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Babymouse #16

Babymouse for President

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A Cupcake in every locker! It's election season and if anyone knows what this country . . . er, what the student council needs, it's Babymouse. The only trouble is, everyone else is running for President, too—even Babymouse's locker! Will Felicia Furrypaws turn out the meangirl coalition? Does Babymouse have what it takes to become the voice of the people? Find out in Babymouse for President! Remember, a vote for Babymouse is a vote for cupcakes!

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2012

53 people are currently reading
995 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer L. Holm

121 books1,722 followers
Jennifer L. Holm is a USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES-bestselling children's author with more than 9.8 million books in print She is the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE and a Scott O'Dell Award for her novel FULL OF BEANS.

Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on three bestselling graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series, the SUNNY series, and the Squish series. SQUISH is now an animated tv series on YouTube!

For more information, visit her website at www.jenniferholm.com.

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5 stars
829 (48%)
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309 (18%)
2 stars
81 (4%)
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46 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Calista.
5,432 reviews31.3k followers
June 26, 2019
Babymouse is running for Student body president and the competition is fierce. Babymouse actually finds her voice in this one and what she believes in.

I have fun reading these little stories. They are lighthearted and the character has been endeared to me. This went down quick. I did offer to let my niece read this one and she isn't interested. Bummer.
Profile Image for Dov Zeller.
Author 2 books124 followers
October 24, 2017
Cute and funny babymouse book (one of my favorites so far). Babymouse wants to run for president and thinks she must become popular by making all sorts of outlandish promises. She has her usual wonderful fantasy life to help get her through school, and learns some lessons along the way. And gets to use some of her favorite lines. (typical).
Profile Image for ashes ➷.
1,112 reviews73 followers
January 1, 2023
Genuinely the least problematic take on US politics ever. I love you Babymouse :)
Profile Image for Cathy Field.
23 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2015
Babymouse for President is a story of the awakening of a realization of what it really means to hold public office. Babymouse runs for student council president against a popular mean girl, a sarcastic and dishonest locker, a long-necked giraffe who runs based upon his height and a very cute baby seal that never says a word. Babymouse’s slogan is, “a cupcake in every locker”! She dreams of power and selfish changes she will make if she wins. Then she hears Felicia, the mean girl, tell her friends, “I can’t wait to be in power”. This shocks Babymouse when she realizes that she had thought the very same thing. During the debate Babymouse has an epiphany and gives a rousing speech about issues that truly matter to her constituents. I won’t give away the election results, though. You’ll have to read it to see what else happens!
The author has organized the pages very well. The narrator speaks to Babymouse in boxes on the corners of the frames and when Babymouse if thinking and daydreaming the pages are pink to clue the reader that what is happening is all in Babymouse’s head. It is easy to focus your attention and there is no clutter to make following the story line difficult.
This graphic novel would be excellent to use in grades two through five as a read aloud introduction to a lesson on democracy or holding public office. It could easily be paired with nonfiction twin text to teach the election process and the responsibilities people who hold office have. You could also discuss the very real issue of power and how it has the potential to lead good people into corruption. Immerging and reluctant female readers will especially like this story, although I think it will appeal to boys and higher readers as well.
I liked the message this story sends to young readers. Holding public office is a serious matter and should be done with thought of what is best for the people you represent, not for your own welfare. I have no cautions or concerns regarding this story, just accolades for how entertaining it is and the positive role model it portrays.
Profile Image for Denice Hein.
86 reviews
April 15, 2015
1. Babymouse graphics are easy to follow. They are primarily black, white and pink. There are rectangles in some graphic boxes that add to the plot or setting of the story and sometimes it seems to be narration or Babymouse’s inner voice. I think students will enjoy the variety of formats.
2. Application/Audience: This is an excellent 3 or 4th grade resource for starting student thinking about government officials. Babymouse runs for class president, her and her opponents start making promises and speeches to help get themselves elected. Students can easily discuss their abilities to actually fulfill those promises. This could be turned into a study of our political campaigning that will be in full swing next fall. With lots of other resources, teachers could develop a unit on government, current issues or persuasive writing, all from a little Babymouse!
3. This is a cute book. It is a snapshot of school politics with lots of humor sprinkled in. I can see it being a nice leisure book for 3-6th graders, younger kids could enjoy it also as read aloud. The narrator rectangles add to the overall flow of the story. At first I didn’t understand it and thought it may be Babymouse’s conscience speaking, pg. 22, “Looks like you’re buying lunch today, Babymouse.” It’s also setting cues, pg. 69, “The Debates”. Either or both ways it adds to the storyline and provides some humor and direction. I see girls being drawn to the color scheme of the novel, however the presence of a couple strong male characters, once introduced, can attract some boys.

