Lights, Camera, Middle School! (Babymouse Tales from the Locker #1)

Gr 3-5--The Holms, the brother/sister team behind the graphic novel series "Squish" and "Babymouse," continue Babymouse's adventures, taking her into middle school. Much like Lincoln Peirce's "Big Nate" crossover chapter books, this new series will appeal to readers looking for slightly more challenging fare. Though this title contains more text than the original "Babymouse" books, there are numerous illustrations throughout, the font is large, and the difficulty of the language is comparable to that of previous books, making it ideal for fans crossing over into longer chapter book territory. Babymouse is just as energetic as ever, but now she's dealing with middle school drama and algebra. She doesn't want to fit in anymore--she wants to stand out! Babymouse finds the perfect opportunity in film club, where she is chosen to write and direct a movie inspired by her favorite epic dramas. She realizes that it's not as easy as she thought, with a diva leading actress and no budget. Ultimately, Babymouse learns that working as a team is more important than being a star. VERDICT A first purchase where the graphic novel series is popular. For fans of "Dork Diaries" and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid."--Jessica Ko, Los Angeles Public Library

The star of the Holm siblings' Babymouse books enters middle school in this illustrated novel, first in the Babymouse Tales from the Locker series. Babymouse is determined to stand out at school, but she isn't sure how. "Goldilocks had it way easy," she laments, trying to choose among multiple activities. "All she had to do was find the right bed!" Deciding that the Film Club might be her "chance to be Famous," Babymouse signs up, and her grandiose vision of making an epic film lands her the roles of director and screenwriter. A comedy of fiascoes ensues: the cast and crew walk out when Babymouse gets too bossy, they regroup to illegally film scenes at a medieval fair, and they wind up with an inaudible five-hour movie. Babymouse's bravado and wild romps of imagination (captured in boisterous comics sequences) keep the spotlight directly on her--not that she'd have it any other way. The Holms humorously tackle friendship, persistence, and cooperation; readers who have aged out of the original Babymouse books will happily join her in this new chapter. Ages 8-12. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary Management. (July)