by Dana Simpson ; illustrated by Dana Simpson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 2, 2014
On a perfectly ordinary day, young Phoebe accidentally hits a unicorn named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils while skipping rocks....
A pink, bubble-gum bonbon of a tale spun of a likable, albeit self-centered, fourth-grader and her magical, self-obsessed, although sometimes-kind, unicorn.
On a perfectly ordinary day, young Phoebe accidentally hits a unicorn named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils while skipping rocks. Unicorns, vain by nature, cannot help but become engrossed with their own reflections, and when Phoebe’s rock hits Marigold, she frees the mystical creature from her Narcissus-like state and offers to grant Phoebe a wish. Phoebe then wishes for Marigold to be her best friend. From then on, the two are inseparable, embarking on one adventure after another. Phoebe is often tempestuous and prone to whimsy (what fourth-grader isn’t?), whereas Marigold is often the straight man (or unicorn, as it is), taking our human expressions literally and setting up a good deal of the comedic action. As seen in short vignettes, the pair make everyday events—like boring piano lessons or a skirmish with a mean girl—giggle-worthy by the addition of the egocentric unicorn. Clean lines, clearly delineated panels and sparse background detail keep readers focused on the characters, driving the story forward without distraction. Recommend this to fans of Jennifer and Matthew Holm’s Babymouse series and Frank Cammuso’s Salem Hyde. A sweet, spun-sugar confection just right for unicorn fans. (Graphic fantasy. 7-11)Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4494-4620-8
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2014
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by Maddox Lyons & Jessica Verdi ; illustrated by Dana Simpson
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by Tracey West ; illustrated by Graham Howells ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 24, 2014
With plenty left to be resolved, the next entry will be eagerly sought after.
Drake has been selected by the king to serve as a Dragon Master, quite a change for an 8-year-old farmer boy.
The dragons are a secret, and the reason King Roland has them is a mystery, but what is clear is that the Dragon Stone has identified Drake as one of the rare few children who have a special connection with dragons and the ability to serve as a trainer. Drake’s dragon is a long brown creature with, at first, no particular talents that Drake can identify. He calls the dragon Worm. It isn’t long before Drake begins to realize he has a very strong connection with Worm and can share what seem to be his dragon’s thoughts. After one of the other Dragon Masters decides to illicitly take the dragons outside, disaster strikes. The cave they are passing through collapses, blocking the passageway, and then Worm’s special talent becomes evident. The first of a new series of early chapter books, this entry is sure to attract fans. Brief chapters, large print, lots of action, attractive illustrations in every spread, including a maplike panorama, an enviable protagonist—who wouldn’t want to be a Dragon Master?—all combine to make an entertaining read.
With plenty left to be resolved, the next entry will be eagerly sought after. (Fantasy. 7-10)Pub Date: Aug. 24, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-545-64624-6
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Branches/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: June 3, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2014
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by Tracey West ; illustrated by Matt Loveridge
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by Tracey West ; illustrated by Xavier Bonet
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by Jarrett Lerner ; illustrated by Jarrett Lerner ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 26, 2021
Skip this meal.
Four foodstuff friends help a student stave off ill effects from a brushed-aside breakfast.
Snacks are absolutely not allowed in Mrs. Sternbladder’s classroom at the James H. Pinchkid Elementary School. When the four taco-ingredient Hunger Heroes—Tammy the tomato, Leonard the cheese, Mr. Toots the bean, and Chip Ninja the tortilla chip—get an alert about a student’s missed meal and his flagging energy before a big test, they immediately take to their taco hovercraft to save the day. This job won’t be easy: An autonomous vacuum, a gym full of dodgeballs, and a snack-loathing teacher all stand in their way. The first in a proposed series, this graphic hybrid is bland as white bread. All the elements are seemingly there: cute, cartoony characters, silly jokes galore, and zippily paced chapters. Unfortunately, the whole never quite equals the sum of its parts. The characterizations are thin, the resolution is quick and questionable, and many scenes feel like dreaded heavy-handed teachable moments having all the allure of a brownie made from brussels sprouts. There is little connection for its readers, who most likely will wonder why they should care about a kid (hardly more than a name and a face) who missed breakfast and why taco ingredients care so much. Humans portrayed throughout show a range of skin tones; however, there is little differentiation between adult and juvenile characters.
Skip this meal. (Graphic/fiction hybrid. 7-10)Pub Date: Oct. 26, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5344-6282-3
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2021
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