Profile Image for Mary.
3,605 reviews10 followers
August 19, 2012
Another endearing addition to the popular Babymouse series. This time the mouse with messy whiskers and the inability to remember her gym sneakers has decided to run for student council president. She faces pretty formidable competition; for instance, Felicia Furrypaw has the mean-girl coalition and Santiago Seal has the cute eyes.

However, Babymouse is not without her convictions: cafeteria food should be tastier and 7:45 is too early for school. Her hilarious daydreams perfectly capture the unique Babymouse attitude that we have all come to love. The sister and brother team, Jennifer & Matthew Holm, have created another excellent Babymouse book just in time for the November elections.
Profile Image for Linda .
4,190 reviews52 followers
August 12, 2012
I’ve owned it for a while, but just had too many other things happening, so finally sat down and read this new Babymouse book from the Holms. I know that others have reviewed and shouted about this to the rooftops. It did not disappoint. In these days of constant presidential campaign commercials (here in Colorado) it was refreshing to read a book that poked a bit of fun at all those promises and attacks. Babymouse is at her best when thinking about herself, but in the end, she figures out what being president really should be.
Profile Image for Jessica.
55 reviews6 followers
Read
September 12, 2012
As Kory said....we have to wait until next year for the next Babymouse!?!
Profile Image for Rosie Sanchez.
23 reviews1 follower
Read
May 1, 2016
APA: Holm, J. L., & Holm, M. (2012). Babymouse for president. New York, NY: Random House.
Review:
Marya Jansen-Gruber from Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews states, “It is election time at Babymouse’s school, and she has decided (after eating a terrible school lunch) that she is going to run president of the school council. The narrator tells her to “be part of the solution,” which is when Babymouse begins to fantasize about what it would be like to be the president. Then she is brought firmly to earth when she is asked what her platform is going to be. Platform?
At school the next day, Babymouse realizes that several of the other kids in school are running for the presidency, including Babymouse’s arch enemy, Felicia, and her friend Georgie. Then one of Babymouse’s friends offers to help. He takes her in er…wing, and helps Babymouse see that running for president is hard work. In fact, it requires that Babymouse do a lot of things that she would rather not do. Then there is that far bigger problem; that Babymouse has no idea what she believes in. Is she running just for fame and glory, or does Babymouse see that there is something bigger going on around her?
In this deliciously funny tale, Babymouse once again manages to get the wrong end of the stick. She thinks only of what the school council presidency might do for her, and never stops to think that she might have something to offer, that she might be able to do something for the school to make it a better place.
With delicious touches of humor and a clever story, Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm poke a little fun at political campaigns, and they also remind us that political office is more than just an opportunity for self-aggrandizement.”
APA: Jansen-Gruber, Marya. Babymouse for president. (2012). Through The Looking Glass Book Review. Retrieved from http://lookingglassreview.com/books/b...
Recommendation: I would recommend this text to my colleagues and to students in grades 1-3. These texts are great books for students who may be struggling readers or have English Language Proficiency because they tell stories through illustrations, panels, speech bubbles and other conventions similar to comic strips that make them easier to read. The teacher could use this book as part of book study. Students can be split into groups and each can be assigned a text that is part of the Babymouse series. Each group can identify the character, setting and key events and present them in front of the class. After, the class can have a discussion about the similarities in the series.
Grade Level: 1-3
Awards/Honors:
Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards for Best Publication for Early Readers (up to age 7) (2013)

Profile Image for Caitlin.
40 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2012
Citation: Babymouse for President, by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm. (Random House, 2012). 90 p. Graphic novel.

