Squish: Super Amoeba: Squish, Book 1

Book review by Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media
Squish: Super Amoeba: Squish, Book 1 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

Cute, clever start to series from Babymouse authors.

Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm Humor 2011
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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Squish: Super Amoeba s the first entry in the Squish graphic novel series about an amoeba and his friends. A mean bully does try to eat Squish's friend Peggy -- but she is a paramecium, and something that amoebas eat. Later, the same bully is eaten by a slime mold. Also, Squish reads Super Amoeba comic books, which have some good guy versus bad guy stuff. This book's graphic novel format makes it a good choice for reluctant readers, and kids do learn some science -- including some facts about amoebas. Mostly, this is funny stuff, but there is a good message, too: Squish may read comic books in class and let a school bully cheat off him, but he is inspired by his comic book hero "to have the courage to do what's right" -- and tries to save the life of his friend.

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What's the Story?

In Babymouse: Mad Scientist, readers are introduced to Squish, a spunky amoeba who shares her love of cupcakes. In SQUISH: SUPER AMOEBA, readers learn more about "his microscopic world." He goes to school with his two best single-cell buddies, genius amoeba Pod and sunny, sweet Peggy, a paramecium. When a bully amoeba tries to eat Peggy, Squish frees her by agreeing to let the bully cheat off of him in science class. But soon he is after her again. Will Squish "have the courage to do what's right" like his hero Super Amoeba?

Is It Any Good?

This is pretty silly stuff but it's sure to appeal to fans of the Babymouse series, reluctant readers, graphic novel fans, and more. Squish: Super Amoeba has plenty of humor; constantly cheerful but totally clueless Peggy is especially funny. She never even realizes the bully is eating her! And it has heart, too, as Squish really tries to be a good friend, even bravely confronting mean Lynwood in detention when he is absorbing Peggy. Readers may even find they've learned something along the way, such as the names of other organisms making up Squish's microscopic world to how an amoeba actually eats a paramecium. But don't worry, no perky paramecium are harmed in the making of Squish's debut adventure.

Like Babymouse, this book features simple comic book art. The real life stuff has a green tint, while Squish's fantasy world is in black-and-white.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about graphic novels and why they are so popular with readers. What does this one have in common with other graphic novels you've read? Do you think they are easier or harder to write than regular books?

  • What did you think of the scientific facts presented here? Did it surprise you that there was some educational information in this book? What were some of the interesting things you learned along the way?

Book Details

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