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Babymouse: Tales from the Locker #1
Lights, Camera, Middle School!
For Babymouse, middle school is like a monster movie. You can never be sure who s a friend and who's an enemy, and the halls are filled with mean-girl zombies. Instead of brains, the zombies hunger for stuff the perfect wedge sandals or the right shade of sparkly lip gloss and they expect everyone to be just like them.
But Babymouse doesn't want to fit in she wants to stand out! So she joins the film club to write and direct a sweeping cinematic epic. Will making the film of her dreams turn into a nightmare?
But Babymouse doesn't want to fit in she wants to stand out! So she joins the film club to write and direct a sweeping cinematic epic. Will making the film of her dreams turn into a nightmare?
208 pages, Hardcover
First published July 4, 2017
203 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer L. Holm
105 books1,726 followersJennifer 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 10, 2017
Welp, this started off pretty decent, but I quickly grew tired of Babymouse.
She was annoying, bossy, and I just wanted to throw into a lake. :| Even before the film started and her head was filled to the brim with that movie.
Plus I hated how easily everything was just magically resolved. It just felt too convenient. Oh yes, we have to get on with the movie, let's just say x and y and be done with it.
Felicia and Henry were also way too urgh. My gosh, people you are in middle school not in a real film production, so get your head out of your ..... . I just found them a bit too much over the top. I feel sorry for the producers/directors if they continue acting when they are adults.
Also I am a bit confused about the animals/the world. So we have Ducks, Cats, Giraffes and more just walking around being human, but then there are normal elephants and geese that are animals? Plus pets? What? How does that work?
What I did like? The combo of comics with normal text and illustrations. That is also what kept me reading.
The movie (not the whole ego stuff, but the script/idea) was a fun one. It was indeed quite an epic story, and I was impressed that Babymouse was able to create the script, I was already worried since she seemed to have start-up problems.
Plus it was fun to see them having to find suitable locations as they couldn't just go to India or Paris. And to see how they handled certain scenes.
But all in all, I won't be continuing this series. It had good moments, but it also had too many not good moments. :(
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
She was annoying, bossy, and I just wanted to throw into a lake. :| Even before the film started and her head was filled to the brim with that movie.
Plus I hated how easily everything was just magically resolved. It just felt too convenient. Oh yes, we have to get on with the movie, let's just say x and y and be done with it.
Felicia and Henry were also way too urgh. My gosh, people you are in middle school not in a real film production, so get your head out of your ..... . I just found them a bit too much over the top. I feel sorry for the producers/directors if they continue acting when they are adults.
Also I am a bit confused about the animals/the world. So we have Ducks, Cats, Giraffes and more just walking around being human, but then there are normal elephants and geese that are animals? Plus pets? What? How does that work?
What I did like? The combo of comics with normal text and illustrations. That is also what kept me reading.
The movie (not the whole ego stuff, but the script/idea) was a fun one. It was indeed quite an epic story, and I was impressed that Babymouse was able to create the script, I was already worried since she seemed to have start-up problems.
Plus it was fun to see them having to find suitable locations as they couldn't just go to India or Paris. And to see how they handled certain scenes.
But all in all, I won't be continuing this series. It had good moments, but it also had too many not good moments. :(
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 7, 2017
I *love* Babymouse and I think I would say that I enjoyed this slightly less than reading a fully graphic novel Babymouse. It's entertaining, but part of me wonders why it exists? I don't think the audience is any different from the graphic novels. It maybe goes into a little more detail than is possible in the graphic novel format, but it's not so complex that it makes a great deal of difference.
Judging it on what it IS instead of what it's NOT, I would say it's an entertaining romp that introduces film production in a kid-friendly way. I did not find Babymouse's voice particularly compelling (which is a shame - I kept thinking about what it would read like if it was narrated by Narrator). I think kids already familiar with the Babymouse universe will appreciate this the most. There are enough illustrations and graphic panels to please fans of the original comic. It's fine.
Judging it on what it IS instead of what it's NOT, I would say it's an entertaining romp that introduces film production in a kid-friendly way. I did not find Babymouse's voice particularly compelling (which is a shame - I kept thinking about what it would read like if it was narrated by Narrator). I think kids already familiar with the Babymouse universe will appreciate this the most. There are enough illustrations and graphic panels to please fans of the original comic. It's fine.