Summary: Babymouse decides to run for student council president. She is at times blinded by the seeming benefits of the position, including popularity, and doesn’t really have an understanding of the process or the real job itself. In the end, she realizes it is better to be herself, regardless of the outcome of the election.

Critique: a) As a graphic novel, it is the illustrations in this story that propel the plot and give a sense of the Babymouse’s inner monologue. Holm and Holm use a variety of framing techniques with the panels to convey Babymouse’s character.

b) The use of a variety of panel-types supports Babymouse’s character development as the page design jumps from full-page to traditional multi-panel, to use of inset panels and blackout with a single lit panel. While the style is intended to convey Babymouse’s tendencies as flighty, frantic, and one with a “complete inability to remember her gym sneakers,” (p. 12) it also can make the plot difficult to follow. It may be that this adult reader can’t keep up with the fast-paced, slapstick, “tween” sense of humor, but the quick transitions of this particular series, fostered by the panel changes, made Babymouse come off as equal parts humorous and annoying.

c) A sequence that shows Babymouse being forced to eat a bad school lunch after her locker at her own lunch, is followed by a three-page sequence of daydreams, framed in a pink haze (p.25). Babymouse imagines the White House becoming the Pink House, followed by cupcakes served at state dinners, signing a “No Fractions Law” into effect, and changing a map from the United States of America to the United States of Babymouse. The sequence is followed by a blackout page with two small panels of Babymouse back in real time, saying to herself how she will love the power of being in charge. In the next page, the panels switch to a sequence of Babymouse at a table with the founding fathers, again, the action continuing without her (p.31) and her realization that she has been doodling on the Declaration. Within a five-page selection, Babymouse was in and out of reality two separate times, each one portraying her as unaware and flighty.

Curriculum Connection: The best use of this series I would see would be to encourage reluctant readers in the middle grades as the sections are fast-paced, and many students would most likely find it humorous enough to read on.
Profile Image for Misty Jimenez.
22 reviews
May 1, 2016
Book Title: Babymouse for President

APA Citation: Holm, J. (2012) Babymouse for president. New York: Random House.

Original Review: Babymouse for President by Jennifer Holm is a graphic novel that will engage readers as Babymouse takes on a campaign to win the student council president election. As Babymouse fantasizes about all the benefits of being the student council leader she imagines how the role will give her popularity and success among her classmates. As the election campaign begins Babymouse is surprised by her competition as other students join the campaign for student council president. She is not prepared to deal with the competition especially when her prospect team members decide to help out other candidates in preparation for winning votes. Babymouse continues to imagine all the changes she will bring to her campus as she prepares for a debate. She is able to gain the respect and applause of the audience as she chants how she will bring about positive changes to her school campus. Unfortunately, Babymouse does not win the election but walks away with the satisfaction of winning the audience although she was unable to win the presidency.

Recommendation: Babymouse for President is highly recommended for younger elementary students as a self-selected independent reading book that will scaffold beginning and struggling readers with engaging illustrations as well as the graphic novel format that appeals to children. Teachers could use this book to discuss character traits and promote it as a recommended book for students who will benefit from the unique format of print and illustrations. The interactive nature of this series will appeal to students of a wide range of reading abilities. Winner of the Children’s Choice award and 2013 Eisner award children will be flocking to get their hands on this installment of Babymouse adventures.

Grade Level: 1st through 3rd

Awards/Honors: 2013 Eisner Award Winner, Children's Choice award
Profile Image for Jessica.
116 reviews
May 2, 2016
Holm, J.L., & Holm, M. (2012). Babymouse for president. New York: Random House.

