October 1, 2011
Gr 1-4-Babymouse decorates her locker for Christmas, imagines herself in scenarios ranging from "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" (in which a mouse is indeed stirring) to "A Christmas Carol" (in which Babymouse meets the scary Ghost of Mean Girls Past), and obsesses over getting a Whiz Bang, a mobile device that does everything but straighten whiskers. Somehow, she makes it to Christmas in one piece, when she discovers that unexpected presents can be the best ones. Both fans and readers new to the series will linger to read Babymouse's pink-saturated Yuletide adventures cover to cover.-Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2012
Babymouse feels she simply cannot live without the Whiz Bang, this Christmas's must-have gift. The graphic novel's single-minded focus reflects Babymouse's all-consuming obsession, a condition with which readers are likely to be familiar. Her holiday-classic-inspired, pink-hued daydreams allow Babymouse to switch off the mania for a while. The sentimental lesson is obvious, but it's one that fits the season and bears repeating.
(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
November 1, 2011
The must-have gift this Christmas? It's a Whiz Bang, and Babymouse feels she simply cannot live without the latest electronic marvel: "It plays video games and movies, it texts, sees into the future, folds laundry, and does homework!" This graphic novel's single-minded focus reflects Babymouse's all-consuming obsession, a condition with which readers are likely to be familiar. Her holiday-classic-inspired, pink-hued daydreams allow Babymouse to switch off the mania for a while (though "the Sugarplum Whiz Bangstm" do make an appearance). The sentimental lesson delivered in the end -- "Sometimes the best gift is one you didn't even know you wanted, huh, Babymouse?" -- is obvious, but one that fits the season and bears repeating. kitty flynn
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)