June 18, 2017
Must have for all elementary school libraries. Terrific blend of comics and prose--great for kids moving into longer novels. Babymouse struggles with friendships in such a relatable way. Yearns to be part of larger friend group, but then ends up pushing her friends away because she's too bossy. Sound like anyone I know (moi???...)
November 14, 2017
Babymouse graduates to middle school ... and loses some of the old series' charm. :(
August 7, 2022
Amazing! It really showed how everyone is in middle school, without none realistic parts.
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July 5, 2017This is the first book I've read of the Babymouse series, and I have to say this book should be a staple of all middle school libraries around the world. It was a fast read, with a good moral behind it.
Babymouse signs up for an extracurricular activity in film-making. After writing the script and casting the crew and actors, Babymouse and Gang go through all sorts of things it takes to make a movie. Soon, Babymouse lets the movie go to her head and ends up pushing away her friends and taking advantage of them. She realizes with the help of her annoying brother that she should apologize. After she does, they quickly wrap up the film and realizes that middle school doesn't have to be so bad after all.
Matthew Holm incorporates some pretty quirky illustrations throughout the pages of this book and it makes it a fun, easy, and quick for middle kids in middle school.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions herein are of my own and are not swayed by any outside factors.
Babymouse signs up for an extracurricular activity in film-making. After writing the script and casting the crew and actors, Babymouse and Gang go through all sorts of things it takes to make a movie. Soon, Babymouse lets the movie go to her head and ends up pushing away her friends and taking advantage of them. She realizes with the help of her annoying brother that she should apologize. After she does, they quickly wrap up the film and realizes that middle school doesn't have to be so bad after all.
Matthew Holm incorporates some pretty quirky illustrations throughout the pages of this book and it makes it a fun, easy, and quick for middle kids in middle school.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions herein are of my own and are not swayed by any outside factors.
July 24, 2018
We are reading "Lights, Camera, Middle School! (Babymouse: Tales from the Locker)" by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Hold for this month's Chapter and Verse Book Club. Moving this charming series to middle school did not work for me.
In this multi-genre novel (it has both the elements of a graphic novel and of a realistic prose novel), Babymouse struggles with the middle school angst of wanting to both fit in and to be noticed. She searches for her "thing" when she begins middle school, and ultimately decides to join the film club. There she is given the responsibility of directing a film in the course of a school year. At the end of the year, the film will be shown to the entire student body. She, and her fellow film clubbers, encounter many obstacles along the way.
My first quibble with the book is that in one way the book plays very young. I think that most middle schools are above and beyond this in terms of reading difficulty, the traits and behaviors of the characters, etc. On the other hand, for middle schoolers, there is much here that plays too old and stretches credulity. For instance, would the parents of middle schoolers really allow their children to stay up all night in the middle of town making a film with no adult supervision? Would middle schoolers really be expected to know enough to pull off the making of a film - with little apparent instruction - in the span of a school year? And would they be given so much unsupervised responsibility? Despite the fact that this is supposed to take place over the course of one school year, there isn't enough depth here to make that very believable. Things seem to happen way too quickly. Yeah...I didn't believe it.
Secondly, I did not care for the protagonist. She is impetuous, not very self-aware, single minded, and unfeeling at times. Though she seems to grow and change as a result of the experience, it wasn't easy to root for her to succeed. I was more concerned about, and cared more about, the more minor characters in the story.
Finally, the story ends rather abruptly. I thought, "What? That's it?"
I did appreciate the glossary at the back of the book (I wish it had been at the beginning of the book so that readers would see it before they began reading, and feel free to consult it as they read). Though the students/characters are given little specific instruction, readers could learn a few things about the film industry if they cared to look up terms they were unfamiliar with.
As an adult, I am not the intended reader for this book. However, I think many middle schoolers may feel this is too "baby"ish for them. Not recommended for most middle schoolers - perhaps for late elementary school aged readers...
In this multi-genre novel (it has both the elements of a graphic novel and of a realistic prose novel), Babymouse struggles with the middle school angst of wanting to both fit in and to be noticed. She searches for her "thing" when she begins middle school, and ultimately decides to join the film club. There she is given the responsibility of directing a film in the course of a school year. At the end of the year, the film will be shown to the entire student body. She, and her fellow film clubbers, encounter many obstacles along the way.
