Families who loved Karen's Baby-sitter by Ann M. Martin 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 starts showing interest in 'crushes' or expresses anxiety about a change in their routine at home, such as a new babysitter. It provides a safe, humorous space to explore the fluttery feelings of a first attraction while validating the importance of trust and safety with caregivers. In this installment of the Little Sister series, Karen Brewer is surprised to find that her new babysitter is a boy named Toby. What begins as skepticism quickly turns into a major crush. As Karen tries to impress Toby, she navigates social awkwardness and the realization that even 'big kids' are just people who are there to help. This is an excellent choice for early elementary readers transitioning to chapter books, offering a gentle mirror for the growing pains of childhood and the dynamics of a blended family.