Babymouse: Rock Star

Babymouse is a legend, a siren, a rock star at least in her own mind. Babymouse is a typical kid (aside from the whiskers and tail) with a big, big fantasy life to help her through the hazards of public school life: school buses, broken lockers, bullies, math class. But then there's her beloved band. She has music in her soul, if not actually in her flute. This year, though, things are going to be different. She's going to be the star of the concert. Or at least move up from last chair.

The sister-and-brother team of Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm have attained perfect pitch with Babymouse, who stars in her own series of graphic novels, including Babymouse: Queen of the World and Babymouse: Beach Babe. Illustrated in black and white for her humdrum daily existence, the scenery turns decidedly pink as Babymouse stage-dives into her imaginary world. Reluctant and avid readers alike will happily devour every book in the series, and wait eagerly for more. --Emilie Coulter