My first quibble with the book is that in one way the book plays very young. I think that most middle schools are above and beyond this in terms of reading difficulty, the traits and behaviors of the characters, etc. On the other hand, for middle schoolers, there is much here that plays too old and stretches credulity. For instance, would the parents of middle schoolers really allow their children to stay up all night in the middle of town making a film with no adult supervision? Would middle schoolers really be expected to know enough to pull off the making of a film - with little apparent instruction - in the span of a school year? And would they be given so much unsupervised responsibility? Despite the fact that this is supposed to take place over the course of one school year, there isn't enough depth here to make that very believable. Things seem to happen way too quickly. Yeah...I didn't believe it.
Secondly, I did not care for the protagonist. She is impetuous, not very self-aware, single minded, and unfeeling at times. Though she seems to grow and change as a result of the experience, it wasn't easy to root for her to succeed. I was more concerned about, and cared more about, the more minor characters in the story.
Finally, the story ends rather abruptly. I thought, "What? That's it?"
I did appreciate the glossary at the back of the book (I wish it had been at the beginning of the book so that readers would see it before they began reading, and feel free to consult it as they read). Though the students/characters are given little specific instruction, readers could learn a few things about the film industry if they cared to look up terms they were unfamiliar with.
As an adult, I am not the intended reader for this book. However, I think many middle schoolers may feel this is too "baby"ish for them. Not recommended for most middle schoolers - perhaps for late elementary school aged readers...
July 14, 2017
From the authors of the Babymouse series of books for young readers comes the first in a new series of books for middle grade readers. Babymouse is now entering middle school and she’s having a little difficulty adjusting. The book starts off comparing middle school to a monster movie with brain eating teachers, packs of zombies chasing the latest fad, and homework eating lockers. It shows that Babymouse is a very imaginative young girl and just how frightening middle school can be. It’s Activities Week and everyone has to decide which after school club or sport they want to sign up for. Babymouse chooses Film Club. She soon finds out that things don’t always go to plan and she learns a few things about team work and friendship.
With lots of cute illustrations throughout, this book is sort of a combination graphic novel and chapter book. It has a diverse cast of characters and teaches some good life lessons. The reader will also learn the basics of and some of the terminology about film making. Many middle graders are sure to enjoy the humor and maybe can identify a little with Babymouse as she and they learn to navigate the strange new world of middle school.
With lots of cute illustrations throughout, this book is sort of a combination graphic novel and chapter book. It has a diverse cast of characters and teaches some good life lessons. The reader will also learn the basics of and some of the terminology about film making. Many middle graders are sure to enjoy the humor and maybe can identify a little with Babymouse as she and they learn to navigate the strange new world of middle school.
July 22, 2017
Summary: Babymouse has made the jump from graphic novels to chapter books! Styled after books like I FUNNY, DORK DIARIES, and DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, BABYMOUSE: TALES FROM THE LOCKER features heavily illustrated spreads and enough pre-teen angsty awkwardness to appeal to both younger and older readers. In this volume, Babymouse dreams of fame and joins the school’s film club to get her there. She finds herself as the director of a movie …. And responsible for the shooting, the cast, and the script.
Appeal: The plotting and pacing here are tight, and siblings Jennifer and Matthew Holm get the story done in under 200 pages. Babymouse doesn’t talk down to her readers, and her character flaws are relatable.
Possible issues with comprehension: This book utilizes the story-within-a-story concept, as readers are following the story of Babymouse’s mission to make this movie happen along with the constant challenges of filming, directing, writing, and editing a movie script called Au Revoir, Locker. The movie’s plot is nonsense, which is funny for readers who are ready to understand that humor but could confuse and frustrate readers who read literally. Also, the illustrations and sequential art sections don’t often line up to the plot … sometimes they are drawings of other characters, but sometimes they depict one of Babymouse’s daydreams or what’s going on in the movie. Readers might have a hard time separating what’s what.
Recommended for: Readers in grades 4-7, especially those who are already familiar with Babymouse and are interested in her adventures. On the Fountas and Pinnell scale I’d estimate that this book is approachable for readers in the P-T band. A student who reads around a level P will be able to identify major plot points and explain the challenges Babymouse faces to making her movie. A student who reads around a level T will be able to identify how the illustrations fit in with the story and might be able to explain what parts of the story are the script, what parts are Babymouse’s edits, and what parts are the main narration.
Review from ARC. ARC received from publisher at International Literacy Association.
Appeal: The plotting and pacing here are tight, and siblings Jennifer and Matthew Holm get the story done in under 200 pages. Babymouse doesn’t talk down to her readers, and her character flaws are relatable.
