Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (release May 10, 2011)
Audience: Ages 9 to 12
Source: Advanced Reader Copy from ALA Midwinter 2011
Graphic Novel * Humor
Description from GoodReads:
Introducing SQUISH—a new graphic novel series about a comic book-loving, twinkie-eating grade school AMOEBA trying to find his place in the world (or at least trying to make it through a school day). Inspired by his favorite comic book hero, SUPER AMOEBA!, Squish has to navigate school (bullies! detention! Principal Planaria!), family (dad: Hates to wear a tie. Secretly listens to heavy metal in the car), and friends (Peggy-rainbows! happy all the time! and Pod . . . who's . . . well, you just have to meet him). Can Squish save the world—and his friends—from the forces of evil lurking in the hallways? Find out in Squish: Super Amoeba—saving the world, one cell at a time!
As a big fan of the Babymouse series by sister and brother team, Jenni & Matt Holm, I was very excited to see that they had a new series. It was probably one of the first books I read out of the pile of ARC's that I picked up from ALA Midwinter 2011 back in January. Though I held off my review until now, that hasn't meant that I haven't been sharing my love for Squish with students and booksellers that I know.
Similar to Babymouse, Squish primarily takes place in a school setting. Of course there are the daily challenges that he must navigate around and figure out how to survive. Those pesky challenges include lunch options (which I found interesting considering the book is about a one-celled organism), a tendency to daydream in class, avoiding detention, dealing with bullies, and Principal Planaria. Squish has a couple of good friends, and supportive parents. The combination of characters led by the day-dreaming Squish is entertaining and filled with a lot of laughs. The format and illustrations are reminiscent of Babymouse. Also, where as some boys might avoid the very pinkness of Babymouse, Squish's color theme is bold and fluorescent.
Since I brought my copy of Squish to school, it has been passed around and around. I am not even sure what child has it anymore and I mean this in a good way. It moves from one child to the next without ever spending too much time back with me. I am excited to know that Squish #2: Brave New Pond will be out at the end of September.
My niece wrote up a shelf-talker for Squish for our local Indie Bookstore. Here is what she wrote on her shelf-talker:
"The book is very funny, and it is a lot about school. Squish (the amoeba) is smart, but daydreams a lot. He has 2 best friends. In the book, Squish has to stand up to a bully. The book shows that you can talk to your parents about school. I liked the way the authors ended it. Read and enjoy!" - Jackie, age 10
Below is the book trailer for Squish, watch and enjoy -
For where to find the creators of Squish:
Jennifer Holm's Webpage:
http://www.jenniferholm.com/
Matt Holm's Webpage:
http://www.matthewholm.net/
On Twitter:
Matt Holm can be found @mattholm
Jennifer Holm can be found @jenniholm
* Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays were started by Shannon over at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe. You can check out her Marvelous Middle Grade Monday choice and Giveaway Post here.
