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Babymouse #14
Mad Scientist
Meet Babymouse--the spunky mouse beloved by young readers for more than a decade! Watch out, world! Babymouse is entering the science fair! Will her discovery win first place or is Babymouse in over her head? This groundbreaking young graphic novel series, full of humor and fun, is a bestseller that’s sold more than three million copies!
"Move over, Superman, here comes Babymouse!"— The Chicago Sun-Times
The greatest scientific discovery of the 21st century is about to be revealed . . . when Babymouse enters the school science fair! Will her amazing discovery win 1st place? Will it become a successful spin off series? Find out in Mad Scientist— the 14th installment of the award-winning graphic novel series, and the Babymouse that begins the amazing adventures of SUPER AMOEBA!
DON'T MISS The BIG Adventures of Once Upon a Messy Whisker , the newest, brightest, and BIGGER THAN EVER graphic novel from BABYMOUSE!
"Move over, Superman, here comes Babymouse!"— The Chicago Sun-Times
The greatest scientific discovery of the 21st century is about to be revealed . . . when Babymouse enters the school science fair! Will her amazing discovery win 1st place? Will it become a successful spin off series? Find out in Mad Scientist— the 14th installment of the award-winning graphic novel series, and the Babymouse that begins the amazing adventures of SUPER AMOEBA!
DON'T MISS The BIG Adventures of Once Upon a Messy Whisker , the newest, brightest, and BIGGER THAN EVER graphic novel from BABYMOUSE!
96 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2011
80 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer L. Holm
121 books1,725 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 106 reviews
November 2, 2018
School Science Fair!
Babymouse gets involved in science which she isn't really that great at. Several famous female scientist are mentioned in this.
This is also Jennifer's way of introducing a new character that has his own series named Squish, an amoeba. I think this issue is more about introducing this new series and luring readers. I didn't think there was all that much to Squish. I will not be reading that.
It was cute, it wasn't the best in the series. Still, it's Babymouse.
Babymouse gets involved in science which she isn't really that great at. Several famous female scientist are mentioned in this.
This is also Jennifer's way of introducing a new character that has his own series named Squish, an amoeba. I think this issue is more about introducing this new series and luring readers. I didn't think there was all that much to Squish. I will not be reading that.
It was cute, it wasn't the best in the series. Still, it's Babymouse.
July 7, 2017
I've enjoyed all the Babymouse books so far, and this was no exception. Here, Babymouse prepares for a science fair by growing an amoeba (surprise, it's Squish!) who inhales cupcakes. Her daydream sequences are as elaborate as ever, including a Star Trek reverie.
November 9, 2017
I really love baby mouse books but it is really short so I wish it was a longer book
August 3, 2016
This was super cute and I loved the concept. I kept wishing there were more... something. More science? More positivity about science? Not sure. This is my first encounter with Babymouse, though, so maybe I would have loved it more if I had started at the beginning. I'll probably go find the first book soon.
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October 31, 2014Babymouse Mad Scientist by Jennifer L Holm and Matthew Holm is another book in the Babymouse series about a young girl mouse. In this book, Babymouse does a science experiment for a fair. She has trouble picking a topic, until her dad gives her an idea about researching amoebas. She is not doing well in her science class, so she wants to impress everyone with her science fair project. Upon her research, she examines an amoeba under a microscope. This green amoeba turns out to be able to talk and has an enormous appetite. She discovers all sorts of new information from him and brings the amoeba named Squish to the science fair. What will the judges think of her discovery?
This book, like many others in the series, has a comic book element to the book, which makes it very interactive for the reader. The illustrations include the normal color scheme of pink, black, and white, but also include the color green to bring emphasis to the amoeba. Like most of the books, a daydreaming element is added. In this case, a Star Trek element was added for comedic effect. Another interesting element of the book is the spoof and the end of the book, which includes a “new species” names for some of the prominent characters in the book. This is a parody to the new species of amoeba that Babymouse discovered in the book plot. Overall, this book is comedic, engaging, and brings subtle, new facts about which children can learn.