Possible issues with comprehension: This book utilizes the story-within-a-story concept, as readers are following the story of Babymouse’s mission to make this movie happen along with the constant challenges of filming, directing, writing, and editing a movie script called Au Revoir, Locker. The movie’s plot is nonsense, which is funny for readers who are ready to understand that humor but could confuse and frustrate readers who read literally. Also, the illustrations and sequential art sections don’t often line up to the plot … sometimes they are drawings of other characters, but sometimes they depict one of Babymouse’s daydreams or what’s going on in the movie. Readers might have a hard time separating what’s what.
Recommended for: Readers in grades 4-7, especially those who are already familiar with Babymouse and are interested in her adventures. On the Fountas and Pinnell scale I’d estimate that this book is approachable for readers in the P-T band. A student who reads around a level P will be able to identify major plot points and explain the challenges Babymouse faces to making her movie. A student who reads around a level T will be able to identify how the illustrations fit in with the story and might be able to explain what parts of the story are the script, what parts are Babymouse’s edits, and what parts are the main narration.
Review from ARC. ARC received from publisher at International Literacy Association.
June 30, 2017
Babymouse is leaving her elementary days and graphic novel format, evolving into a heavily cartoon filled humorous novel full of middle grade angst. Finding her place in the bigger middle school world full of mean girls proves uncomfortable. Where does Babymouse fit in? After fighting with her locker combination, locating a seat in the cafeteria without appearing desperate, and skimming the possibilities of sports and extracurricular clubs, Babymouse decides she no longer wants to fit in, she wants to stand out. Chess, soccer, debate club, cheerleading, recycling, what should she pick? Finally the sign for Film Club hooks her. With her trusted group of friends Duckie, Georgie the giraffe, and a bat, bear, etc, plus her best friend Wilson the weasel. She is selected for the high responsibility role of director for the play she has written, by her film teacher Ms. Octavia. Felicity Furrypaws of course gets the starring role. How could anything go wrong? In this tale of fair weather friends, which Babymouse finds harrowing, she retains her backbone and takes the reader through all of the steps a real film maker is responsible for. There is even a glossary in the back defining all of the film terms. Even though the animals are as diverse as bats, bears, giraffes, and mice, to name a few, this story rings true for all students navigating the volatility of middle school friendships. A welcome graduation for readers and Babymouse into delightful middle grade fiction.
January 22, 2018
I haven’t read the original Babymouse series but from what I understand, they are purely graphic novels and meant for younger kids. This new Babymouse series follows the Diary of a Wimpy Kid format, with a mix of text and graphics. I found some of the drawings hard to understand – the lines were too think so I couldn’t make out all of the details. However, I was still able to follow the story.
Babymouse joins her middle school’s film club because she wants to make a sweeping epic movie. She may be a little too zealous in her role as director. Will her team stick by her even though she is too demanding and bossy at times?
This was a cute little story with a good message but I don’t think it is at the middle school reading level. Even though it’s set in a middle school, I would classify it as a middle grade book for 3rd and 4th graders and recommend it for them.
Babymouse joins her middle school’s film club because she wants to make a sweeping epic movie. She may be a little too zealous in her role as director. Will her team stick by her even though she is too demanding and bossy at times?
This was a cute little story with a good message but I don’t think it is at the middle school reading level. Even though it’s set in a middle school, I would classify it as a middle grade book for 3rd and 4th graders and recommend it for them.
April 28, 2017
Awesomeness from the Holms, yet again? Typical. The idea of this new series is so exciting. The Babymouse fans are (have been) growing up, so these are a great next step for our beloved curly-whiskered, cupcake-loving friend.
Babymouse is wondering how she'll fit in now that she's in middle school. When everyone starts signing up for clubs, BM goes with Film Club. Her and the crew decide on an EPIC plan and hilarity ensues. As usual, Babymouse gets a little ahead of herself and she has to work her way back out, but she totally does. Typical.
Babymouse is wondering how she'll fit in now that she's in middle school. When everyone starts signing up for clubs, BM goes with Film Club. Her and the crew decide on an EPIC plan and hilarity ensues. As usual, Babymouse gets a little ahead of herself and she has to work her way back out, but she totally does. Typical.
