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The BIG Adventures of Babymouse #1
The BIG Adventures of Babymouse: Once Upon a Messy Whisker (Book 1):
"Babymouse has a BIG imagination that comes to life when she dreams of having straight whiskers"--
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
24 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer L. Holm
106 books1,734 followersJennifer L. Holm is a USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES-bestselling children's author with nearly 10 million books in print. She is the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE and a Scott O'Dell Award for her novel FULL OF BEANS.
Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on three bestselling graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series, the SUNNY series, and the Squish series. SQUISH is now an animated tv series on YouTube!
For more information, visit her website at www.jenniferholm.com.
Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on three bestselling graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series, the SUNNY series, and the Squish series. SQUISH is now an animated tv series on YouTube!
For more information, visit her website at www.jenniferholm.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 29, 2022
Babymouse has quite the imagination! This fun graphic novel teaches a lesson in a fun way.
Babymouse doesn't like her messy and wavy whiskers and through dreams/imagination the whiskers change into various different styles. It really teaches kids to accept what makes them unique.
My kids loved the individual fairy tales that Babymouse dreamed up about her whiskers. The Rapunzel part was a definite favorite. The illustrations are done well and do a great job at giving the book that comic feel.
The "spoilers" at the end of the book have my kids excited for the next book!
Thank you to Random House Children's and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Babymouse doesn't like her messy and wavy whiskers and through dreams/imagination the whiskers change into various different styles. It really teaches kids to accept what makes them unique.
My kids loved the individual fairy tales that Babymouse dreamed up about her whiskers. The Rapunzel part was a definite favorite. The illustrations are done well and do a great job at giving the book that comic feel.
The "spoilers" at the end of the book have my kids excited for the next book!
Thank you to Random House Children's and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
July 25, 2022
10/10 will read anything with a mouse on the cover.
This is my first foray into the Babymouse series and it was such a cute read. Babymouse is a sweet and loveable protagonist with very human problems that we can all relate to. I started out really enjoying the book but it felt repetitive after awhile since it's pretty much the same story told 5 times. Told in 5 parts, all have the same message about self-love and acceptance. I loved the full-colour illustrations though, they are stunning!
Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
This is my first foray into the Babymouse series and it was such a cute read. Babymouse is a sweet and loveable protagonist with very human problems that we can all relate to. I started out really enjoying the book but it felt repetitive after awhile since it's pretty much the same story told 5 times. Told in 5 parts, all have the same message about self-love and acceptance. I loved the full-colour illustrations though, they are stunning!
Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
December 14, 2022
5 stars. So happy to see a new Babymouse graphic novel, in large size format to boot. She is off on a new adventure, through some bedtime type stories, once upon a time episodes. Her whiskers literally become the bane of her existence, with some very funny results - can you say be careful what you wish for. Can’t wait for more Babymouse adventures! And the book is dedicated to the much missed Teri Lesesne 😢
July 24, 2025
Really cute ways read I read it in one sitting
February 10, 2023
Such a cute new installment to Babymouse. My son used to love the books, so much, when he was in the beginning of trying to really enjoy reading. So, when I came across this new graphic novel I had to check it out from the library for both he and I to read. I felt the that it being broken down into parts was super neat for the younger audience it was written for. Allows them to read a part and then put it down or just keep devouring the story. The mix in of fairytales and books that Babymouse is reading in the book is also adorable. Then, as always, the art is fantastic in a beautiful and simplistic but also detailed manner.
May 12, 2025
We read all of the original books in the Babymouse series by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm.
While scanning the children's ebooks available from our local library, I saw rhat there's a new colorful series featuring the beloved Babymouse.
This book is a clever tale of overcoming adversity, being resilient, and the importance of good friends.
It's a fun, fast read and is sure to appeal to elementary school-age children.
While scanning the children's ebooks available from our local library, I saw rhat there's a new colorful series featuring the beloved Babymouse.
This book is a clever tale of overcoming adversity, being resilient, and the importance of good friends.
It's a fun, fast read and is sure to appeal to elementary school-age children.
July 17, 2022
OMG can Babymouse have any more exciting adventures?!
OYSC (oh yes she can!) in The Big Adventures of Babymouse: Once Upon a Messy Whisker. In the newest, wildest adventure of Babymouse, she ventures through different fairy tales and with challenges the reader could only imagine. It's crazy, its wild, its beyond funny! And that doesn’t even cover the hilarious and wacky illustrations. The artwork is so motivating- keeping readers – reading. And let’s be honest, how can you go wrong with a book with a fairy kingdom 😉
What a great way to get early readers excited about reading!!
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Random House Children's,
OYSC (oh yes she can!) in The Big Adventures of Babymouse: Once Upon a Messy Whisker. In the newest, wildest adventure of Babymouse, she ventures through different fairy tales and with challenges the reader could only imagine. It's crazy, its wild, its beyond funny! And that doesn’t even cover the hilarious and wacky illustrations. The artwork is so motivating- keeping readers – reading. And let’s be honest, how can you go wrong with a book with a fairy kingdom 😉
What a great way to get early readers excited about reading!!
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Random House Children's,
June 30, 2022
Babymouse attends school with a group of good friends. She has a little brother named Squeak, a narrator, and a locker with long purple tentacles whom she calls "locker;" with a lowercase "l." (No wonder it's grumpy!)
There's one more thing. Babymouse has a very active and vivid imagination that's so strong, sometimes it takes over--as if she's an actor in a movie, or a famous mouse in history. It can get a little awkward.
Something you may notice about Babymouse is her whiskers. They are a little bit bendy and curly. She considers them the bane of her existence (because they make her feel different, and mean kids tease her).
In this book, Babymouse finds out what it would be like without her "messy" whiskers. (They really should be supervised at all times!)
This young mouse has the normal problems of school kids everywhere (except for the comic book thing, and all if the characters are talking animals). She's funny, a little overly dramatic, and a good sister. I recommend her ironic adventures and silliness!
4/5 Stars
Thanks to Penguin Random House Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the preview of this fun book; the review is voluntary.
#TheBIGAdventuresofBabymouseOnceUponaMessyWhiskerBook1 #NetGalley
#JenniferLHolm #JenniferLHolmAuth
#JenniferLHolmIllust #MatthewHolmIllust
#RandomHouseChildrensBooks
#RandomHouseBooksforYoungReaders
#ChildrensFictionComicsGraphicNovelsManga
#ChildrensAnimalsComicsandGraphicNovels
#ChildrensHumorousComicsandGraphicNovels
#ChildrensAnimalComicsandGraphicNovels
#ChildrensFictionIllustrated
#ChildrensFictionMouse
#ChildrensFictionBabymouse
#ChildrensFictionMessyWhiskers
#ChildrensFictionMouseBigSister
There's one more thing. Babymouse has a very active and vivid imagination that's so strong, sometimes it takes over--as if she's an actor in a movie, or a famous mouse in history. It can get a little awkward.
Something you may notice about Babymouse is her whiskers. They are a little bit bendy and curly. She considers them the bane of her existence (because they make her feel different, and mean kids tease her).
In this book, Babymouse finds out what it would be like without her "messy" whiskers. (They really should be supervised at all times!)
This young mouse has the normal problems of school kids everywhere (except for the comic book thing, and all if the characters are talking animals). She's funny, a little overly dramatic, and a good sister. I recommend her ironic adventures and silliness!
4/5 Stars
Thanks to Penguin Random House Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the preview of this fun book; the review is voluntary.
#TheBIGAdventuresofBabymouseOnceUponaMessyWhiskerBook1 #NetGalley
#JenniferLHolm #JenniferLHolmAuth
#JenniferLHolmIllust #MatthewHolmIllust
#RandomHouseChildrensBooks
#RandomHouseBooksforYoungReaders
#ChildrensFictionComicsGraphicNovelsManga
#ChildrensAnimalsComicsandGraphicNovels
#ChildrensHumorousComicsandGraphicNovels
#ChildrensAnimalComicsandGraphicNovels
#ChildrensFictionIllustrated
#ChildrensFictionMouse
#ChildrensFictionBabymouse
#ChildrensFictionMessyWhiskers
#ChildrensFictionMouseBigSister
July 20, 2022
Reviewed for NetGalley:
Honest review from my nine year old:
I really liked it. I enjoyed that the author gave a story just to BabyMouse’s whiskers, and the lesson to always be yourself.
Also loved the illustrations and style.
Honest review from my nine year old:
I really liked it. I enjoyed that the author gave a story just to BabyMouse’s whiskers, and the lesson to always be yourself.
Also loved the illustrations and style.
July 4, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for a free review copy!
This was a cute volume. Babymouse learns all about accepting your flaws. She is very concerned that her whiskers aren't straight. As she goes to bed one night, she reads a book of fairytales and wishes that she didn't have any whiskers. She wakes up the next morning to find that her wish has come true! Over the course of the book, Babymouse goes through more fairytales and has to deal with the consequences of each one. In the end, she learns to accept herself just as she is. Overall, this was a cute graphic novel with a great message.
This was a cute volume. Babymouse learns all about accepting your flaws. She is very concerned that her whiskers aren't straight. As she goes to bed one night, she reads a book of fairytales and wishes that she didn't have any whiskers. She wakes up the next morning to find that her wish has come true! Over the course of the book, Babymouse goes through more fairytales and has to deal with the consequences of each one. In the end, she learns to accept herself just as she is. Overall, this was a cute graphic novel with a great message.
