Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Camp Babymouse
Graphic Novel Series
For ages 7 to 10
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2007 ISBN: 978-0375839887
Babymouse is going to camp for the first time and she is determined that she is going to have a wonderful and fantastic time. She is going to be the star of the camp she is sure. In fact she sees herself as being "Scout Babymouse," the one who will save the day when everyone else is lost and miserable. Of course Babymouse is letting her imagination run away with her just a little – as usual. When she actually gets to camp she finds that the real camp experience is a little different from the one that she created in her imagination.
For one thing Babymouse is not the instant success that she expected to me. She is a bit of a klutz and this does not endear her to her cabin mates. Then, to make matters worse, she keeps earning demerits because she just doesn't seem to be cut out for canoeing, archery, walking in the woods, and nature hikes. Poor Babymouse's camp experience gets worse and worse no matter how hard she tries. Perhaps the time has come to call home and give up. Perhaps Babymouse just isn't cut out to be "Scout Babymouse" after all.
Babymouse fans will not be disappointed when they dive into this new Babymouse adventure. Poor Babymouse really gets into a sticky situation this time and for anyone who is thinking about going to camp for the first time this book is the perfect read. Without a doubt going to camp can be difficult for anyone but after reading this book a first timer will soon see that if Babymouse can manage it anyone can! After all poor Babymouse makes more mistakes than any one person could possibly manage to do.
With her delightful trips into her own imagination and her 'conversations' with the reader - which are both hilarious and at times caring - this Babymouse tale is a delight to read. Its pink, black, and white graphic novel format is completely unique and without a doubt Babymouse is a character readers of all ages will find it hard not to fall in love with, for she is so much like us – full of dreams, hopes, flaws, and wonderful qualities that we can admire.
