Parents' Guide to

Babymouse Series

Book Jennifer L. Holm Humor 2005
Babymouse Series Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Teen Librarian , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 7+

Quick, lively graphic novels pack in the positivity.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 7+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all
age 8+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Bella4
Bella4 Parent
April 27, 2013
age 8+

Babymouse is good for kids who don't care to read

My daughter has days where she hates reading and days when she doesn't. Babymouse is one book (or series) that added to the days she does like to read. I think she liked all the illustrations mixed in with the text.
KaffeeKatz
KaffeeKatz Parent of 4 and 8-year-old
March 7, 2013
age 7+

Gets kids to read, but there are better series out there

Kids love it, but most of the books tend to have have a predictably negative series of events for the main character, with her getting in trouble or being unpopular without actually learning something from the experience. (e.g. being put in the top bunk at camp, and being last to get in the morning, thereby losing her tent points, and having to do dishes over and over)
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Babymouse is a sweet and caring mouse who sometimes gets down that she can't do everything perfectly. She often imagines herself as the successful lead in children's books and movies like Charlotte's Web, Star Wars, and The Wizard of Oz, but things don't always work out so perfectly in real life. With the help of friends and teachers, Babymouse learns that working hard and staying positive is the way to succeed in everything she tries.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (8 ):

The BABYMOUSE books are fun and entertaining reads that teach kids that it's OK to fail and, with the help of friends and family, success can always be right around the corner. Babymouse's good attitude and lively conversations with the author and illustrator of her story -- that fourth wall is broken down quickly! -- make reading these comic books extra engaging. Kids will love the cute and busy pink, black, and white illustrations filled with clever details and asides almost as much as the laugh-out-loud storylines.

Babymouse loves pink, and the illustrations by Matthew Holm are a pink lover's dream. The black, white, and pink illustrations perfectly show Babymouse as fun and cute with a perky personality. And, even though she loves pink, Babymouse isn't afraid to get out there and slay dragons and race cars with the best of all her boy friends. The panels are easy to follow and the illustrations show emotion well.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about using their imagination. Babymouse often imagines herself as the main character in famous children's books and movies. What books and movies would you like to jump into? What characters would you like to be?

  • Oftentimes, Babymouse gets down on herself because she feels that she's not good enough at different things she tries to do. Are there things that you feel you could be better at? How do you think you could improve? How does a positive attitude help?

  • Babymouse has a great friend called Wilson. Who are your good friends? How do you help them out when they are feeling down about something? Do they help you out when you need a hand?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate