A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting (Babysitter's Guide to Monsters #1)

A series opener that melds Goosebumps and The Baby-Sitters Club with ironic glue. 

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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"A nonstop thrillventure about how to overcome your monsters!"—John Lee, director of Pee Wee's Big Holiday