June 29, 2022
#TheBIGAdventuresofBabymouseOnceUponaMessyWhiskerBook1 #NetGalley #ARC
New adventures for Babymouse in this great mash-up between self image, being yourself and fairytales. I recommend this for all fans of Babymouse. Babymouse is irritated by her messy whiskers, She dreams up various scenarios where her whiskers are no longer the problem, can Babymouse find the best solution?
New adventures for Babymouse in this great mash-up between self image, being yourself and fairytales. I recommend this for all fans of Babymouse. Babymouse is irritated by her messy whiskers, She dreams up various scenarios where her whiskers are no longer the problem, can Babymouse find the best solution?
January 13, 2024
*I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I've been reading the Babymouse books off and on since I was a child, though it's been years since I've read or re-read any of them. This addition isn't my favorite, but it is a cute addition to the series, though I have to say I think I prefer the old monochrome to the new full color, even if the art was very good in this book. This addition was very fairytale / short story style, but it would probably make a decent starting place for someone not familiar with Babymouse.
I've been reading the Babymouse books off and on since I was a child, though it's been years since I've read or re-read any of them. This addition isn't my favorite, but it is a cute addition to the series, though I have to say I think I prefer the old monochrome to the new full color, even if the art was very good in this book. This addition was very fairytale / short story style, but it would probably make a decent starting place for someone not familiar with Babymouse.
February 6, 2023
Babymouse is fed up with her messy whiskers. But when she wishes they would go away and they actually do, she discovers no whiskers may be worse. Can her dreams for straight whiskers come true?
Readers may not have whiskers that cause them anxiety in front of the mirror, but Babymouse's woes are easily transferrable to other self-perception/self-acceptance issues readers may actually face. I really like the conclusion and healthier mental place Babymouse is in by the end. Babymouse's daydreams weave in Cinderella, Jason and the Agronauts, Rapunzel, the Titanic, Snow White, Norse mythology, outer space, Hamilton & Burr's duel, and pirates. Though this is marketed as the start of a new series, it keeps all of the characters from the original and picks up like this is book 21. The only things different are the full color illustrations and the larger book size (the paperback a little over 24 cm tall and about 19 cm wide). Another fun adventure with Babymouse that has a good message woven in.
Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. There are potentially violent situations in the daydreams but no one ends up really hurt, and the meanest character is actually Babymouse's locker who eats her stuff.
Readers may not have whiskers that cause them anxiety in front of the mirror, but Babymouse's woes are easily transferrable to other self-perception/self-acceptance issues readers may actually face. I really like the conclusion and healthier mental place Babymouse is in by the end. Babymouse's daydreams weave in Cinderella, Jason and the Agronauts, Rapunzel, the Titanic, Snow White, Norse mythology, outer space, Hamilton & Burr's duel, and pirates. Though this is marketed as the start of a new series, it keeps all of the characters from the original and picks up like this is book 21. The only things different are the full color illustrations and the larger book size (the paperback a little over 24 cm tall and about 19 cm wide). Another fun adventure with Babymouse that has a good message woven in.
Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. There are potentially violent situations in the daydreams but no one ends up really hurt, and the meanest character is actually Babymouse's locker who eats her stuff.
February 16, 2023
Babymouse hates her messy whiskers and no matter what she does she just cannot tame them. Her active imagination takes over, and as she board the school bus, she imagines herself as Goldilocks. Then as she falls off to sleep reading Cinderella, Babymouse wishes that she didn't have whiskers at all. Soon she's dreaming of herself as Cinderella, and wakes up with her wish having come true, and her with no whiskers. Her imagination takes her on other adventures as Jason and the Argonauts, Rapunzel, the Titanic, Snow White, Odin in Ragnarok, Fairyland, outer space, Hamilton and Aaron Burr, and Blackbeard. At one point she gets the straight whiskers she wishes for, but when her baby brother cries wanting them to, what will Babymouse do now?
July 11, 2022
[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
3.5 stars = Good +
This is a cute story centered around Babymouse's self-consciousness about her "messy" whiskers. In her dreams and imagination she visits a variety of stories (Cinderella, Jason and the Golden Fleece, Rapunzel, etc.) while she works through her feelings.
I could see older readers picking this up because they loved the character when they were kids - and there's plenty here for fans to enjoy. Newcomers can start here without any issues.
3.5 stars = Good +
This is a cute story centered around Babymouse's self-consciousness about her "messy" whiskers. In her dreams and imagination she visits a variety of stories (Cinderella, Jason and the Golden Fleece, Rapunzel, etc.) while she works through her feelings.
I could see older readers picking this up because they loved the character when they were kids - and there's plenty here for fans to enjoy. Newcomers can start here without any issues.
