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Phoebe and Her Unicorn #21
Unicorn Book Club
An enchanting collection of Phoebe and Her Unicorn comics from New York Times bestselling author Dana Simpson.
In this shimmering new sequence of storylines from the world of Phoebe and Her Unicorn, Marigold and Phoebe delve into the world of reading by forming their own book club, and unlikely new friendships form when Lord Splendid Humility meets Marigold's frenemy, Dakota. But there's plenty of adventure and intrigue, too, and when Marigold goes missing, Phoebe sets out to find her unicorn best friend and makes a shocking discovery.
In this shimmering new sequence of storylines from the world of Phoebe and Her Unicorn, Marigold and Phoebe delve into the world of reading by forming their own book club, and unlikely new friendships form when Lord Splendid Humility meets Marigold's frenemy, Dakota. But there's plenty of adventure and intrigue, too, and when Marigold goes missing, Phoebe sets out to find her unicorn best friend and makes a shocking discovery.
176 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2025
42 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Dana Simpson
61 books329 followersDana Claire Simpson grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington, drawing the entire time. She eventually graduated from The Evergreen State College, despite having spent all her time drawing, and not always for credit.
Attempts at doing real work along the way are hardly worth mentioning; the relevant fact is that, from 1998 to 2008, she drew the internet comic strip Ozy and Millie. After winning the Amazon-sponsored Comic Strip Superstar Contest in 2009, Universal Uclick signed her to a development deal for Heavenly Nostrils.
She currently lives in the Seattle area with her tech genius husband and her fairly stupid cat.
Attempts at doing real work along the way are hardly worth mentioning; the relevant fact is that, from 1998 to 2008, she drew the internet comic strip Ozy and Millie. After winning the Amazon-sponsored Comic Strip Superstar Contest in 2009, Universal Uclick signed her to a development deal for Heavenly Nostrils.
She currently lives in the Seattle area with her tech genius husband and her fairly stupid cat.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 10, 2025
These are all a bit similar to each other, but, whatever, they're still great. All the good side characters are here: Marigold's sister, Lord Splendid Humility, Dakota, and we've got some new people and interludes. Top notch.
Kimberly's Barnes and Noble friend called us "adorable" because we were sitting next to each other reading individual copies of this book together in the kids section.
Kimberly's Barnes and Noble friend called us "adorable" because we were sitting next to each other reading individual copies of this book together in the kids section.
May 1, 2025
Volume 21! Always nice catching up with Phoebe and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. 🦄✨ You’re never too old for a fun middle grade read!
March 23, 2025
Just as witty and character based as always with many moments that made me chuckle. This is one of my favorite series.
March 18, 2025
Solidly adorable every time.
February 22, 2025
I feel like I've left so many reviews on the Phoebe and Her Unicorn books that they've started to all run together. But I still stand by my take that this series is one of the best newspaper comics currently running, and is probably my third favorite comic ever (after The Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes). In fact, Phoebe and Marigold could easily pick up where Calvin and his tiger left off, giving us adventures full of wit, magic, and fun.
The titular book club is a relatively short story arc in which Marigold's sister, Florence, starts a book club and Marigold finds herself desperate to join. But it's far from the only story in this book. In between stand-alone jokes and quips are stories about Dakota's unlikely friendship with the beautifully humble unicorn Lord Splendid Humility, Phoebe's discovery that her socially awkward friend Max might have more friends than her, and discussions regarding unicorn songs (and why they sound suspiciously like human Christmas carols). But the true centerpiece of this book is when Marigold goes missing... and Phoebe must enlist the help of Max and Dakota to find her!
I've said a great deal about the art and humor of this series, so suffice it to say that both remain excellent. The art is pleasant to look at, the humor is more clever than newspaper comics tend to be, and the characters are still delightful. And I like seeing LGBTQ representation and autism representation in a newspaper comic -- while it's not outright stated that Max is autistic, he shows many of the signs.
Unicorn Book Club is another delightful addition to the Phoebe and Her Unicorn series. And I hope Dana Simpson keeps going with this comic for a long time.
The titular book club is a relatively short story arc in which Marigold's sister, Florence, starts a book club and Marigold finds herself desperate to join. But it's far from the only story in this book. In between stand-alone jokes and quips are stories about Dakota's unlikely friendship with the beautifully humble unicorn Lord Splendid Humility, Phoebe's discovery that her socially awkward friend Max might have more friends than her, and discussions regarding unicorn songs (and why they sound suspiciously like human Christmas carols). But the true centerpiece of this book is when Marigold goes missing... and Phoebe must enlist the help of Max and Dakota to find her!
I've said a great deal about the art and humor of this series, so suffice it to say that both remain excellent. The art is pleasant to look at, the humor is more clever than newspaper comics tend to be, and the characters are still delightful. And I like seeing LGBTQ representation and autism representation in a newspaper comic -- while it's not outright stated that Max is autistic, he shows many of the signs.
Unicorn Book Club is another delightful addition to the Phoebe and Her Unicorn series. And I hope Dana Simpson keeps going with this comic for a long time.
February 13, 2025
Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is back in all her magnificence. She is by far the most beautiful unicorn of all, which she will gladly tell you, repeatedly, given the chance. She spends time with her favorite human, Phoebe, as they share their adventures, their thoughts, and their admiration for Marigold’s beauty.
Marigold’s sister Florence has a book club. To be a part of the club, Marigold has to set aside her self-absorption and not speak for a week. Florence puts a spell on her to make it happen. Mrigold tries to text with Phoebe, but the hoof typing causes issues. Marigold then stays up all night to read the book and goes to the book group to share her penetrating insights. But then she falls asleep, missing the entire group but dominating it in her dreams.
Another unicorn, Lord Splendid Humility has been hiding his beauty in bushes and is tired. He wants to come out, but he doesn’t want to be seen. Or, he doesn’t want to be seen by anyone whose memory he can’t erase later if need be. Phoebe suggest her friend Dakota. Dakota isn’t impressed by much, so she isn’t overwhelmed at the sight of L.S.H. and they become friends.
There are unicorn songs sung to the tunes of popular Christmas songs, Phoebe has a sparkling competition with some apple juice, and they play a game based on a unicorn space tale, The Search for Planet Oat.
Marigold and Phoebe talk about how families have their own unique forms of communication, discuss friendship, and when Marigold goes missing, Phoebe can’t rest until she finds her best friend.
Unicorn Book Club is book 21 in the popular Phoebe and Her Unicorn series by Dana Simpson, where a girl and a unicorn share their thoughts, their feelings, their differences, and their similarities as best friends. These books are colorful and whimsical, with honest discussions along with fun stories. It’s the perfect mix of sweetness and snark, and it perfectly captures the wonder of friendship and the beauty of unicorns in one enjoyable collection of comics.
I have been a big fan of Phoebe and Marigold for years, and I never get tired of these books. They are the perfect escape when life is difficult and you need some warmth and humor to take off the hard edges of reality. While I am slightly older than the suggested reading age of 8-12 (by decades), I can surely attest that these books are good for the young at heart as well. But one of my favorite features of these books is a glossary at the end, so younger readers can find descriptions and pronunciations of the words that they may not have learned yet. So Simpson doesn’t talk down to her readers, but instead offers them a step up into a deeper understanding and appreciation of words.
Egalleys for Unicorn Book Club were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
Marigold’s sister Florence has a book club. To be a part of the club, Marigold has to set aside her self-absorption and not speak for a week. Florence puts a spell on her to make it happen. Mrigold tries to text with Phoebe, but the hoof typing causes issues. Marigold then stays up all night to read the book and goes to the book group to share her penetrating insights. But then she falls asleep, missing the entire group but dominating it in her dreams.
Another unicorn, Lord Splendid Humility has been hiding his beauty in bushes and is tired. He wants to come out, but he doesn’t want to be seen. Or, he doesn’t want to be seen by anyone whose memory he can’t erase later if need be. Phoebe suggest her friend Dakota. Dakota isn’t impressed by much, so she isn’t overwhelmed at the sight of L.S.H. and they become friends.
There are unicorn songs sung to the tunes of popular Christmas songs, Phoebe has a sparkling competition with some apple juice, and they play a game based on a unicorn space tale, The Search for Planet Oat.
Marigold and Phoebe talk about how families have their own unique forms of communication, discuss friendship, and when Marigold goes missing, Phoebe can’t rest until she finds her best friend.
Unicorn Book Club is book 21 in the popular Phoebe and Her Unicorn series by Dana Simpson, where a girl and a unicorn share their thoughts, their feelings, their differences, and their similarities as best friends. These books are colorful and whimsical, with honest discussions along with fun stories. It’s the perfect mix of sweetness and snark, and it perfectly captures the wonder of friendship and the beauty of unicorns in one enjoyable collection of comics.
I have been a big fan of Phoebe and Marigold for years, and I never get tired of these books. They are the perfect escape when life is difficult and you need some warmth and humor to take off the hard edges of reality. While I am slightly older than the suggested reading age of 8-12 (by decades), I can surely attest that these books are good for the young at heart as well. But one of my favorite features of these books is a glossary at the end, so younger readers can find descriptions and pronunciations of the words that they may not have learned yet. So Simpson doesn’t talk down to her readers, but instead offers them a step up into a deeper understanding and appreciation of words.
Egalleys for Unicorn Book Club were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
February 5, 2025
It's time for another book featuring Phoebe and Her Unicorn. This installment covers many types of weather and gives us new insights into Marigold's world. Here are my four new things from this 21st book:
🐷When they celebrate New Fears Day, Phoebe gives up her fear of spiders. Why? Her newfound love for the book 'Charlotte's Web.' Awwww.
🦄The Unicorn Trivia Game (think Trivial Pursuit) is quite easy for Phoebe to win because . . . UNICORNS.
🌏A unicorn sci-fi show called 'The Search for Planet Oat' is discussed for several pages. The attempt to re-enact the show falls flat when Marigold must pretend to be Planet Oat or blob.
🐍A unicorn named Steven Slitherhorn with a Medusa horn temporarily turns Marigold into a statue. To turn her back she must gaze upon his magic backside.
Is it just me or is it getting harder to break new ground with this series? There are only so many holiday songs a self-absorbed unicorn can sing. Perhaps she said it best: My beauty has tragically become somewhat less illuminated.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
🐷When they celebrate New Fears Day, Phoebe gives up her fear of spiders. Why? Her newfound love for the book 'Charlotte's Web.' Awwww.
🦄The Unicorn Trivia Game (think Trivial Pursuit) is quite easy for Phoebe to win because . . . UNICORNS.
🌏A unicorn sci-fi show called 'The Search for Planet Oat' is discussed for several pages. The attempt to re-enact the show falls flat when Marigold must pretend to be Planet Oat or blob.
🐍A unicorn named Steven Slitherhorn with a Medusa horn temporarily turns Marigold into a statue. To turn her back she must gaze upon his magic backside.
Is it just me or is it getting harder to break new ground with this series? There are only so many holiday songs a self-absorbed unicorn can sing. Perhaps she said it best: My beauty has tragically become somewhat less illuminated.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2025
A collection of comics featuring Phoebe and her best friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. In this collection Marigold tries to join her sister’s book club, Phoebe & Marigold play a game of hide-n-seek and Phoebe can’t find Marigold for days, Lord Humility and Dakota form an odd friendship, and Phoebe better understands some of her friend Max’s introvert tendencies.
Another fun time spent with Phoebe, Marigold, and gang. There may be a new cover look for the series but the interior content is just the same.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Most of the human characters appear white.
LGBTQ+ content: There’s a string of comics in this collection about how Max calls both of his moms Mom and how he and they know whose being referred to.
Other: Dakota is not always nice in what she says to Lord Humility but he likes it because it keeps him humble; it’s not exactly a healthy relationship but it is funny.
Another fun time spent with Phoebe, Marigold, and gang. There may be a new cover look for the series but the interior content is just the same.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Most of the human characters appear white.
LGBTQ+ content: There’s a string of comics in this collection about how Max calls both of his moms Mom and how he and they know whose being referred to.
Other: Dakota is not always nice in what she says to Lord Humility but he likes it because it keeps him humble; it’s not exactly a healthy relationship but it is funny.
January 7, 2025
Another quality book by Dana Simpson about Phoebe and her Unicorn. While there were a few storylines in this one, a lot of this was single page-three page stories. It was entertaining, but I like the ones where there is a more cohesive storyline throughout. I also liked seeing Max and his moms more, it was cute with Phoebe realizing there was more to Max was amusing. I love this series, and hope there is more of Phoebe and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils to come.
Copy provided by Edelweiss.
Copy provided by Edelweiss.
May 28, 2025
It was not really about a unicorn book club, but I actually really enjoyed it. The unicorn only had 3 times where it was about joining her sister's book club. The only times were when she would ask her sister if she could be included, not talking for a week to show she was responsible to join, and falling asleep during the presentation of a book she had read all night about in order to be a part of the club.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2025
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss+.
Phoebe and Marigold are back for more adventures. They enjoy new adventures such as book clubs, unicorn games that end in disaster, new interactions with Dakota and Max and help for Lord Splendid Humility.
I appreciate the growth in the characters and how the adventures mature along with Phoebe.
I received an electronic ARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss+.
Phoebe and Marigold are back for more adventures. They enjoy new adventures such as book clubs, unicorn games that end in disaster, new interactions with Dakota and Max and help for Lord Splendid Humility.
I appreciate the growth in the characters and how the adventures mature along with Phoebe.
August 14, 2025
I love love love love this series, and this one was one of the best in awhile. The unicorn Christmas carols, Marigold not talking for a week, the titular book club, Marigold disappearing for 24 hours… this one was just fantastic. They all are, honestly, but I think I just read this particular one at the perfect time.
February 18, 2025
3.5 stars = Good+
A fun collection starring Phoebe and Marigold focused on friendship with strips about a unicorn book club, some year-end activities, a new friend for Dakota, and a unicorn/gorgon who accidentally causes Marigold to go missing.
A fun collection starring Phoebe and Marigold focused on friendship with strips about a unicorn book club, some year-end activities, a new friend for Dakota, and a unicorn/gorgon who accidentally causes Marigold to go missing.
May 20, 2025
Amazing, I am surprised the series has gone past 20, the cover is definitely different from past books, I do kinda miss the fun sparkles and stuff. But otherwise, I have no complaints. But it is still one of my favorite books!
October 21, 2024
More of the goodness of Phoebe and her Unicorn. A few areas you might not understand without previous knowledge of characters. Overall things are what you expect and love from Simpson.
March 5, 2025
I'm just a sucker for Phoebe and Marigold!
March 14, 2025
Every time a new Phoebe and her Unicorn collection comes out, I'm excited to read it, and every single time, it makes me happy and helps me feel good about the world. Priceless!
April 11, 2025
Another real banger
July 15, 2025
not as good as I expected
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews