The Babysitter from Another Planet

Arriving via spaceship to care for her charges, the titular babysitter is a far cry from the unearthly menaces of 1950s sci-fi movies. She not only has a kind, patient face topped with a floating moonlike orb, she also creates an entire meal, including cupcakes, with her eyes; explains homework by conjuring up 3-D forms from thin air; and plays antigravity games before bedtime. Why would anyone want the usual teenage human babysitter? The book is really a series of spreads around a premise--the slight narrative arc doesn't move much beyond bedtime or into the intricacies of alien sitters for hire--but the familiar ritual turned cosmic is a lot of fun to regard. As many kids know, spending the evening with a great babysitter really does feel out of this world. Bright digital pictures by Savage (Little Plane Learns to Write) have a reassuring sense of symmetry and solidity, with midcentury modern stylings, seemingly inspired by a vintage issue of House Beautiful, that grown-ups will surely appreciate. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 2-When their parents go to the movies, a young girl and boy are left with a new babysitter who has more tricks up her sleeve than Mary Poppins. The sitter is an extraterrestrial who beamed down from a spaceship and demonstrates wonderful capabilities. She's able to set the table and cook an extravagant meal just by using her eyebeams. Helping the children with their homework and getting the pair ready for bed are adventures the youngsters have never before experienced. Her presence in the house creates a truly exciting and entertaining evening for the kids as she shares some of her powers with them. So, when Mom and Dad go out again the following week, a run-of-the-mill human babysitter is just not acceptable. Using their index fingers--think E.T.--the children contact their new friend who arrives with even more surprises in store. Savage's trademark digital illustrations with their clean, uncluttered lines show the sitter a deep purple with a somewhat humanoid shape. Children will wish their own sitters were a bit more outlandish. VERDICT A super read-aloud selection to share one-on-one or with group, even at bedtime.--Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library WI

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Bright digital pictures by Savage . . . have a reassuring sense of symmetry and solidity, with midcentury modern stylings, seemingly inspired by a vintage issue of House Beautiful, that grown-ups will surely appreciate.—Publishers Weekly

A resource for the babysitter bookshelf and to prompt conversations about seeing beyond appearances.—Kirkus Reviews

When their parents go to the movies, a young girl and boy are left with a new babysitter who has more tricks up her sleeve than Mary Poppins. The sitter is an extraterrestrial who beamed down from a spaceship and demonstrates wonderful capabilities. . . . Children will wish their own sitters were a bit more outlandish. A super read-aloud selection to share one-on-one or with group, even at bedtime.—School Library Journal

Savage's digital illustrations in a subdued color palette enhance the tale's retro flair—The Horn Book