Babymouse 11: Dragonslayer

Dragons may not care for the title

Holm, Jennifer L. and Holm, Matthew. Babymouse 11: Dragonslayer. New York : Random House Children's Books, 2009.

Plot: After failing another math test, Babymouse's teacher offers her a chance to improve her grade. Babymouse must join the school's mathlete team and compete in the math olympics. While the mathlete's teacher seems confident and her team counts on her, Babymouse feels overwhelmed. The mathletes speak of one with the pure heart who will redeem the school's honor from the dreaded Owlgarthims. Hoping for the legendary hero, the team captain asks if she is the one. Then the team sees her test. Babymouse must face math and conquer the creature she fears most (besides Felicia Furrypaws).

Genre: Animals, School, Graphic Novels

Reading Level: Grades 4-6

Similar Titles: Uncle Scrooge: Around the World in 80 Bucks, Fangbone series

Personal Thoughts: Like many readers, I have some "dragons" of my own to slay. While I have graduated from test fears, I still struggle against some concepts, pressures, and challenges. Much like Babymouse, the trials I face seem overwhelming. However, like the ink heroine, I need to realize that, while I may never excel in specific talents, I do not need to be terrible at them, either. Such is the real power behind books, even casual, graphic-novel titles. Like G.K. Chesterton noted, such stories "are more than true: not because they teach us dragons exist, but because they teach us dragons can be beaten." While some may mock the title for its silly characters or predictable outcome, it still brings a needed reminder: readers can conquer their fears, even if their fears are greater than they are. I will be purchasing this title.