time around is Phoebe joining Marigold at Unicorn Camp, which turns out to not be that different from human camp, especially with Sue showing up.
So, if you’re familiar with the strip, there’s nothing new here, and that’s a good thing. If you’ve never seen it, give it a try.
4.5 pushed up to 5/5

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Another great collection from Dana Simpson. Am I biased? Too much of a fan to give an honest review?

Possibly.

With an always adorable art style and relatable characters harkening back to my childhood favorite, Calvin and Hobbes, Phoebe and Marigold are perfect for readers of all ages. The jokes are hilarious and the lessons are real, even if they are covered in glitter and perfect nostrils.

Unicorn Bowling is yet another wonderful collection perfect for reading on a cool Sunday morning.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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This is the first book I've read from this series and I will be getting all of them for my girls! What a delightful and fun book! I'm thrilled there is an entire series!

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I've heard a lot about the Phoebe and Her Unicorn books, but never sat down and read one until now. I'm very glad I did! The art style is simple and very charming, and the relationship between Phoebe and Her Unicorn is deeply relatable, even if you don't have your very own unicorn.

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Last time we saw them, Phoebe, Sue (Phoebe’s friend from camp), Max (Phoebe’s adorably nerdy friend) and their respective magical friends (Marigold, Ringo and Voltina) plus Marigold’s sister, Florence, were heading home from drama camp. I’ve loved the two graphic novels. Now we’re back for another collection.

I learned that unicorn hiccups sparkle (of course they do!) and Marigold discovered the marvel that is bubble wrap. Phoebe’s father partook in some nostalgia and in the process made me feel really old because I remember those days too! Claustrophoebea and Pointyhead were back!

Phoebe doesn’t think she’s being assigned enough homework so Marigold provides some for her. Phoebe also nerds out about getting to make a diorama for school. Phoebe and Marigold get somewhat serious when they discuss the meaning of life and Marigold regales Phoebe with multiple unicorn legends, some more recent than others. Dakota uses her vlog to bully Phoebe.

Marigold invites Phoebe to unicorn camp. Phoebe’s friend from camp, Sue, also attends but Ringo the lake monster is absent. While I was glad Max had a birthday party in this collection, I was sad his only guests appeared to be Phoebe and Marigold. Where was Voltina? She seems to only exist in the graphic novels. Also absent were the goblins who hang out with Dakota and some of Dakota’s personality.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this collection. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.

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Hilarious, fantastic, amazing - Phoebe and her Unicorn is a great graphic novel series, circulates hugely with boys and girls, and this is another great volume. Love.

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Unicorn Bowling is the ninth book in the Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson. You do not need to have read all the books to enjoy the read.

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.

Unicorn Bowling is another lovely graphic novel. Before I get to the actual story though, I have to say that I love that in the very beginning of the book there is mention of the glossary at the end of the book (page number included) to encourage kids to look up the meaning of words unfamiliar to them. This not only encourages them to use it, but helps them know that they will not be the only one unsure of certain words. This can go a long way in helping struggling readers feel more comfortable facing new words. This will help less confident readers keep going, with no bad feelings or shame about wanting to look up words.

Okay, now for the story. As usual the artwork does a good job portraying the emotion and extra details of the story. The quality has been consistent through the series, and I expect that to continue. I was a little disappointed that the book was a collection of day to day or small adventures of Phoebe, rather than there being any larger story arc. I was kind of hoping for more of the conflicts between Phoebe and Dakota, and by the title I was rather expecting more bowling. Unicorn Bowling is a book that fans of the series will enjoy, but is not likely to win over new readers.

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Cute n' Fluffy.

I think Phoebe and Marigold adventures in everyday school and summer camp are kind of addictive because I had no intention of going for another of this books -again in form of comic strips and other longer short stories with the summer camp- and here I am.

This book is clearly intended for classroom discusion about the changes bringed for modern technology, the virtue of practicing for piano lessons (or rather for the importance of practicing to get better without magical short cuts), about gender roles, and that internet is nice but be careful with the things you post about other people (or the badness of simply bullying when you hurt other people feelings).



Because I'm a nerd too, Phoebe, I enjoy the little 'waxing nostalgic' of Phoebe's parents about the old days with dial-internet; and the joke about the Pong.



Also, the summer camp experience it's about how you feel if you were the different one in front of other people.

The art is nice . And there is a glossary at the end .

But... for *me* the humor is lacking. Thought you still can pull some of my strings ;P

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A big thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is book 9, and is a children's book. It's about Phoebe a little girl and Marigold her unicorn. But I had to hunt for their names. This is really a disjointed gathering of cartoons. One page they are singing, the next bowling, etc. No true story of plot. The graphics were cute. I think this is geared toward 3-6th grade girls. I didn't really see the appeal. I got this as a pdf and since I really disIike reading pdfs not may have affected my rating. I rate this a 3. I do think little girls would enjoy.

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This book gives you exactly what you're expecting, a cute graphic novel about a little girl and her unicorn. This a lovely story that will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling and a smile on your face.

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I received a free copy of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Phoebe is a little girl whose best friend is a unicorn named Marigold. The two spend all their free time hanging out like best friends do. They go to camp, they go bowling, and most of all they just ride around and enjoy each others' company.

I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but I was able to jump right in and enjoy reading about their adventures. I thought it was pretty funny and although this seems like it is geared toward younger children, I would recommend it to my middle school students because of the writing and language. There is even a glossary in the back to help with more difficult words. The only thing I didn't like was how superficial the unicorn was made out to be, but she ended up growing on me.

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Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McNeal Publishing for an advanced reader’s copy of this book. This is the ninth installment of Phoebe and her Unicorn and it is just as clever as always, This pair always makes me laugh. I love their friendship and this never disappoints in teaching some good lessons. Please keep adding to this collection.

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