Families who loved Henry Reed's Baby-Sitting Service by Keith Robertson often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is starting to express a desire for more independence, asking to start a neighborhood job, or showing a keen interest in logic and problem-solving. It is a perfect fit for the child who enjoys a dry sense of humor and the satisfaction of a plan coming together (even if it takes a few unexpected turns). Set in a nostalgic suburban summer, the story follows Henry and his friend Midge as they launch a professional baby-sitting service. As they navigate the eccentricities of their young charges and even a stray peacock, children see a model of resilience and level-headedness. The book excels at validating a child's capability while acknowledging the chaotic reality of entrepreneurship. It is an excellent choice for building confidence and encouraging a growth mindset through a series of funny, relatable adventures. While written decades ago, the themes of teamwork and community responsibility remain deeply relevant for today's elementary and middle school readers.
