Fantasy

CAMP BABYMOUSE
by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Holm, Jennifer L. & Matthew Holm. 2007. Random House, Inc.: New York. ISBN: 9780375939884.

PLOT SUMMARY:
In this graphic novel, our main character is a clumsy young mouse with a tendency to get herself into tough predicaments. An excited Babymouse goes to camp and begins to think it is not all it was cracked up to be. One mishap after another prompts her to call her family to pick her up, but by the time they arrive she is having the time of her life (thanks to a late-night trip to the bathroom!).

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm know how to draw in young readers and keep their attention. Most of the humor was very elementary, but that's why young children love these books so much. Babymouse's catchphrase in the book, "Typical." when anything goes wrong will put a smile on even the most reluctant readers' faces. That, along with the many comic-like drawings on each page ensure constant entertainment throughout. Any child who has ever built up expectations only to be let down will be able to relate to this book.

EXCERPT REVIEWS:
"Sassy, smart, Babymouse is here to stay!" ~The Horn Book Magazine
"Graphic novels for the early elementary set are rare, and this humorous and adventurous series will be snapped up." ~The Bulletin
"Move over, Superman, here comes Babymouse!" ~The Chicago Sun-Times

CCBC 2008 Best of the Year


CONNECTIONS:
This would be a wonderful read aloud as the beginning of a lesson on the writing trait of Organization or Presentation.
Other books by Jennifer L. Holm include: Babymouse series, Penny From Heaven, and Our Only May Amelia.