What Kind of Baby-Sitter Is This? — Dolores Johnson

PreS-Gr 2-- When his mother arranges for a baby-sitter to stay with him while she goes to school, Kevin wants no part of it. According to him, sitters only like to paint their toenails, talk on the phone, and read ``kissy-kissy'' books. Aunt Lovey, an older woman, doesn't quite conform to his expectations. While the boy sulks and waits for her to shower attention on him, she calmly turns on the TV; gets out her baseball pennant, hat, and cards; and begins cheering noisily for her team. Almost against his will, the youngster is drawn to this woman who shares his passion for baseball. By story's end, the two have become comfortable companions and Kevin asks his mother if his new friend can move in. The text and illustrations flow together smoothly as readers observe Kevin's change of heart. The watercolor and colored-pencil double-page spreads are uncluttered and focus attention on the African-American characters; Johnson is especially adept at capturing expressive faces. The gentle humor and reassuring tone will be appreciated by parents as well as children anticipating their next experience with a sitter. --Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI