  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 04/01/2017 Gr 5–7—This shining gem in the campy monster drama genre is a step up from R.L. Stine's "Goosebumps." Meet Kelly Ferguson, a struggling 12-year-old who hasn't quite found her place in the middle school hierarchy. Then she accidentally discovers a team of monster-fighting babysitters. Their mission is to save kids from the utmost evil in the world, the Grand Guignol. This despicable, devil-like creature, who is also known as the boogeyman, preys on defenseless children left in the care of babysitters. When Kelly's charge, Jacob, is kidnapped right under her nose, she must work with the band of super babysitters to help rescue baby Jacob from the clutches of the vile Grand Guignol. The over-the-top humorous action, snarky dialogue, and engaging characters will keep readers hooked. The other babysitters, such as Liz, who is haunted by the disappearance of a sibling, each have interesting backstories. Liz creates A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting, which the sitters refer to when faced with a new threat. Excerpts from this handy manual are sprinkled throughout the narrative, adding an interesting dimension to the storytelling and world-building. VERDICT With shades of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this tale of a courageous heroine and her ragtag group of intrepid babysitters battling nightmare-inducing beasts makes for addictive reading. Hand this to fans of Chris Colfer, Rick Riordan, and Adam Gidwitz.—Julie Shatterly, W. A. Bess Elementary School, Gastonia, NC - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 05/15/2017 It’s Halloween, and eighth-grader Kelly has been invited to her first party, but her mother has other plans: babysit her boss’ son, Jacob. If Kelly had a hint of what was awaiting her, she’d be terrified. Like many little kids, Jacob sees monsters in his room—only these turn out to be real monsters, which proceed to abduct the boy. Kelly desperately phones his regular babysitter for help and catches sight of a picture Jacob had drawn, triggering a memory: she has seen this bogeyman before! Thus ensues a night that calls all of Kelly’s strength and will into play. She finds herself depending upon schoolmates, whom she had considered misfits but who turn out to be babysitters with abilities to ward off and destroy monsters. All the ghouls of Halloween and bad dreams are threaded into this story of finding friendship in middle school. This new series gives babysitting a daring edge and sets up girls outside of the popular crowd as heroines. An entertaining debut. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. Loading...
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