Currently reading
February 28, 2019I like this book because I love comic books. I love babymouse because she acts just like me. I like the part where she comes up with a movie to do for school. I think this book would make little kids happy because it is funny. I think that the movie that they are making is too much for everyone to do. I think that I like this book is because it has a girl and it talks about making a movie. The reason I picked this book is that it was easy to read and fun to look at the pictures.
October 1, 2017
For fans of the Babymouse graphic novel series, this is a treat for those that are ready for a more challenging read. Babymouse is in middle school now, and she's got dreams of becoming a famous movie director. But she finds out that being a good director is more than just bossing everyone around. This would be a terrific read for fans of Babymouse and Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell!
June 30, 2017
Cute addition to the Babymouse world. Small sections in comic format like the original series and the rest is text. Story feels just like the ones told in full graphic novel format.
July 9, 2017
Babymouse is growing up and going to Middle School. Babymouse's format is also changing to resemble a book more like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dork Diaries. Fans of Babymouse will enjoy this one.
July 12, 2022
Very annoying story
June 25, 2017
This lacked a bit of the magic of the Babymouse graphic novels. I think kids will definitely still eat it up, but I didn't love it as much.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital advance reader's copy, provided via Edelweiss.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital advance reader's copy, provided via Edelweiss.
October 9, 2017
Remember Babymouse? She was my childhood. I read almost all of the graphic novels the Holm siblings wrote back in the day, and I loved all of them. Babymouse was an adorable and sassy protagonist that was also very endearing, and I loved all of her entertaining pink-hued adventures with her friends, her love of cupcakes, and, of course, her signature heart dress.
Now, a year after the 20th graphic novel was released, Babymouse has moved to a different format (chapter novel and graphic novel combo), has become the narrator (although the classic snarky main narrator pops up now and then), and is now in middle school with all her friends and enemies alike. We have a new Lizzie McGuire in town!
This is very similar to Swing It, Sunny, especially since both of the Holm's properties involve their female protagonists moving to middle school. However, here it's the bigger focus. As Babymouse endures the trials and tribulations of her locker, hard work, and the occasional conflict of interest with Felicia Furrypaws, she and her pals join the film club and make the epic movie of a lifetime. But will Babymouse's ego get the best of her?
This may have a lesson Babymouse probably learned back in her graphic novel days, but this was a short and sweet continuation of the franchise that doesn't necessarily have to be read after the graphic novels. It was awesome to see all the characters a little more grown up, and Babymouse's voice is charming and has more of a structure here instead of her just saying "typical" (she has some French phrases now, including "le sigh"). We get to hear her talk directly as her story goes on.
Babymouse is back with another charming, outlandish tale of making an elaborate middle grade movie! She's still clumsy and loves cupcakes and pink, but there's a little more sophistication with this format that really makes me look forward to the rest of the franchise. Call this too simple, but sometimes the best comfort reads are like this one.
Now, a year after the 20th graphic novel was released, Babymouse has moved to a different format (chapter novel and graphic novel combo), has become the narrator (although the classic snarky main narrator pops up now and then), and is now in middle school with all her friends and enemies alike. We have a new Lizzie McGuire in town!
This is very similar to Swing It, Sunny, especially since both of the Holm's properties involve their female protagonists moving to middle school. However, here it's the bigger focus. As Babymouse endures the trials and tribulations of her locker, hard work, and the occasional conflict of interest with Felicia Furrypaws, she and her pals join the film club and make the epic movie of a lifetime. But will Babymouse's ego get the best of her?
This may have a lesson Babymouse probably learned back in her graphic novel days, but this was a short and sweet continuation of the franchise that doesn't necessarily have to be read after the graphic novels. It was awesome to see all the characters a little more grown up, and Babymouse's voice is charming and has more of a structure here instead of her just saying "typical" (she has some French phrases now, including "le sigh"). We get to hear her talk directly as her story goes on.
Babymouse is back with another charming, outlandish tale of making an elaborate middle grade movie! She's still clumsy and loves cupcakes and pink, but there's a little more sophistication with this format that really makes me look forward to the rest of the franchise. Call this too simple, but sometimes the best comfort reads are like this one.
January 15, 2017
I put this on my middle grade shelf and transitional chapter book shelf because I think this book is a perfect crossover of the two formats.
I'm thrilled with this new series because it's going to reach so many readers. Brilliant idea, Jenni and Matthew Holmes. Or should I say, "typical".
I'm thrilled with this new series because it's going to reach so many readers. Brilliant idea, Jenni and Matthew Holmes. Or should I say, "typical".
October 8, 2024
I guess from the point of view of making fun of middle school and getting a sort of schadenfreude from NOT being Babymouse*... sure, this is a great book. From the point of view of Babymouse being a likeable character... well.
I get that kids—especially around middle school, when peer pressure really starts to get to be a Thing—are kind of terrible in the holding pens that are American schools in particular. It's just sort of awful reliving this vicariously through a cartoon mouse with a special brand of anxiety (having to use Dangling Glue-On Whiskers).
I also had to take a star off JUST for this absolutely terrible user interface design:
"DELETE FOREVER WITH NO CHANCE OF RETRIEVAL" is immediately next to "Play the content you took great pains to record"—yes, let's go with that! SAID A COMPLETE IDIOT.
I thought this was a comedy, not a horror!
*reads back of book*
Wait, no, it's a horror. Sorry.
I suppose it's great at illustrating for aspiring directors (and actors and stage hands and set designers and best boys/girls/kids, etc.) the sheer amount of work that actually goes into making a movie for real. So on that account it's okay. I just kind of cringe for Babymouse on all kinds of accounts.
*and, furthermore, from not having a name like BABYMOUSE... or, I rather hope but know better since I'm aware of actual grown adults being named Baby or Infant
July 1, 2017
As fans of the Babymouse series grow up, they might be enchanted by this new title that follows everyone's favorite mouse heroine into middle school. As is the case for many middle graders, Babymouse struggles with finding her place there. Where once she worried about fitting in, now she worries about that--and about being someone special. Suddenly, everything is different, and being popular seems to be about having the right stuff. After she joins the film club, things start to come together for Babymouse. When the advisor, Ms. Octavia, taps Babymouse as the director, she takes her job seriously and toils over the script. But getting all those lines and directions down is only part of the work. Now Babymouse and her crew must make the film. Although it starts out as an epic, due to time constraints, budgetary concerns, and temperamental actors, things take a lot longer than the crew expects and cuts must be made. Babymouse herself gets out of control, and takes charge of everything, offending her friends in the process. When the film is finally shown, the reaction of the audience leaves Babymouse at a loss. I look forward to the next books in this series. Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm have done it again, this time capturing middle school in all its glory and confusion, even including scenes concerning the protagonist's struggles with her locker, a common issue for many middle schoolers. Although reading the book might not fix all the problems someone will encounter during those particular years, it just may help readers laugh at some of their experiences and gain a new perspective on life while learning an important lesson or two about how to treat friends. The references to Squish are an inside nod to the siblings' other series.
December 4, 2017
Babymouse enters the middle school realm and is trying to find her place. She decides to join the Drama Club. In her drive to create a cinematic epic, Director Babymouse must struggle to find the right balance between being well-liked, being driven, and not completely going maniacal dictator on her crew and cast.
They've changed the format for this middle school Babymouse series a teensy bit. It has sections which are just text mixed in with the traditional graphic novel layout. (It still isn't much text only.) There's still some daydream moments and the Locker is lurking and all Babymouse's old friends, frenemies, and family are still around. I missed some of the whimsy of the Babymouse books and the touch of color. It's still a good tale about learning to keep a healthy balance in people pleasing and in trusting others (learning to not try to do all the parts of a group project yourself). I personally didn't like that Babymouse and friends got away with sneaking onto a property to shoot a scene that had a sign posted no videos allowed (I would've liked some repercussions). But the other lessons she learns are good and the entry into the middle school world will be relatable.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. No violence. As mentioned, there's some trespassing that the characters get away with.
They've changed the format for this middle school Babymouse series a teensy bit. It has sections which are just text mixed in with the traditional graphic novel layout. (It still isn't much text only.) There's still some daydream moments and the Locker is lurking and all Babymouse's old friends, frenemies, and family are still around. I missed some of the whimsy of the Babymouse books and the touch of color. It's still a good tale about learning to keep a healthy balance in people pleasing and in trusting others (learning to not try to do all the parts of a group project yourself). I personally didn't like that Babymouse and friends got away with sneaking onto a property to shoot a scene that had a sign posted no videos allowed (I would've liked some repercussions). But the other lessons she learns are good and the entry into the middle school world will be relatable.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. No violence. As mentioned, there's some trespassing that the characters get away with.
