Volume II, Issue 9
November-December 2007
 


 main page :: Graphic Novels   
Pink Power
Camp Babymouse
by Jennifer L. Holm, illustrated by Matthew Holm

Reviewed by Jennifer Rothschild, Biblio File

For those not familiar with the pink-and-black graphic novel series Babymouse, the lead character is a breath of fresh air as she battles the halls of elementary school. Prone to frequent bouts of Spaceman Spiff-esque fantasies, Babymouse enjoys cupcakes and can hear her narrator, although she rarely enjoys the insight provided by the disembodied voice.

The sixth volume in the series sees Babymouse off to camp, determined to be the best camper ever. This is despite the fact that she frequently freaks out after mistaking various sticks for snakes. Bracelet making, bunk inspection, canoeing, and oodles of other camp activities end up being spectacular (but amusing) failures. Racking up demerits, it looks like her cabin will never win the coveted camp cup. Can she win back her bunkmates, or forever face their wrath?

Camp is a brand new environment for Babymouse and, as such, the reader misses several of the other characters—her locker, her friends, and her nemesis Felicia Furrypaws. Babymouse doesn’t play off the new characters and situations as well. Still, this is an extremely enjoyable series and Camp Babymouse brings the goods.