Holm, Jennifer L., and Matthew Holm. BABYMOUSE: PUPPY LOVE. New York: Random House, 2007. ISBN 978-0-375-83990-0
Babymouse really wants a pet dog, but can she handle one? She's tried just about every other pet already, and they all end up missing. When a stray dog wanders up to her one day, will Babymouse's animal luck finally change? Find out in this fun and witty graphic novel by the popular Holm Duo.
BABYMOUSE: PUPPY LOVE is a quick, fun read for children and students. Brother-sister pair Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm's quirky character is back again, this time trying desperately to find a pet she can care for without losing. Young readers will relate to Babymouse's desperation for a furry friend, as well as her dreams for the perfect dog companion. She is a clever character, yet her absentminded antics will keep readers laughing. From running off with her hamster cage door open to waking up to her room filled with biting ants, BABYMOUSE: PUPPY LOVE's plot is light-hearted and silly.
Holm and Holm have crafted a bright and cheerful graphic novel, with illustrations that are simple yet engaging. Drawn with minimal colors and thick, quick lines, the story line pops off the pages with excitement and noise. Babymouse is loud and boisterous, and her interaction with the sarcastic narrator is both humorous and clever. Holm and Holm also give nods to other popular children's books in the story, such as CHARLOTTE'S WEB, CALVIN AND HOBBS, and CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG. Readers will delight in recognizing their favorite characters in the novel's illustrations and plot. BABYMOUSE: PUPPY LOVE is a straightforward story with a series of goofy mishaps, which will appeal to reluctant readers who are not interested in tackling lengthy or text-heavy reads. The graphic novel is a fun format, and jumps from punchline to punchline, guaranteed to keep children engaged with its quips and laughs.
THE HORN BOOK MAGAZINE gives BABYMOUSE: PUPPY LOVE a Starred Review, praising "Nobody puts Babymouse in a corner!" The CHICAGO SUN-TIMES raves, "Move over, Superman. Here comes Babymouse!" And KIRKUS REVIEWS quips, "Emergent readers will cheer Babymouse!" Critics agree, BABYMOUSE is here to stay!
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Young fans of the BABYMOUSE series will enjoy creating their own comic strips, and even building a collection to write their own graphic novels. The ReadWriteThink Comic Creator, found here, can be a useful tool.
For more of Babymouse's antics, check out these graphic novels in the series, also by Holm and Holm:
BABYMOUSE: LUNCH LADY AND THE CYBORG SUBSTITUTE, ISBN 978-0-375-94683-7
BABYMOUSE: CAMP BABYMOUSE, ISBN 0375839887
BABYMOUSE: HEARTBREAKER, ISBN 0375837981
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Sources:
http://www.amazon.com/Babymouse-Puppy-Jennifer-L-Holm/dp/0375839909/ref=pd_sim_b_6
