Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start
For the best reading experience, you should start at the very beginning with the self-titled first volume, Phoebe and Her Unicorn. This book introduces Phoebe Howell, a nine-year-old girl who accidentally hits a unicorn named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils with a skipped stone. This event frees Marigold from her reflection and grants Phoebe one wish, which she uses to make Marigold her best friend. Starting here establishes the witty, warm, and slightly narcissistic dynamic between the two main characters before you proceed to the subsequent volumes.
While the books can generally be enjoyed as standalones due to their comic-strip roots, reading them in order lets you appreciate recurring jokes, secondary character introductions (such as Phoebe's rival Dakota), and subtle changes in the characters' relationships. If you want to skip compilations and read a full-length adventure, you can dive straight into the original graphic novels, though starting with the main sequence remains highly recommended.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn Books in Publication Order
The series compiles daily newspaper strips alongside original graphic novels. Following the publication order is the most straightforward and rewarding way to read the series:
- Phoebe and Her Unicorn (2014) – The essential starting point where Phoebe and Marigold meet.
- Unicorn on a Roll (2015) – The second collection, focusing on school adventures and rivalries.
- Unicorn vs. Goblins (2016) – Phoebe attends music camp while dealing with goblin mischief.
- Razzle Dazzle Unicorn (2016) – Marigold helps Phoebe deal with the complexities of grade school life.
- Unicorn Crossing (2016) – Explores more magical shenanigans and friendship dynamics.
- In the Magic Storm (2017) – The first full-length original graphic novel rather than a strip compilation.
- Rainy Day Unicorn Fun (2017) – An activity book containing puzzles, mazes, and games.
- Unicorn of Many Hats (2018) – A collection focusing on Marigold's eccentric vanity and Phoebe's school life.
- Today I'll Be a Unicorn (2018) – A board book intended for younger readers.
- Unicorn Theater (2018) – The second original graphic novel featuring a theatrical camp adventure.
- Unicorn Bowling (2019) – A collection packed with bowling matches and magical school days.
- The Unicorn Whisperer (2019) – Standard collection featuring more of Marigold's unique perspective.
- Camping with Unicorns (2020) – Follows Phoebe and Marigold on outdoor camping adventures.
- The Magical Adventures of Phoebe and Her Unicorn (2020) – A bind-up omnibus edition containing the first two books.
- Virtual Unicorn Experience (2020) – Explores digital school life, video games, and modern tech through a magical lens.
- Unicorn Famous (2021) – The sixteenth volume, exploring internet fame and school politics.
- Unicorn Playlist (2021) – A collection that leans heavily into music and creative hobbies.
- Unicorn Selfies (2022) – Captures Marigold's love for self-documentation.
- Unicornado (2022) – Explores new levels of unicorn magic and neighborhood adventures.
- Punk Rock Unicorn (2023) – A collection capturing rebellious creativity and friendship.
- Unicorn Crush (2024) – Explores school crushes, crushes on style, and standard middle-grade milestones.
Understanding the Formats: Strip Collections vs. Graphic Novels
When collecting these books, it is useful to know the difference between the formats, as they serve different purposes:
- Comic Strip Collections: The vast majority of the main books (like Unicorn on a Roll or Unicornado) compile the daily and Sunday newspaper comic strips (originally published online as Heavenly Nostrils) into chronological books. These are episodic and fast-paced.
- Original Graphic Novels (OGNs): Books like In the Magic Storm and Unicorn Theater are single, continuous long-form stories written specifically for the book format. They feature larger, self-contained plots with higher stakes.
- Side Works: Today I'll Be a Unicorn is a board book tailored for toddlers, while Rainy Day Unicorn Fun is a puzzle-centric activity book. You can easily skip these if you are only interested in the main continuity.
- Omnibuses: The 2020 release The Magical Adventures of Phoebe and Her Unicorn is a bind-up that brings together the first and second volumes under one cover, making it a budget-friendly starting point.
Ozy and Millie: Dana Simpson's Classic Webcomic
Before launching her breakout hit, Dana Simpson created Ozy and Millie, a webcomic about two anthropomorphic foxes that ran from 1998 to 2008. It focuses on the quiet, philosophical Ozy and the energetic, rebellious Millie. Andrews McMeel Publishing has compiled selected and updated color versions of these classic strips into two books:
- Ozy and Millie (2018)
- Ozy and Millie: Perfectly Normal (2021)
If you enjoy the gentle, intellectual humor and cozy atmosphere of Phoebe and Her Unicorn, checking out Ozy and Millie is highly recommended. While they belong to a completely different universe, the storytelling style and character dynamics are very similar.
Other Publications and Future Works
Beyond her main series, Dana Simpson contributed to dark horse anthologies like The Secret Loves of Geeks (2018). Her announced graphic memoir, Only You're Different, which explores her childhood and transgender journey, remains highly anticipated but does not have an active or confirmed publication date. In March 2025, Simpson concluded the syndicated daily newspaper run of Phoebe and Her Unicorn, shifting her creative focus entirely to the production of standalone graphic novels and Sunday-only strips, meaning future books will likely favor the long-form graphic novel style.