When Babymouse’s locker eats her lunch and she has to buy a disgusting school lunch, she realizes she needs to get involved in order to help solve the problem. Babymouse wants to run for president of the student council but soon realizes she has a lot to learn. She deals with issues such as coming up with a slogan and platform and having to participate in a debate. She also has to compete against her nemesis, as well as her friends, and even her locker! This book is written in graphic novel form, which is appealing for students as it is not a typical storybook. There is also quite a bit of humor in this book. However, the format can sometimes be hard to follow. I suspect the pages written and illustrated with more pink are Babymouse’s imagination, but as this particular book started off that way, it was difficult to discern what was going on in the story and where the story really began.

I would recommend this book to my coworkers to use in their classrooms as an introduction to government and elections. Babymouse deals with issues such as coming up with a slogan, a platform, and participating in a debate. There is more to it than just being president for the fame. This book could be especially pertinent during presidential election years. Students could then make a connection between the book and conversations they may hear or things they may see on tv regarding the candidates. This book could also be used to teach the genre of graphic novels. This is a fast growing genre of children’s literature that students need to be taught to read.

Grade level 2-5

Awards/Honors
2013 Eisner Award, Best Publication for Early Readers
Profile Image for Katiebug.
6 reviews
May 23, 2017
Rodent President?: a Book Report on Babymouse for President

What would happen if a mouse ran for student council? Find out in Babymouse for President. Babymouse for President is a graphic novel published in 2012. The author is Jennifer Holm, and the illustrator is her brother Matthew Holm.

Babymouse, the title character, is a mouse who wants to be head of her school’s student council. Her whiskers are always crazy, she’s constantly late, and she continually daydreams things, like being a Founding Father. Felicia, the school bully, is running for student council also. She is the antagonist in most of the Babymouse books. The Narrator, a disembodied voice, is always making sassy comments and annoying Babymouse. The book takes place in Babymouse’s school and in her imagination. Her school is big but her imagination is even bigger!

In this book Babymouse decides to run for student council, partly because The Narrator wants her to, but she has a problem. Felicia has money and the vote of the cool kids. The ending is one of the best parts of the book. It is hilarious and makes Babymouse and Felicia very mad.

I like this book because it is so silly. In most books when a narrator talks no one can hear them, but Babymouse can hear her narrator, and they do not always get along. I think that you should read this book because you could get quite a few laughs!
Profile Image for Haleigh Chacon.
34 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2017
Babymouse for president by Hennifer L. Holm was a fun graphic novel to read.I was able to read it in less than a week which means it was a holiday book.l was laughing throughout the book because of babymouse's personality and humor.Baby mouse faces her rival Felicia Furrypaws when trying to win the election.Throughout the story Babymouse tries to win her votes but knows it is about putting in effort in and trying her best.The book includes a great message.It might not have been the hardest or challenging book but it was definitely fun to read.I loved how babymouse tried to get the most votes by being nice but knew she had to try her best.I love the babymouse books because they are funny and fun to read.Overall,I really like the book and hope to read the upcoming books that now have babymouse in middle school
Profile Image for Rebecca Powers.
11 reviews
October 12, 2017
Babymouse wants to run for school president, but she is competing against other students. The book is a graphic novel and provides humor for anyone reading the book. Babymouse might be in it to request better lunch food or she might be in it for the popularity of having her name as a president. Read the book to find out if she wins the election.

The reason for receiving a three star rating is because the book was cute, but I am not a huge graphic novel person so I did not enjoy it as much as other people might.

Genre: Graphic Novel
Grade Level: 1st through 3rd
Profile Image for Kaethe.
6,567 reviews534 followers
July 14, 2014
I love Babymouse, and I enjoy reading about her adventures. But I'm kind of sad that Wilson plays less of a part these days. Anyway, the election process is brought amusingly to life as Babymouse goes up against several of her classmates and her locker. Craziness ensues. what do I love best? The campaign promises she makes? Her realization that the president has to work hard? Of course not: what I love best are her grandiose daydreams of ruling as president.

Library copy.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
491 reviews6 followers
January 27, 2018
Babymouse must run against her classmates for class president, but can she do the job? Will anyone vote for her? She begins to learn the tricks of campaigning and tries to do things to get her friends' votes, but realizes that listening to what they actual are complaining about may be her best bet to win this thing. Of course she must run against her arch nemesis and even her own locker. This may be harder than she thinks.
Profile Image for Ellon.
4,634 reviews
September 10, 2018
I read the first Babymouse (wasn’t a huge fan) but none of the others until this one. I saw it won an Eisner Award so I was intrigued but it just seems so shallow. I’m not a huge fan of when babymouse talks with the narrator. It’s awkward.
I guess this book would be good to show children a little bit of the political process but it’s so silly that I’m not sure how much they would really get out of it.
138 reviews
February 4, 2018
So funny this series. The recurring character ever daydreamer babymouse runs for school president. So funny how she imagines the world only to have it be thoroughly disappointing all the time. So funny. SUch a great comic writer and artist. The bits with the locker are so so funny.
Profile Image for Emily Allmon.
27 reviews
February 8, 2018
this book was awesome because babymouse entered to be student-council president for her school but she didn't win after her big and great speech
Profile Image for Zuri.
3 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2018
I really ,really like this book because baby mouse was running for president. Also,she was a really good person. My opinion is that she should’ve won.
45 reviews
May 26, 2017
This book is about Babymouse, a mouse who is running for class president. She decided to run for the presidency because she wanted a change in her schools. Babymouse sees how difficult it might be running for president, so she recruits a friend to volunteer to help her. Babymouse began to lose faith in her campaign, but she overcame her doubts. This is a great book to build social skills and confidence.

48 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2018
Babymouse for President is a graphic novel about the main character, Babymouse. Jennifer L. Holm has made multiple Babymouse books. These books are designed for young girls who may not enjoy reading, and also books that show that comics aren't just for boys. Babymouse goes on different adventures and in this graphic novel, she runs for president.
636 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2017
Babymouse for President (Babymouse #16) / written by Jennifer L. Holm and illustrated by Matthew Holm -- New York : Random House, c2012 (96 pages)

SUMMARY: When Babymouse decides to become president of the student council, she learns that there is more to running for office than being famous and in charge...it is more about listening to others and being their voice.

REVIEW: I enjoy the Babymouse series, but I didn't like this one. The concept of running for office is on the mark and I like the part where Babymouse realizes what being a good president is really about. However, I didn't like the ending...even though it is probably realistic. I also didn't care for the small detail that she gave away her soul as part of a campaign promise.

FORMAT: Number 16 in the Babymouse series by sister and brother team Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm. In graphic novel format this series is great for beginning chapter book readers(especially girls) and makes for a quick read. Notice the interaction of the writer (as narrator) with Babymouse throughout the story. The writer's dialogue is in rectangle boxes where other dialog is in bubbles. I also love that the book gives a glimpse into the next volume with a teaser page.

Creative illustrations throughout the book with simple black and white illustrations with a hint of pink here and there -- unless it is one of Babymouse's daydreams and then everything turns pink. This provides a great hint to the reader as to what is happening in the plot. I also like the added feature of all the page numbers being in pink hearts.
Profile Image for Nikki.
721 reviews24 followers
June 27, 2022
Babymouse wants to run for president of the student council for the fame and glory of being in charge and being president but along the way she learns what a good student council president should really be. It was a cute book with references to early presidents. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Molly Milosevic.
40 reviews
April 23, 2025
I can’t believe that baby mouse almost won class president and that was very, very cool so it’s just awesome that she almost won. The school was very very cool to say that. OK that was amazing. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews

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