September 23, 2022
This was really fun. It was nice to see Babymouse back in action. I am not sure what grade or age this is geared towards, but Babymouse is in middle school. But the humor, the writing and the storytelling would be great for those in elementary school as well. I love that after 20 years, Babymouse is in full color. Plus, this first book in a new series has a great tale and lesson. As usual, keep up the good work Babymouse.
November 14, 2022
This large format, full-color addition to the Babymouse series will appeal to fans and newcomers alike. It's nice to see new material after such a long time, and I enjoyed the different fractured fairy tales in Babymouse's imagination. It was nostalgic for me to read this because I enjoyed Babymouse so much when I got into graphic novels in high school, and I'm looking forward to future installments.
November 15, 2022
Babymouse is awesome...in her dreams. She wishes she could be amazing in real life and starts to think that the problem is her whiskers. One day she wakes up and they are gone! Maybe that's a good thing? Will her friends like her if she changes her whiskers? This is an interesting and entertaining book. I like that it tells us to like ourselves but also be the best we can be with what is great about us. I also like that there are many chapters. (review by Rubi, 4th grade)
October 18, 2023
The Big adventures was indeed VERY BIG! The story was broken into chapters and my youngest daughter and I enjoyed reading it over two days. I think the story was great and the chuckles I heard her give during the story made the time well-spent. I will admit in some regards the book didn't feel like volume 1, but that adventures had been going on long before this installment, but that wasn't a bad thing. Good moral to the story and fun adventure for sure.
January 20, 2025
While this didn’t measure up to the original books, it was still incredibly fun and nostalgic to read considering that I'm now an adult. With its original art, entertaining plot, meaningful messages, and wild main character, The Big Adventures of Babymouse stays true to the beloved Babymouse books and is a new series perfect for kids of all ages.
Thank you to Random House for the digital ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to Random House for the digital ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 15, 2025
This was cute. Babymouse is worried about losing her friends when a new cool student moves in. I didn't understand why her locker moves around on its own. I thought it was a metaphor, but it gets a little ridiculous. It's okay since I think it's supposed to be silly.
I liked this much better than the one where she was in middle school.
Aside: Babymouse is prone to maladaptive daydreaming. Maybe she has ADHD, but I doubt the author intended this.
I liked this much better than the one where she was in middle school.
Aside: Babymouse is prone to maladaptive daydreaming. Maybe she has ADHD, but I doubt the author intended this.
September 10, 2022
I received an eARC courtesy of Random House Books for Young Readers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Librarian confession time: This is my time reading a Babymouse book. And I rather enjoyed it. Babymouse is charming and a character with such a huge, whimsical imagination really speaks to me.
For Libraries: If Babymouse is popular with your kiddos, this is a shoo-in.
Librarian confession time: This is my time reading a Babymouse book. And I rather enjoyed it. Babymouse is charming and a character with such a huge, whimsical imagination really speaks to me.
For Libraries: If Babymouse is popular with your kiddos, this is a shoo-in.
February 6, 2023
3 stars (I liked it)
It's been a while since I read the Babymouse series so I had kind of forgotten how weird they are. This one is different in that it's in full color and not just black and white (with pink). The book has a message of loving yourself and also involves lots of imagination and stories. Pretty fun!
It's been a while since I read the Babymouse series so I had kind of forgotten how weird they are. This one is different in that it's in full color and not just black and white (with pink). The book has a message of loving yourself and also involves lots of imagination and stories. Pretty fun!
August 13, 2024
It’s really cute. It has different fairytales and myths mixed into one. Babymouse dreams of the fairytales and myths and then they affect her in her everyday life. A young kid (about 5-8 years old) would probably enjoy Once Upon A Messy Whisker. Or a young kid (about 3-6 years old) who’s learning to read might enjoy it too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
I am not a huge fan of graphic novels, but Babymouse is my one exception. I have missed having new ones to share in my school library, and am so excited to add this to our collection.
It is a fun romp, I love the twists and turns and all the laughs! So glad she is BACK!!
It is a fun romp, I love the twists and turns and all the laughs! So glad she is BACK!!
November 5, 2022
Aww, Babymouse is still as fun as when I used to read it when I was younger. It’s so surreal seeing Babymouse and her friends fully colored! Here, Babymouse finally comes to terms with her messy whiskers.
September 24, 2023
3.5 stars
I have loved the Babymouse series for YEARS and was excited to see this new release. It wasn't my favorite book in the series but it's full of truly charming and hilarious moments. I relate way too much to all her hilarious middle-school antics!
I have loved the Babymouse series for YEARS and was excited to see this new release. It wasn't my favorite book in the series but it's full of truly charming and hilarious moments. I relate way too much to all her hilarious middle-school antics!
December 15, 2023
I honestly enjoy all books I READ!!! They are amazing because I think all books should have at least some adventure in it . So when YOU SEE books at the library or store with the word ADVENTURE in the title READ IT !!!!!
Want to read
August 4, 2022Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 13, 2022
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews