Ozy and Millie: Perfectly Normal

Ozy and Millie #2

by Dana Simpson

A story of friendship between two whimsical and imaginative foxes, from the creator of the New York Times bestselling Phoebe and Her Unicorn series.Millie is one unusual fox, and she knows it. She comes up with highly unusual thoughts, invents ingenious excuses to get out of her homework, and her classmates are not always sure quite what to make of her. But thankfully she has Ozy, one of the most loyal friends anyone could ask for. Together the two of them, their friends, and Ozy's dad, Llewellyn (who happens to be a red dragon) enjoy various misadventures, whimsical conversations, elaborate schemes, and delightful bouts of mischief. Whether they're navigating cliques, inventing new games, or just trying to make sense of life, Ozy and Millie are the perfect companions for upper middle grade readers as well as fans of Dana Simpson's bestselling Phoebe and Her Unicorn series.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Middle Grade, Animals, Fiction, Humor, Childrens

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2021

About the author

Dana 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.

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful graphic novel/cartoon book for kids. I think all five of my kids would get a kick out of it, from my 9 year old to my 22 year old. The two main characters are foxes who are best friends (and kids) who have lots of deep but slightly ridiculous conversations on everything from the nature of the universe to appreciating snow more because it's not everyday. It reminds me at times of Calvin and Hobbes. Ozy and Millie have a very sophisticated vocabulary (there's a glossary in the end), which is wonderful compared to so many books that dumb themselves down for kids. One of the foxes has an ancient dragon for a father, and he's hilarious too.

Love it, love it, and I'll now be looking into getting some of the author's other books for my kids.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ozy and Millie: Perfectly Normal is a delightful series of comics that are funny and a hoot to read!

Sometimes you just need a great, comedic set of comics in your life: This was it. I needed a pick me up and, honestly, this book did the trick! It's fun, it's sweet and it moves fast enough to keep your attention. Plus, the illustrations are phenomenal! It takes me back to the 90's cartoon shows that I loved in my youth (in a good way, of course). Colourful, cartoon-y and comedic (a little alliteration for you).

This book gives you an introduction if you haven't met Ozy and Millie before, so you don't need to worry about needing any background! I'm glad there was a bit of an intro just so I knew what was going on and who I was meeting. It was a pleasant surprise! It's nice going into a story and being given the information to catch you up (in case you missed anything).

Then the story comes along! There's lots of comedy packed in the comics to make you smile and/or giggle. Kids and adults will enjoy this series for sure!

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Radwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

English Review Below.

مجموعة كوميكس ظريفة وخفيفة عن أوزي وميلي، ثعلبان مغامران ويومياتهما، الظريف أن والد "أوزي" تنين وهو من شخصياتي المفضلة في كوميكس أوزي وميلي. تعرفت على مجموعة الكوميكس هذه بفضل مواقع الكوميكس التي أتابعها وكانت مفاجأة لطيفة عندما وجدت مجموعة لهم في كتاب فسارعت بقرائته، ولمن يعرفون كوميكس "فيبي واليونيكورن" فهي نفس المؤلفة والرسامة. مجموعة كوميكس لطيفة جدا وستعجب المراهقين والبالغين.

I didn't realize the author was the same author as "Pheobe and her Unicorn" till I read the introduction to this book. Both are very cure comics suitable for children and adults alike. I've known the comics of Ozy and Millie through some comics website, and didn't realize there books for them. I think the eccentric nature of these comics and their humor would really suit adults as well, because some of the characters especially the father would appeal to adults more than children. Overall, I really enjoyed this collection.

I thank Netgalley for the digital ARC

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brainy and cute but uneven cartoons about school aged nerdy foxes navigating school, life, growing up, and other life stages. The comics were better when they strayed into absurdity than when they tried to have peanuts or Big Nate-style plots. And for some reason the main character's hat bugged the heck out of me!

**Thanks to the artist, author, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Oscar · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Disclaimer I received a free copy of this book for a honest review, this will not affect my thoughts or opinions on the book*

I really enjoyed this book a lot, I thought it was a very nice fun read for anyone. I loved the humor that was presented in the book. I also enjoyed how each small mini story were all somehow connected to the last mini story and to the next mini story. The illustrations were also very nice and well done they reminded me of the old school comic strips in a good way. Overall I would rate this a 3.5 rounded down.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Dana Simpson's work for years, and was grateful for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley. I had never read the original Ozy and Millie book, but I had no trouble getting into this story, and quickly became acquainted with the characters and their story world.

Many of the comics made me laugh out loud, and others made me smirk. A significant percentage of them involve the characters' philosophical reflections and questions, and this element made me think of Calvin and Hobbes. People who enjoyed that comic series will probably enjoy this as well. This book also name-drops various philosophers and scientists and includes a biographical list of them in the back, along with Simpson's usual glossary of vocabulary words.

However, this series is not quite as connected with the real world as the Phoebe and Her Unicorn books. I personally prefer the human slice-of-life elements in Simpson's other series, but the different books complement each other well, because the author does unique work in both story worlds. I would definitely be interested in reading future books about Ozy, Millie, and friends.

I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lissa Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this as a webcomic, and I adore it even more rereading in this bound edition. The addition of a glossary and list of notable people at the end has me dying to gift it to several children of my acquaintance.

Ozy and Millie are the perfect mixture of humor and clever thinking to be relatable to both children and adults. Highly recommended.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me back to reading Calvin and Hobbes as a kid. Cute, funny, erudite.

[Fernanda W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute st0ry with cute comics. I love Ozy and his dad, they're both fluffy cinnamom buns <3

I just wish there was a clearer division between one story and the other, because sometimes there are multiple pannels about the same segment, and I got confused some moments not knowing if the story in one page was complementing the one on the page before or was a completely new plot.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

[Žaba Čita Novine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This incredible clever and hilarious book is beyond your regular book for children.

Millie is an amazing character - wild, funny, with love for proper spelling and grammar, and with some very crazy ideas. I'd love to be her friend :D

Even the gothic font that Ozy's dragon parents use to speak is so on point!

I loved the glossary at the end, perfect to help kids build vocabulary. But I think that adults would enjoy this just as much as kids would. I mean, Kant and philosophy (mentioned briefly, but still) are not really topics for young children.

A big thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of comics featuring Millie, a fox, her mom, her best friend Ozy, also a fox, and his father, who is a dragon. They wax philosophical, play ridiculous versions of tag, cook up crazy schemes (well, mostly Millie does), and their parents put them in their place with some well-timed lines.

I love the way that Millie’s mom and Ozy’s dad can subtly crash Millie back to earth half the time without her even realizing what they are doing until her plans are thoroughly foiled. (My favorite part series was Millie declaring she was going to vanquish Ozy’s dad on the principal of ridding the world of evil…his response is comic gold.) Ozy is a good friend for Millie, usually keeping her from going off the deep end, providing food for thought, and providing distractions at key moments. A very fun comic that will appeal to middle grade on up (I doubt younger than that will be able to understand what is going on half the time as it’s a very witty and smart kind of humor). Recommended to fans of comics like Calvin & Hobbes.

No content issues.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

As established in my review of the first Ozy and Millie collection, I am a huge fan of Ozy and Millie. I may or may not have lost my mind when I realized the new comic series I was enjoying, Phoebe and Her Unicorn, was by the same author.

Because OF COURSE she would create both sets of adorable awesomeness.

And this collection is even more fun, and whimsical, than the first. We finally bring in Avery, the raccoon desperately trying to be popular, along with his little brother Timulty, who is the most amazing example of a little brother in any work of fiction ever.

With common running gags such as different version of Tag, Ozy and Millie singing "the blues", and even some amazing puns thrown in, there is so much for kids to enjoy, as well as comics where kids are going to get a little cross eyed trying to understand it. But the good news is, no matter how confusing the first three panels are, the payoff in the last panel?

Totally worth it.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am familiar with Dana's work with Phoebe and her Unicorn and I am familiar with Ozy and Millie from our young patrons that are huge graphic novel enthusiasts so when the opportunity came to me to review this ARC I had to jump at the chance. The illustrations were just brilliantly done. They are very cartoon-like which is a factor that made Dana's books so popular and enjoyable and our young readers definitely take notice of that. The story and the dialogue were very hysterical that my stomach hurt a little after I finished it. This book will sure be popular at enjoyable amongst our young readers.

We will consider adding this title to our JGraphic Novel collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author does such sweet comics. I’d read the first volume of the Ozy and Millie strips so when I saw this second volume listed a galley to read and review I asked for it right away! Her comics are a sweet look at the brighter side of childhood without being too saccharine for an adult audience. I’d cheerfully recommend her to any adult who hasn’t lost touch with their inner child completely as well as to her child audience.
I also really recommend you try her Phoebe and Her Unicorn comics if you haven’t. They don’t take long to read and they’re pretty charming too!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.

Dana Simpson has long been a favourite author in my classroom and for my own children at home. We absolutely love Phoebe and her Unicorn so when the first Ozy and Millie book came out it was a no-brainer to grab a couple of copies for home and my classroom library. I am please to say this book lives up to the first one in what we can only hope will be a long series. My students are pretty divided along gender lines with Phoebe, but everyone loves Ozy and Millie - a definite win.

[DeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

I didn't know this web comic existed, but now I'm glad I do. The adventures that Ozy and Millie have are adorable and the two of them seem to balance each other well. Plus other characters, such as their parents, were great voices in the comics as well. I loved the art style and how vibrant the colors were. These comics are great for all ages and I do really enjoy that they included a glossary in the back for younger readers to learn about words they may not know and people mentioned.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

By the author of Phoebe and her Unicorn (actually, these predate Phoebe and Heavenly Nostrils...oops), this collection is about a pair of foxes that are best friends. Ozy i the voice of reason and Millie the carefree dreamer. Navigating situations from being suddenly, inexplicably cool to dealing with their parents, Ozy and Millie have fun with their friends and get into some mild hijinx. A definite read if you like Phoebe! Great for both kids and adults who still enjoy a bit of magic in their lives.

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

[Victoria Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ozy and Millie : Perfectly Normal. I read it to my 4 year old son and we enjoyed the story and the illustrations were fantastic - These make the book appeal to both adults and children.
I especially loved the glossary at the end of this book making it educational as well as a fun read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for my ARC.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you... this is an absolute riot from start to finish! As the second volume in this delightful graphic novel series, it's packed with fun, laughter, and plenty of quirky fox shenanigans that had me grinning from ear to ear the whole way through.

Joining Ozy and Millie on their whimsical escapades is an absolute treat. These two fox children are as adorable as they are mischievous, and their hilarious antics kept me entertained from the first page to the last. From navigating cliques to inventing new games, there's never a dull moment in the lives of Ozy and Millie.

What truly sets this graphic novel apart is its unique blend of humor and heart. Simpson infuses each strip with a witty charm that will appeal to readers of all ages. Whether it's Millie's ingenious excuses to avoid homework or Ozy's loyal friendship, there's something for everyone to love in this book.

And let's talk about the art, shall we? Simpson's illustrations are an absolute delight, perfectly capturing the whimsy and humor of the story. The expressive characters and vibrant colors leap off the page, drawing you into their charming world with each turn of the page.

But beyond the laughter and hijinks, "Ozy and Millie: Perfectly Normal" also touches on important themes of friendship, creativity, and embracing your uniqueness. Through the ups and downs of their everyday lives, Ozy and Millie remind us that it's okay to be a little different and that true friendship knows no bounds.

If you're looking for a fun-filled adventure with some adorable and quirky foxes, look no further than "Ozy and Millie: Perfectly Normal." Trust me, you won't be able to put it down! I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages who are in need of a good laugh and a heartwarming story.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dana Simpson (Phoebe and her Unicorn) began her comic/graphic novel writing with a webcomic featuring two foxes and their animal friends and family. Those strips have been collected into books available for readers of graphic novels. Those who are elementary-aged will laugh at Millie and her outlandish ideas and how Ozy tries (and fails) to keep her grounded. School mates, Felicia and Avery, along with Ozy’s adoptive dragon dad and Millie’s mom will keep laughs coming as well. Although much of the sarcastic humor will go over the heads of school-aged readers, adults who read along with them will chuckle at references to history and philosophy. No worries about the content being overly mature, though as Simpson keeps her work free of sex and profanity. A glossary is included in this installment of the Ozy and Millie series to help readers learn the meanings of some of the advanced vocabulary used.

Thanks for a preview copy of this one, Andrews McMeel Publishing.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before there was Phoebe and Her Unicorn there was Oxy and Millie. Simpson imbued these characters with the same kind of slightly depressed deadpan humor as Phoebe‘s fans have come to love. Ozy and Millie are foxes, and Ozy’s dad is a nerdy dragon. Ozy is the foil to Millie’s tendency to overthink things. Existential angst is applied to all things great and small, from the weather and cleaning her room to cogitations on trust, existence, popularity and art. There is a lot of individuality to the characters, but kids will recognize the types. The vignettes run 1 to 2 pages, with 3 to 4 panels per page, making the short jokes easy to parse.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Foxes Ozy and Millie continue their rambunctious every day adventures, filled with puns, humor, and the occasional deep thought. Will appeal to fans who have powered through Phoebe and Her Unicorn and are looking for more Dana Simpson.

These still read to me as the precursor for Phoebe and Her Unicorn (which they are), but I just see Millie as a pre-Phoebe and Felicia as the original Dakota. I appreciate that this volume comes with a glossary because while Ozy and Millie's illustrations will appeal to young readers, their conversations can definitely touch on more elaborate topics (such as Kantian philosophy).

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Ozy and Millie #2: Perfectly Normal” by Dana Simpson is a collection of comics about two foxes.

Ozy and Millie are best friends. Ozy is the one with the crazy thoughts and excuses to get out of homework. Millie is there to ground her. This time around we meet more of their friends, and we get to check in with Millie’s mom and Ozy‘s dad, who happens to be a dragon.

These are older strips from, the creator of Phoebe and Her Unicorn, and they’re perfectly great for kids. A collection like this is great for seeing how an artist progresses, and Dana Simpson‘s humor is on full display here.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley.
Simpson's duo are back in book two. It's a joy to see these two friends navigate life. Readers see them interact with schoolmates and friends along with Ozy's dad and Millie's mom. The humor happens on so many levels that readers of a variety of ages and abilities will connect with these situations. The artwork is so much fun to study - especially Millie's expressions and body language.
A refreshing look at life as seen by these two young animals.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ozy and Millie is the modern-day Calvin and Hobbes. Well, I say modern-day, it stopped running in 2008, but it's still got that same crazy energy, that same philosophical bent and weird twists. Millie, a slightly manic young fox, roughly maps to Calvin, while her best friend Ozy is the philosophical and phlegmatic Hobbes. The published book doesn't contain all or even most of the strips, but it gives you enough to get an idea of the strip and what it's like, and the entire comic is still available online. I would 100% recommend this, especially if you're into Calvin and Hobbes.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We absolutely loved Ozy and Millie: Perfectly Normal. I loved the glossary at the end that helped my 8 year old learn and retain a bit more from the story that was delightful even without this bonus. Kids ages 7 and up will enjoy the story and the artwork.
If possible, it has been requested that Millie get actual glasses in the next book.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this ebook!

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this very delightful for children. Ozy and Millie are so cute and illustrated so nicely. Having it be a group of short clips makes it easy to hold a child's attention. The author really relates to children. I can hear my granddaughter in some of the clips. I highly recommend this book to children ages 5-9. Parents can also read it and relate in trying to interact with their child in some of the clips.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising amount of philosophy and poetry

[Kayla Zabcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"productivity
is fleeting, illusory
in the end, we're dust"