Babymouse #10: The Musical

This is another winner from the brother/sister team who present Babymouse's dreams of a stage fame along with the tough reality of being an understudy, alongside a helping of Grease and My Fair Lady ("The raven's train was delayed in Spokane" is what Babymouse comes up with for the fame rain in Spain line) and other musical tributes. Babymouse discovers she doesn't really know her stage left from stage right, and even though hedgehog Henry Higgins is there to help, she's determined to do it on her own. The results are, to use one of Babymouse's favorite words, typicalæand typically hilarious. As much fun for adults as it is for kids!

My daughter found her first Babymouse book in the school library. Seeing her enthusiasm to read it I looked it over and discovered there was a whole series. For Christmas she got books 1-9 in the series and then recieved Babymouse the Musical for her birthday...we're already waiting for the next book due to be released in August. An awesome series for young girls and something that will be read over and over again!

Babymouse is back, in her funniest adventure yet! A new student named Henry Higgins has arrived at Babymouse's school, and he convinces Babymouse to try out for the school musical. Babymouse has got musical fever, but she loses the lead to the malicious Felicia Furrypaws. The alternative is the understudy, which Henry tries to convince her is an important role. But really, what are the chances that Felicia will get hairballs and be unable to perform on opening night? Whether you're new to Babymouse's world, or a veteran reader, this new addition to the series is sure to stand out. Babymouse: The Musical is full of laugh-out-loud jokes, banter, and antics we've come to expect from Babymouse. References to well-known musicals such as My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, and even High School Musical are guaranteed to keep readers smiling as they root for Babymouse's debut. Children and musical-lovers alike will enjoy this quick and heartwarming graphic novel about a mouse who wants her chance to make it big onstage. Reviewed by Alyssa Feller

If you haven't read the "Baby Mouse" books then you're missing out. Baby Mouse is a skinny, spunky little mouse. She takes on the world in her own special way. I bought our first book when we were on a trip and I was looking for something to keep my daughter occupied. Not only did Baby Mouse keep her occupied but we learned that even if you are little, skinny and a mouse of all things; nothing has to stand in your way. This book immediately became her favorite. These books have been a wonderful reinforcement for my daughter who see's so much of herself in Baby Mouse. I have seen my daughter go from a quiet, shy little girl to someone who speaks up for herself and her friends. Who doesn't care what the "Barbie Brat's" (snotty little girls at her school) say or do, she holds her head high and wears that funky knitted hat she loves. She now loves having her own style instead of trying to fit in. These books are wonderful. If your child isn't into reading these books are a great way to get them started. We have them all and can't wait for more. My daughter say's "the thing I like best about Baby Mouse books is they are funny. Baby Mouse is crazy for cup-cakes and has a great imagination".

Move over High School Musical! Annie, take a seat! Chicago, put a sock in it! Baby Mouse is here with nothing but strutting in high step, belting out a tune, and wowing the parents at the Elementary School Musical. Jennifer and Matthew Holm have given readers a charming, musically literate look at musicals from an elementary mind set. The interesting thing is that while young readers will miss the references, their parents won't. Savvy readers will find Phantom of the Opera, the Lion King, My Fair Lady, and even Grease. Yes, believe it or not, there's even a Henry Higgins as a `supporting' character! Age group? Realistically, it is aimed at a junior level, probably grade 3-5. In actuality, parents will read it to their kids and find out that musical theatre is not dead by any stretch of the imagination. Who knows, maybe there will even be a rebirth of musicals. www.babymouse.com and www.randomhouse.com Tim Lasiuta