This book, like many others in the series, has a comic book element to the book, which makes it very interactive for the reader. The illustrations include the normal color scheme of pink, black, and white, but also include the color green to bring emphasis to the amoeba. Like most of the books, a daydreaming element is added. In this case, a Star Trek element was added for comedic effect. Another interesting element of the book is the spoof and the end of the book, which includes a “new species” names for some of the prominent characters in the book. This is a parody to the new species of amoeba that Babymouse discovered in the book plot. Overall, this book is comedic, engaging, and brings subtle, new facts about which children can learn.
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April 20, 2015Title: Babymouse: Mad Scientist
Primary
Briefly evaluate the use of text and images for each book. Describe a possible application and audience for each book.
The illustrations are mostly black and white with a little pink thrown in, until the end when Babymouse finds an amoeba name Squish who is green. Most of the text is in speech bubbles. There are boxes of text at the top that aid you in knowing where and when the story is currently taking place. It is still sometimes difficult to decipher what is really happening and what Babymouse is thinking. There are at least 18 Babymouse books, so it would be great for the student that really wants to read more, but struggles finding something they enjoy. Also, Squish the amoeba is discovered in this book and now has a series of his own also leaving even more books for the reader that gets hooked. I feel 2nd grade (give or take based on reading levels) would be a good fit for these books.
Share positive attributes OR cautions/concerns for educators to be aware of for each book.
I didn’t see anything of concern in this book. I do like the science topics in this book. Even though the author doesn’t go in depth on any one topic, the vocabulary is there for reinforcement of things taught in curriculum. Students are hearing/seeing things like the scientific method, Newton, Benjamin Franklin, etc. outside of science curriculum.
Primary
Briefly evaluate the use of text and images for each book. Describe a possible application and audience for each book.
The illustrations are mostly black and white with a little pink thrown in, until the end when Babymouse finds an amoeba name Squish who is green. Most of the text is in speech bubbles. There are boxes of text at the top that aid you in knowing where and when the story is currently taking place. It is still sometimes difficult to decipher what is really happening and what Babymouse is thinking. There are at least 18 Babymouse books, so it would be great for the student that really wants to read more, but struggles finding something they enjoy. Also, Squish the amoeba is discovered in this book and now has a series of his own also leaving even more books for the reader that gets hooked. I feel 2nd grade (give or take based on reading levels) would be a good fit for these books.
Share positive attributes OR cautions/concerns for educators to be aware of for each book.
I didn’t see anything of concern in this book. I do like the science topics in this book. Even though the author doesn’t go in depth on any one topic, the vocabulary is there for reinforcement of things taught in curriculum. Students are hearing/seeing things like the scientific method, Newton, Benjamin Franklin, etc. outside of science curriculum.
August 11, 2011
The 14th installment of this popular series finds Babymouse up to her usual antics: daydreaming while attempting to conquer her latest interest. This one is the science fair, encouraged by her father she begins to study amoebas. Little does she know they're not as boring as one would think . . .
Filled with humor and sly references to pop culture, Babymouse should be read with care, lest you miss a hilarious aside or picture. This installment also does double duty as an introduction to Squish, who is starring in his own series, Squish: Super Amoeba. While not the most entertaining, my favorite remains Babymouse: The Musical, it's a solid entry in the series, and one fans will be clamoring for.
Filled with humor and sly references to pop culture, Babymouse should be read with care, lest you miss a hilarious aside or picture. This installment also does double duty as an introduction to Squish, who is starring in his own series, Squish: Super Amoeba. While not the most entertaining, my favorite remains Babymouse: The Musical, it's a solid entry in the series, and one fans will be clamoring for.
June 7, 2011
I am going to have to be sure to read all of the Babymouse books! Being a former science teacher, there was so much I enjoyed in reading this. I like the way Holm creates humor that appeals to both students and adults. Of course, I cringed when the entire class was growing mold to demonstrate the scientific method (not a bad idea, but I've seen it hundreds of times!), and amoebas are not green. But, other than that, the book is so clever and funny. It's a great example of how graphic novels can contain lots of information and imagination simultaneously. As far as I'm concerned, we can't overemphasize science, and Holm portrays it generally in a positive light.
