Book Cover Photo Source, Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Beach-Babe/Jennifer-L-Holm/e/9780375932311/?itm=2, accessed May 8, 2009. Holm, Jennifer and Matthew Holm. 2006. BABYMOUSE: BEACH BABE. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN 9780375932311
Summary
Babymouse, ready for an adventure, is out of school and off to the beach. Ready for sun, sand and surfing one thing she isn't expecting are sharks! The third in the Babymouse series, this graphic novel geared towards younger elementary school aged children is sure to be a hit. Girls in particular will identify with the main character, Babymouse, and will see themselves in the real situations presented in the book. Done in black, white and pink pen-and-ink, the cartoon-like illustrations perfectly match the text, which will have the reader laughing out loud. Her little brother who wants to accompany her on many beach excursions, gets his feelings hurt because she doesn't want him around. But when she nearly loses him, she realizes that even the beach is better when shared with someone you love.
Reviews
KIRKUS REVIEWS: The little mouse with the big personality skips through a third set of mini trials and triumphs, presented in two-color graphic novel-style panels. Having daydreamed her way through the last day of school ("Good-bye, dumb fractions!") and even cleaned out her locker, Babymouse bounds eagerly into the car for a getaway to the beach. But what with crowds, surfboard wipeouts, sunburn, the odd shark and trying to keep adoring little sibling Squeak at arm's length (which isn't quite far enough to avoid the fallout, so to speak, of occasional bouts of motion sickness), the vacation starts to look like a big fizzle: "Typical!" to quote Babymouse's watchword. Pairing short bits of text in a "hand-lettered" font to small but clear scenes drawn with dark lines and pink highlights, the authors tell a quick, funny tale that ends on a warm note, with Babymouse discovering that wipeouts are more fun when shared with her biggest little fan. Emergent readers will cheer "Babymouse!" right along with Squeak. (Graphic novel. 6-8)
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: In this installment of the Babymouse adventures, the young mouse is headed for the beach. School is out and she's ready to become a "beach babe" by learning how to surf on a family vacation. Meanwhile, her little brother struggles to win Babymouse's affections. Told with humor, energy-filled illustrations, and a fun weaving of animal fantasy and psychological realism, this cute, quick read packs a lot into its graphic novel format. We have Babymouse and her misadventures on the beach fleshed out by her active inner life filled with daring adventures and humorous recollections. This fun-filled story is coupled with the challenges of an average sibling relationship. Her younger brother gets carsick on the trip to the beach, and later eats too much on a trip to the carnival to add some gross, true-to-life humor. He's also insistent on playing with his sister, who doesn't have the time for him until she nearly loses him and realizes he could make her beach adventures even better. With heart, humor, and a good dose of vomit, this book has it all. It's great fun and a quick read; kids will no doubt enjoy every frame.
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