May 24, 2018
Babymouse wants to stand out in her school. She isn’t popular but does have friends. She and her friends plus the whole school is asked to sign up for different activities such as soccer club, drama club, cheer club, etc. When Babymouse discovers that there is a film club, she decides that is what she will join. She wants to be successful and stand out in school! Will she do it? She is surprised when she finds her friends have joined it too. When the teacher who is in charge of the film tells them that they will be making a film for the whole school to watch, they are surprised. As they are assigned their parts in the film, Babymouse ends up the director. She protests that she doesn’t know anything about directing. Does Babymouse and her friends succeed in making the film? Read and find out!
The writing is great as well as the illustrations. The plot is great. It’s a fun, laugh-out loud story. There is plenty of action. In some ways, it is like a mystery. Regardless it is perfect for middle grade readers to read and enjoy. They will also learn about what friendship is and isn’t, besides surviving school!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the publisher.I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The writing is great as well as the illustrations. The plot is great. It’s a fun, laugh-out loud story. There is plenty of action. In some ways, it is like a mystery. Regardless it is perfect for middle grade readers to read and enjoy. They will also learn about what friendship is and isn’t, besides surviving school!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the publisher.I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
January 21, 2018
Thank you @kidlitexchange for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own
I am a huge fan of the Babymouse series, so I was excited to receive an ARC of Babymouse: Lights, Camera, Middle School! But, to my surprise, with her move to middle school, Babymouse has left her Graphic Novel format behind. Not to worry, even in the her new novel format, there are plenty of hilarious illustrations that will keep young readers glued to the pages.
As the title suggests, Babymouse has joined the film club in middle school and is tasked with directing an Epic movie. In typical Babymouse fashion, things don’t go as planned. Readers will delight in the outlandish things Babymouse and her friends come up with to cope with a dismal budget.
I did not enjoy this as much as some of the graphic novels in the previous series, however, this a worthy addition to any elementary school library. Children will love to read about Babymouse’s exploits in middle school. Not to worry, Babymouse may be in middle school, but this book is entirely appropriate for younger readers. Teachers and librarians will appreciate this new format as a bridging book for those students that love graphic novels and may be reluctant to try different types of reading materials.
I am a huge fan of the Babymouse series, so I was excited to receive an ARC of Babymouse: Lights, Camera, Middle School! But, to my surprise, with her move to middle school, Babymouse has left her Graphic Novel format behind. Not to worry, even in the her new novel format, there are plenty of hilarious illustrations that will keep young readers glued to the pages.
As the title suggests, Babymouse has joined the film club in middle school and is tasked with directing an Epic movie. In typical Babymouse fashion, things don’t go as planned. Readers will delight in the outlandish things Babymouse and her friends come up with to cope with a dismal budget.
I did not enjoy this as much as some of the graphic novels in the previous series, however, this a worthy addition to any elementary school library. Children will love to read about Babymouse’s exploits in middle school. Not to worry, Babymouse may be in middle school, but this book is entirely appropriate for younger readers. Teachers and librarians will appreciate this new format as a bridging book for those students that love graphic novels and may be reluctant to try different types of reading materials.
July 25, 2017
I love Babymouse. The graphic novels are fabulous and hilarious. We can't keep them on our library shelves. Thus, I was delighted to see her advancing to middle school and a new audience. However, I didn't find this effort to be as compelling. There are plenty of illustrations, with occasional ventures into her imagination, but this is a chapter book that provides students with some nice factual information about film-making as Babymouse joins the Film Club and has to learn the skills she'll need, including interpersonal skills, to get the job done. The readability is still at the elementary level, not middle school. The plot was very basic and character development was minimal. I'm sure there will be an audience for this, but I'm reminded of the "Sparks" series by Jeff Smith. Fans of his graphic novels did not universally embrace the chapter books. I'll buy this for my library and test the waters, but I'm a fan of the author and illustrator and was a tad disappointed.
March 1, 2018
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Babymouse is a classic Elementary graphic novel by Jennifer L. Holm (The Fourteenth Goldfish, Turtle in Paradise, Penny From Heaven), and is so adorable. I've enjoyed Babymouse since I was in fifth grade, and my entire family enjoys her cute bossiness and insane adventures.
Lights, Camera, Middle School! is no different! Babymouse has moved on to middle school, which means her books have too! The books are composed of words, illustrations, and even pages of darling comics.
Babymouse faces both realistic and hilarious problems in this short book. The best thing about it is how relatable it is, as both as an amateur film creator and as a Sophomore. She's witty, funny, and sweet. I was swept back to middle school, and laughed along with Narrator and Babymouse.
There was also a lot of small, accurate French and I love okay so listen that helped its case even more although it was already perfect.
Babymouse is a classic Elementary graphic novel by Jennifer L. Holm (The Fourteenth Goldfish, Turtle in Paradise, Penny From Heaven), and is so adorable. I've enjoyed Babymouse since I was in fifth grade, and my entire family enjoys her cute bossiness and insane adventures.
Lights, Camera, Middle School! is no different! Babymouse has moved on to middle school, which means her books have too! The books are composed of words, illustrations, and even pages of darling comics.
Babymouse faces both realistic and hilarious problems in this short book. The best thing about it is how relatable it is, as both as an amateur film creator and as a Sophomore. She's witty, funny, and sweet. I was swept back to middle school, and laughed along with Narrator and Babymouse.
There was also a lot of small, accurate French and I love okay so listen that helped its case even more although it was already perfect.
July 24, 2017
I have to be honest -- I wasn’t familiar the Babymouse series until social media became abuzz with excitement last summer over Jennifer Holm’s and Matthew Holm’s graduation of the character from an elementary setting to middle school.
When I finally received my copy of Babymouse Tales from the Locker #1, I found a spunky, ambitious pre-adolescent rodent with delusions of grandeur, which makes for a great middle-grade read. Babymouse finds her passion for film and sets forth to direct an epic film, but finds her plans thwarted by demanding cast and crew members, a tiny budget, and some unrealistic expectations.
Babymouse Tales from the Locker will be a great addition to a library’s middle grade collection, especially as an enticing read for some of those hard to reach readers.
Recommended for ages 8-12.
When I finally received my copy of Babymouse Tales from the Locker #1, I found a spunky, ambitious pre-adolescent rodent with delusions of grandeur, which makes for a great middle-grade read. Babymouse finds her passion for film and sets forth to direct an epic film, but finds her plans thwarted by demanding cast and crew members, a tiny budget, and some unrealistic expectations.
Babymouse Tales from the Locker will be a great addition to a library’s middle grade collection, especially as an enticing read for some of those hard to reach readers.
Recommended for ages 8-12.
August 3, 2017
Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book – all opinions are my own.
Middle grade readers who are fans of the Babymouse graphic novel series are going to be thrilled with this new illustrated novel series that follows our beloved cupcake-loving mouse to middle school! With just the right mix of angst and humor, this first installment follows Babymouse, Wilson, and friends as they navigate friendship, homework, and the extracurricular activities that come with their new school situation. They join the Film Club and Babymouse, always up for a challenge, taps into her imagination to a screenplay and become the director for their project. Readers are treated to some of the basics of moviemaking, including a glossary of film terms in the back of the book. A fun read that left me looking forward to more!
Middle grade readers who are fans of the Babymouse graphic novel series are going to be thrilled with this new illustrated novel series that follows our beloved cupcake-loving mouse to middle school! With just the right mix of angst and humor, this first installment follows Babymouse, Wilson, and friends as they navigate friendship, homework, and the extracurricular activities that come with their new school situation. They join the Film Club and Babymouse, always up for a challenge, taps into her imagination to a screenplay and become the director for their project. Readers are treated to some of the basics of moviemaking, including a glossary of film terms in the back of the book. A fun read that left me looking forward to more!
September 4, 2017
Holm, Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm Babymouse: Tales from the Locker, 195 pgs. Chapter Book Random House, 2017. Content: G.
Babymouse wants to be in a club at school. She finds out about the film club and she signs up. She writes a script and the teacher likes it, so she makes Babymouse the director. Babymouse learns life skills and has fun while directing the film.
I like the pictures in this book. I think that Babymouse is funny and a lot of people can relate to her. I liked the story line, and although it says middle school in the title, it will be enjoyed more in upper elementary. There are a lot of pictures in this book, but it is not a graphic novel.
EL – ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer, Isabelle.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Babymouse wants to be in a club at school. She finds out about the film club and she signs up. She writes a script and the teacher likes it, so she makes Babymouse the director. Babymouse learns life skills and has fun while directing the film.
I like the pictures in this book. I think that Babymouse is funny and a lot of people can relate to her. I liked the story line, and although it says middle school in the title, it will be enjoyed more in upper elementary. There are a lot of pictures in this book, but it is not a graphic novel.
EL – ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer, Isabelle.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
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