January 12, 2013
Yippee! A female protagonist adorably tackling a science project wearing her heart adorned lab coat. Favorite part was her meeting Squish the Amoeba (starring in his own series) under the microscope and saying "this is like Horton Hears a Who" as they talk to each other.
January 31, 2021
I love that Squish is in this one! Sometimes there are great little surprises when you are late to the party to a series/or don't read it in order.
April 18, 2015
Babymouse: Mad Scientist - Elementary
The main character of this story is an imaginative young female rodent named Babymouse. She does her best to conquer the frustrating world of “The Science Fair,” and along the way discovers a surprising new friend in the form of an amoeba named Squish. At first glance, this graphic novel is confusing. The panels change from black and white to colored frames, seemingly at random. It is only after a second or third read (and some internal dialogue of my own), that I realized the colored panels represent the vivid, bright and quite funny imagination of the heroine, Babymouse. The clever illustrations are just enough to create a unique caricature without being too busy or complicated. The Babymouse “brand” is powerful, and instantly recognizable on the bookshelf. The narrator introduces himself/herself in the captions which makes for a fun addition to the character list. The captions are presented in black and white as well, which was an additional point of confusion until I figured it out. Students would need some pre-teaching before jumping into the clever world of Babymouse, but the time spent would be well worth it.
Application/Audience: Third Grade – I would use this as a literature circle choice as part of a graphic novel unit. I would alter the traditional literature circle roles slightly to reflect the demands of the genre.
Positive Attributes: I think Babymouse: Mad Scientist would be a great springboard to the other books in the series as well as the Squish series of books. Reading this book in literature circles could open up a whole new graphic world for readers.
The main character of this story is an imaginative young female rodent named Babymouse. She does her best to conquer the frustrating world of “The Science Fair,” and along the way discovers a surprising new friend in the form of an amoeba named Squish. At first glance, this graphic novel is confusing. The panels change from black and white to colored frames, seemingly at random. It is only after a second or third read (and some internal dialogue of my own), that I realized the colored panels represent the vivid, bright and quite funny imagination of the heroine, Babymouse. The clever illustrations are just enough to create a unique caricature without being too busy or complicated. The Babymouse “brand” is powerful, and instantly recognizable on the bookshelf. The narrator introduces himself/herself in the captions which makes for a fun addition to the character list. The captions are presented in black and white as well, which was an additional point of confusion until I figured it out. Students would need some pre-teaching before jumping into the clever world of Babymouse, but the time spent would be well worth it.
Application/Audience: Third Grade – I would use this as a literature circle choice as part of a graphic novel unit. I would alter the traditional literature circle roles slightly to reflect the demands of the genre.
Positive Attributes: I think Babymouse: Mad Scientist would be a great springboard to the other books in the series as well as the Squish series of books. Reading this book in literature circles could open up a whole new graphic world for readers.
July 29, 2012
This is the fourteenth book in the Babymouse series by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm. The plot centers on Babymouse's experiences preparing for the school science fair. I liked the fact that the science teacher explains the Scientific Method to the class, and that the story encourages children to be curious and examine the world around them.
As usual, things don't work out very smoothly for Babymouse, but she discovers a new friend. I thought the introduction of Squish the amoeba was entertaining (and slightly self-serving of the authors.) I loved the historical references, too.
Our youngest really likes these books. They are quick reads and she read this book in less than an hour. We've been going through this series very quickly and now that we're close to the end, perhaps we'll move on to the Squish series next.
As usual, things don't work out very smoothly for Babymouse, but she discovers a new friend. I thought the introduction of Squish the amoeba was entertaining (and slightly self-serving of the authors.) I loved the historical references, too.
Our youngest really likes these books. They are quick reads and she read this book in less than an hour. We've been going through this series very quickly and now that we're close to the end, perhaps we'll move on to the Squish series next.
February 13, 2017
Babymouse Mad Scientist is one of a fourteen book series about a mouse doing an array of outrageous things. In Mad Scientist, Babymouse takes you through famous scientist throughout the times as she is preparing to make her own discovery for the school science fair. After her dad give Babymouse a telescope she looks into some pound water to find some very mysterious amoebas.
