Step into the sparkling world of Phoebe and Her Unicorn, where a quirky nine-year-old girl teams up with a dazzling, slightly narcissistic unicorn for adventures that blend everyday childhood moments with magical mayhem! Created by Dana Simpson, this graphic novel series captures the hearts of readers with its witty humor, heartfelt friendship, and a sprinkle of unicorn sparkle, making it a beloved gem for kids and adults alike.
With its vibrant illustrations and clever storytelling, Phoebe and Her Unicorn transforms mundane experiences—like dodging piano lessons or navigating school friendships—into whimsical tales that resonate with anyone who’s ever felt a little different. Let’s dive into the origins, themes, and lasting charm of this enchanting series!
How Phoebe and Her Unicorn Began
It all started when Dana Simpson, a cartoonist with a knack for quirky characters, tossed a rock into the comic world—figuratively and literally. In 2012, her webcomic Heavenly Nostrils debuted on GoComics, introducing Phoebe Howell, who accidentally hits a unicorn named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils with a skipped stone. This chance encounter, where Phoebe wishes for Marigold to be her best friend, sparked a series that evolved into Phoebe and Her Unicorn, hitting print syndication in 2015 across over 100 newspapers. Simpson, inspired by her own childhood and classics like The Last Unicorn, crafted a world where imagination reigns supreme.
The Heart of Phoebe and Her Unicorn
The series spans 18 books, each bursting with short, vibrant comic strips that weave humor and heart. Key titles include Phoebe and Her Unicorn (2014), where the duo’s friendship begins with a splash; Unicorn on a Roll (2015), tackling school rivalries and Marigold’s magical antics; Unicorn vs. Goblins (2016), featuring fantastical creatures; and Unicorn for a Day (2023), exploring identity through a body-swap adventure. Each book blends Phoebe’s relatable struggles with Marigold’s mythical flair, set in a world where unicorns cast spells like the ‘Shield of Boringness’ to blend in.
Themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and embracing one’s quirks shine through. Phoebe, a confident ‘weirdo,’ navigates loneliness and popularity with Marigold’s sparkly wisdom, while the unicorn’s vanity adds comedic charm. The series’ clean, expressive art and layered dialogue—reminiscent of Calvin and Hobbes—appeal to young readers and adults, tackling issues like bullying or growing up with a light, magical touch. Simpson’s storytelling celebrates individuality, making every reader feel a little more unicorn-like.
Why Phoebe and Her Unicorn Resonates
Phoebe and Her Unicorn has sold nearly 5 million copies, earning accolades like the 2015 Washington State Book Award and the 2016 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award. Its universal appeal lies in its balance of whimsy and wisdom, offering kids a fun escape and adults a nostalgic nod to childhood’s complexities. Simpson’s inclusive storytelling, subtly weaving in diverse characters, mirrors the series’ message of accepting everyone’s unique sparkle. Though plans for animated adaptations by Amazon and Nickelodeon fizzled, the series continues to thrive in graphic novels and Sunday comics, proving its timeless magic.
- First Published: 2012 as a webcomic, 2014 as a book
- Number of Books: 18, with more planned
- Awards: Washington State Book Award (2015), Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award (2016)
- Creator: Dana Simpson, a Reuben Award-nominated cartoonist
Ready to skip a rock into a magical pond? Grab Phoebe and Her Unicorn and dive into a world where friendship and imagination sparkle brighter than a unicorn’s horn!