Unicorn Selfies: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure

I feel like a broken record when I talk about Phoebe and Her Unicorn, because I love every book, and it always amazes me that such a long-running comic strip stays so fresh and insightful. That’s a real testament to Dana Simpson’s skills.

That’s a wonderful thing, particularly at this time of year. I just read Unicorn Selfies, the fifteenth book (!) in the series. (There’s been another since then, Unicornado, that came out in October. I am behind, as always.)

It does reprint a comic strip, so there aren’t substantial storylines (although sometimes a week’s worth, five strips, does continue an idea), but some of the topics include making a club just to hang out together and visiting a unicorn family reunion — which brings up some very relatable emotions about worrying how much you will impress your relatives. Phoebe tries to teach Marigold how to rebel, and different family structures makes her appreciate her own parents, who let her have a pretty weird childhood. Most significant to me was the section where Phoebe discovers that the internet disagrees with her about how good a movie was.

The segment where Marigold accidentally brings Phoebe’s art doodles to life is really neat, visually, as the doodles are in a childlike style. Plus, it kicks off with a passionate statement about art and science being compatible. And then there are the cozy moments where the two appreciate their friendship. I was pleasantly surprised by how my mindset was affected by some of the creative and clever ideas on display here.

As with every Phoebe and Her Unicorn book, Unicorn Selfies is highly recommended.