Babymouse Mad Scientist is a graphic novel that is for children around the ages of 7 to 11. The colors are simple with a trend of white, black, and pink throughout the entire story. Except for when they emphasize the amoebas with green. This was not the mot entertaining series, it does find ways to keep you flipping through the book with elements like Star Trek references, trips to the moon, and trips the the stinky swamp.
Babymouse Mad Scientist is a graphic novel that is for children around the ages of 7 to 11. The colors are simple with a trend of white, black, and pink throughout the entire story. Except for when they emphasize the amoebas with green. This was not the mot entertaining series, it does find ways to keep you flipping through the book with elements like Star Trek references, trips to the moon, and trips the the stinky swamp.
August 25, 2017
Like the book from the Rainbow Magic series I read this summer, I reserved and picked up this title to check out what appeals the Babymouse series might have for elementary school-aged children (I've seen mostly Gr. 3/4 picking up this book).
There is one important factor that would have led me to drag my steps in my reading: I've found myself excessively confused and overwhelmed by the colourful and busy layouts of graphic novels and comic strips. The book's humour engaged me, however, to the point of overshadowing the hindrance I mentioned.
I can imagine being hooked on the series and wanting to read most every title in it were I within the target age group. As it is, I am giving it a 4-star -- more than how I would evaluate some loved adult titles out there -- and ready to happily move on to new, uncharted territories.
There is one important factor that would have led me to drag my steps in my reading: I've found myself excessively confused and overwhelmed by the colourful and busy layouts of graphic novels and comic strips. The book's humour engaged me, however, to the point of overshadowing the hindrance I mentioned.
I can imagine being hooked on the series and wanting to read most every title in it were I within the target age group. As it is, I am giving it a 4-star -- more than how I would evaluate some loved adult titles out there -- and ready to happily move on to new, uncharted territories.
June 12, 2011
Mad Scientist was my first read in the Babymouse series. Babymouse's frequent daydreams were amusing. Her inattention causes problems, including a familial accident. I enjoyed the moments where her dad read to her. As a librarian, I loved her excitement at a wrapped book. I also well understood her frustration at hearing her dad's excitement about the science fair when she wanted to hear the end of the fairy tale he'd been reading.
Having recently read Squish I enjoyed the tie-ins between the two books. In Mad Scientist, Baybmouse ends up doing a science fair project on amoeba. To study them she scoops up a jar of pond water from Squish's pond, so he ends up on her microscope slide. I had fun with this implausible friendship between a mouse and an amoeba.
Having recently read Squish I enjoyed the tie-ins between the two books. In Mad Scientist, Baybmouse ends up doing a science fair project on amoeba. To study them she scoops up a jar of pond water from Squish's pond, so he ends up on her microscope slide. I had fun with this implausible friendship between a mouse and an amoeba.
October 5, 2016
The science fair is coming up and Babymouse's dad encourages her to enter saying she may be the first scientist in the family. In between scifi daydreams, her dad helps her work on an amoeba project, which means Babymouse gets to meet Squish.
I really enjoyed the Babymouse/Squish crossover in this one. And that cupcakes are the key to her success. There seemed to be more daydreams in this one than in some of the others. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the scifi nods, but it felt like the story was a little more broken up than normal.
Notes on content: Babymouse's dad falls off a ladder because Babymouse is daydreaming and they end up at the ER, but no blood is shown and he seems totally fine really quickly.
I really enjoyed the Babymouse/Squish crossover in this one. And that cupcakes are the key to her success. There seemed to be more daydreams in this one than in some of the others. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the scifi nods, but it felt like the story was a little more broken up than normal.
Notes on content: Babymouse's dad falls off a ladder because Babymouse is daydreaming and they end up at the ER, but no blood is shown and he seems totally fine really quickly.
August 1, 2011
Babymouse once again entertains her fans with graphic novel style antics. In number fourteen, she must come up with an idea for the science fair. Many possibilities exist and we learn much about famous scientists and her new science teacher who loves mold. The teacher does a good job explaining the Scientific Method which will come in handy for many! Babymouse, as always, figures out a way to create havoc all around her. Amoebas turn out to be her best bet with Squish, a cupcake loving amoeba, providing Babymouse with a science project. Squish also is providing brother and sister authors with a new series, Squish!
