Graphic Novel: Babymouse

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L. & Holm, Matthew. 2005. BABYMOUSE: QUEEN OF THE WORLD. New York: Random House. ISBN 0375832297.

PLOT SUMMARY

Babymouse is a sassy young lady with curly whiskers and big dreams. All Babymouse wants is to be queen of the world and best friends with Felicia Furrypaws, the most popular girl in school. Babymouse is not content with the humdrum of daily life and is constantly daydreaming to pass the time. In her dreams she becomes a princess, sheriff and an astronaut, the stars of their own show.  When Babymouse hears about Felicia’s sleepover party, Babymouse decides she will do anything to get invited. She patiently waits for her invitation but when it never comes, Babymouse is extremely disappointed. She gets her opportunity when Felicia forgets her book report. Babymouse offers to let Felicia turn her in for a grade and in return, Felicia invites Babymouse to her party. All of Babymouse’s dreams have come true. The only down side is that she had already planned to have a sleepover with her friend Wilson. She decides to go the Felicia’s instead and finds out the party is not what she thought. It was extremely boring. Babymouse finally realizes she is the Queen of her own show and doesn’t have to answer to anyone.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Readers will identify with the character of Babymouse. She is raucous, funny and a daydreamer. Students will easily identify with Babymouse attitude towards school and friendships. Many students will find that they have through the same efforts Babymouse must do to become friends with a popular student.

Most of the story takes places in two locations, school and Felicia’s sleepover. Readers will be very familiar with the setting of the story and will not need to suspend belief when reading the story. Scenes in which Babymouse is daydreaming are characterized with black or pink edged pictures. This helps readers understand when Babymouse is leaving behind reality to visit her imagination.

The theme of this book is extremely relatable to students. All Babymouse wants to do is be popular. Many students go through their own school career wanting the same thing. The idea that each person needs to accept themselves as the unique person they are will resonate with readers going through this situation. Friendship also plays a huge part in the theme of the story. Throughout the book, Babymouse ignores her best friend repeatedly to try and gain Felicia’s friendship. Towards the end of the book, Babymouse realizes that having true friends is better than trying to be friends with someone who doesn’t really like you. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: "Cute, smart, sassy Babymouse is fun and funny, and this book, like its predecessors, will draw reluctant readers as well as Babymouse fans."

THE HORN BOOK: "Nobody puts Babymouse in the corner!"

KIRKUS REVIEW: Young readers will happily fall in line to follow Babymouse through both ordinary pratfalls (“Typical!” is her watchword) and extraordinary flights of fancy—both of which continue in Babymouse, Our Hero

CONNECTIONS

*WINNER 2006 - Gryphon Award

*WINNER 2006 - ALA Notable Children's Book

*WINNER 2006 - New York Book Show Awards

*Students may be interested in watching how Baby Mouse came to be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UASwbHZVHrY

*Continue Babymouse’s story with these graphic novels:

Holm, Jennifer L. & Holm, Matthew. BABYMOUSE: OUR HERO. ISBN 0375832300

Holm, Jennifer L. & Holm, Matthew. BABYMOUSE: BEACH BABE. ISBN 0375832319

Holm, Jennifer L. & Holm, Matthew. BABYMOUSE: ROCK STAR. ISBN 0375832327