Reading: UNICORN BOWLING - Dana Simpson

Who wouldn't want to have a best friend like Marigold Heavenly Nostrils? Just ask her BFF, Phoebe Howell - a nine-year-old with a sharp wit and (often) sharper tongue, who sometimes butts head-to-horn with the unicorn but more often regards the magical, pixie dust-spewing creature as her closest confidante and ally. Unicorn Bowling is the ninth collection of comics featuring the dynamic duo, though this was my first experience with the characters - and while charming and often funny, creator/author Dana Simpson seems to be going for a Calvin & Hobbes kind of vibe that just doesn't come off that potent in the end. Phoebe has her sarcastic side, for sure, and is quick with a funny line or jab - her unicorn buddy all sugar and spice on the outside but able to hold her own when she has to. But whereas Calvin & Hobbes - and the sense of humor the comic series contains - is just as appealing for adults as kids, Phoebe and Marigold skewer decidedly younger in their audience. For that group, I dare you to show this book to any little girl or boy in that age range or younger, and NOT expect that child to want a unicorn of his or her own.  3/5 stars

Note: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.