July 4, 2012
Since we recently read Squish: Super Amoeba, I thought we should go back to the Babymouse book where he first appeared. I think I've flipped through a couple of babymouse books before (my boys have read quite a few), but never really got into them. This one is kind of cute, and you even learn a few factoids about amoeba while reading. One thing that bothered me, though: if Babymouse spends so much time daydreaming about scientific discoveries, why isn't she more interested in actually doing science?
May 14, 2011
Warning! After reading this book your children will want to break out the Petri dishes and microscope. Babymouse has to come up with a project for her schools science fair. Young readers will learn all about the Scientific Method right along with Babymouse. Congratulations to Jennifer and Matthew Holm for making science fun. Her ameba, named Squish, looks as though he will have his own graphic novel spin off series. Stranger things have happened then a book series about protozoan life right? These questions and more will be answered in Squish Super Ameba.
January 28, 2014
I was relatively disappointed with this offering. Babymouse is a great way to get reluctant readers into books and while this was still a good read, a lot of the vocabulary was beyond what most kids in the 7-10 range can handle (and I don't just mean the scientific jargon). That said, I really did like the introduction to Squish and the friendship that grew between him and Babymouse.
October 7, 2011
Many of the girls at my school love this series, so I will be adding the books from the series that the library doesn't already have. This book provides a light, fun read. There is a slight plot involving a science fair and the introduction of Squish, the amoeba. I did enjoy Babymouse's daydreaming, it reminded me of my own daydreaming tendencies, past and present. Overall, recommended for those who like the series.
November 19, 2011
I thought this was a really cute book! It demonstrates that if you set your mind to something you can do it! Babymouse's dad really wanted to be a scientist when he was little but it never happened. He was hoping Babymouse would be the first scientist in the family. Babymouse wants to become famous from the science fair and although she enters it and doesn't become famous, she still has a great time!
May 3, 2011
While this wasn't my favorite in the series, Holm and Holm can do no wrong in my eyes. This time Babymouse is tackling the science fair, and she meets a new single-celled friend along the way. Say hello to Squish, who literally adds a little color (green) to the Babymouse series. He'll have a series of his own soon, which I'm sure elementary kids will eat up as well.
July 2, 2011
Clearly I was remiss in starting the new series by the same author (Squish) without reading the 'origin story' so I am reading it now and thinking about how much I like Babymouse because she is a slightly distracted female character who has trouble paying attention in school, characteristics that are usually attributed to male characters in literature. Babymouse rocks!
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November 27, 2012This was an interesting graphic novel. It taught about the Sceinctic Method, and how to use it. This is the adventure of Babymouse as she tries to be a scienctis. I really didn't enjoy the book. I'm not really into comic books/graphic novels. I get why graphic novels are so popular but there just not my thing.
March 6, 2013
Poor Babymouse. Her wiskers are always wrinkled, her room is a wreck, and she can't seem to keep from daydreaming when she should be listening. Can she get herself together to have a winning entry in the Science Fair? With her dad's support and a little help from her science teacher, she might just pull it off!
May 5, 2013
This was my first ever graphic novel. I would like to add some of these titles to my classroom library. I liked the humor in this book and there was actually some good scientific information woven into it. This book is good for engaging young readers in graphic novels, giving children a different type of book to read in addition to beginning chapter books.
November 11, 2014
I have a new appreciation for science fairs, thanks to my kids. I understand Babymouse's boredom and irritation at having to watch mold grow on bread, and not having the mold actually grow. . .
This book is also the introduction of a character called Squish, who has his own series. I'll have to check those out!
This book is also the introduction of a character called Squish, who has his own series. I'll have to check those out!
November 16, 2015
babymouse dreaming about pirate and other things. babymouse's dad want babymouse to join science fair. babymouse go to get something in pond. she get amoebas. she is curious that amoebas eat cupcakes before. squish ate cupcakes many times. at science fair then people do amoebas projects. then judges is getting boring and they didn't know amoebas eat cupcakes then she got second place.
July 14, 2014
What a great way to introduce Squish. I really appreciated Babymouse's desire to do something different for the science fair, and the direction she went in. Yay, for the scientific method!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews