Jennifer Holm's Beloved Character Babymouse is Ready for Middle School

Jennifer Holm is back with her beloved character Babymouse with a new chapter beginning for Babymouse as she begins middle school. Younger readers who have grown up with Babymouse will be delighted that Babymouse is now ready for middle school and will want to share in the new adventures. Older children who are now ready for middle school will relate to the feelings and "terrors" that come when it is time to enter the middle school years. Babymouse sees middle school as a place that might be filled with all kinds of monsters. The challenge will be to stand out in one's own right instead of joining in with the "mean girls" who want everyone to be the same. Babymouse Tales from the Locker: Lights. Camera. Middle School! is filled with the adventures of beginning middle school. Babymouse sees middle school as a monster movie that must be navigated if one is to survive. Scary teachers, scary subjects like algebra, and the ever-present "mean girl" group that all children encounter are all part of the new adventure. The familiar problem of wondering if you will have someone to sit with in the cafeteria is also a part of Babymouse's adventure.

The first "terror" that Babymouse encounters is the fact that she cannot open her locker. It is a sure thing that most middle school children will relate to at one time or another when they have not been able to open their locker. Babymouse also encounters the "mean girls" and must decide that she will not be a part of the peer pressure. Babymouse finds a way to stand out by joining the film club. She sees this as the perfect opportunity to find her place as a "star" in her new school.

Babymouse Tales From the Locker: Lights.Camera. Middle School! was published by Random House Children's Books. it is recommended fora ages 8-12, and has an ISBN of 978-0-399-55438-4.

Jennifer L. Holm is a beloved children's author with many award-winning books to her credit. She created the Babymouse series for younger readers, and now introduces her beloved character as all grown up and ready for middle school in her new book. Her earlier Babymouse book was the first graphic novel to receive an ALA-ALSC Children's Notable Book award.

Matthew Holm contributed his talent as an illustrator for the earlier Babymouse series and now for the new book Babymouse Tales From the Locker: Lights. Camera. Middle School! Matthew is a graphic illustrator and freelance writer.

The middle school years can be like a monster movie filled with "monsters" like new teachers, the dreaded algebra and other scary courses, and new peers who might or might not turn out to be friends. Parents can help prepare their children by using some of these tips.

*Role-play a typical first day. Babymouse was unable to open her locker on the first day. Help your child to imagine this scenario and come up with some solutions before the first day of school.

*Check out some books at the library about the dreaded subject algebra and other "scary" and unfamiliar subjects that your child will be taking the first year of middle school.

*Go shopping for the school supplies that are needed. Your school has supply lists available for the school year and stores like Walmart and Target also have the lists. There might be some unfamiliar tools and supplies that teachers in middle school will request.

*Talk to your child about some of the things that worry them. Brainstorm solutions to the worries.

*Check with your school about the dress code. Shopping for the right clothes takes away the fear of not being dressed appropriately.

*Most schools offer tours of the school. Be sure to take advantage of these tours.

*Set an appointment to meet your child's adviser*

*Help your child build recall skills to help with remembering a new schedule that will involve having a different teacher for each class and the locker combination.

*Be an listener when your child wants to talk about their day.