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The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels #19
Dawn on the Coast: A Graphic Novel
A Baby-sitters Club graphic novel adapted and illustrated by New York Times bestselling cartoonist Arley Nopra!Dawn can't wait for her trip to California. Aside from all the sun and fun, it's her first visit since her brother, Jeff, moved back to live with their dad. California is better than Dawn ever remembered it. The beaches are beautiful, the local theme park is a blast, and Dawn is enjoying all her favorite foods. Plus, Dawn's best friend, Sunny, has even started her own baby-sitting club! Things are going so well that Dawn begins to wonder if she might want to stay in California with her dad and Jeff.Dawn is a California girl at heart, but could she really leave Stoneybrook -- and her mom and The Baby-sitters Club -- for good?
192 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2026
352 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Want to Read
October 15, 2025This is a pre-read review: I Can't wait!!! I loved these in elementary school!!
April 24, 2026
Remember the Trip-man! #GCBSF
May 1, 2026
I don't think I've ever been all that subtle about Dawn being my favorite member of the BSC. Kid!me loved her with a fiery passion and adult!me has had time to admit that some of her detractors do have a few points, but since most of that nonsense doesn't really kick in til later in the series, I will still gladly defend her on nearly every hill. (Not Dawn Saves the Planet. Even I have my limits.)
None of that really matters here other than some of the seeds of what grownups don't like about the character are definitely planted here. Thing is, Dawn's thirteen (someone cue the clip of Luca's well deserved meltdown).
I'm getting ahead of myself. This is only Dawn's second graphic novel (howwwwwwwwww?), and a lot has changed since we last checked in with her. Her little brother, Jeff, has moved back to California to live with their dad and while Dawn's pretty settled in Stoneybrook, she can't wait to head back home to California to see the rest of her family and her friends for Spring Break. Well, Sunny, I guess, since we don't really see any of her other pre-BSC friends. She's a little worried about leaving her mom alone, and not just because she's not thrilled that Sharon is dating Trip again.
As a kid, the idea of sending a million and one postcards didn't strike me as the least bit odd, probably because kids love mail and now that I think about it, this series might be WHY I love postcards in particular? Anyway, Dawn writes some on the plane and this is how we'll keep up with the gang back in Stoneybrook.
Dawn finds herself happy as a clam once she lands back in California. Jeff's thrilled to see her and can't wait to head to Wander Land, which is a really thinly veiled version of Disneyland. Not sure why the change but here we are. I adore Jeff taking a million and one photos of Dawn everywhere and the art in this book is absolutely adorable. I bookmarked multiple instances of art I needed to go back to after I was finished.
After a full day at Wander Land, Sunny makes good on her surprise for Dawn and introduces her to the California branch of the BSC, the We ♥ Kids Club. At first Dawn's a little confused as to why Sunny's invited Maggie and Jill over since they weren't super close prior to Dawn's move, but then the club bit is dropped and Dawn is thrilled to hear all the similarities and is both thrilled and a little confused as to the differences. She loves the "Kids Can Cook... Naturally" book the WLK club has made but is thrown when there's no complicated scheduling after a parent calls for a sitter. Snacks are offered and are healthy and then the girls start talking about ghost story books and Dawn has a little "have I died and gone to Dawn heaven?" moment and it's adorable but also, Dawn? Claudia is always willing to engage in ghost story talk with you. Don't act like this is new. And she buys you healthy snacks! Still, I understand that there's a little bit of wonder when you think you've found YOUR people who get you on all the levels. Dawn even manages to book a sitting job with her old charges, Clover and Daffodil.
Yup, the girl is on cloud nine. We get some time back in Stoneybrook and then we join Dawn and her family/friends at the beach where Dawn tries to navigate the awkwardness of talking to one of your divorced parents about the other while not mentioning their new kinda partner. Dawn also finds herself in a weird mood and points to her dad for picking up on her being lonely back in Stoneybrook. (Fear not, Dawn, fate has something big planned!) Later, Dawn talks to her mom and realizes she feels weird but doesn't know what's wrong.
We get a sitting chapter with Clover and Daffodil and it turns out I had the ring toss scene burned into memory all these years later. Who knew?
Anyway, Dawn realizes she's homesick. Not for Stoneybrook, but for California. It's not until Sunny's mom invites her (and the rest of the club) to stay for dinner that it occurs to her that she could just... stay in California. Or at least move back, like Jeff did. She runs home and brings it up with her dad, who confirms that if that's something she truly wants to do, it should be possible to make it happen. Jeff is over the moon at the idea and my heart just... so cute, Jeff. So cute. Dawn tries to sort out her feelings by calling Mary Anne, but she's out. Turns out that Dawn's reason for not walking to turn to Sunny right away (that Sunny would immediately leap at the prospect of having her BFF move home and steamroll through anything Dawn actually might feel) is correct as Sunny does just that.
Dawn's smart enough to realize that a pro/con list might be a good start to sorting your feelings and thoughts on such a big matter, but it's not necessarily a one for one measurement. She eventually realizes that while she misses California, Stoneybrook is home. She levels with her dad, Jeff freaks out, and then she calls her mom and accidentally spills all her thoughts. Sharon may be a space cadet (really downplayed in this, btw), but she's not stupid. She knew full well that Dawn would seriously entertain the thought of moving back once she visited and even offers to let Dawn do just that in case that's what Dawn truly wants.
Dawn's spring break ends and we're treated to a really sweet thawing of Jeff's heart when he forgives Dawn for not staying with him, and finally Dawn returns home to Stoneybrook, her mom, and the BSC.
My only real quibble with this is that some of Dawn's internal monologue (like about her mom dating Trip) doesn't quite work here the way it does in the book and feels both clunky and not quite enough. Some things feel a bit rushed in a way I don't remember the book feeling, but I was also in elementary school when I first read it so who knows?
Solid story and the art's wonderful. Also, they didn't forget Dawn's freckles! This always makes me happy.
None of that really matters here other than some of the seeds of what grownups don't like about the character are definitely planted here. Thing is, Dawn's thirteen (someone cue the clip of Luca's well deserved meltdown).
I'm getting ahead of myself. This is only Dawn's second graphic novel (howwwwwwwwww?), and a lot has changed since we last checked in with her. Her little brother, Jeff, has moved back to California to live with their dad and while Dawn's pretty settled in Stoneybrook, she can't wait to head back home to California to see the rest of her family and her friends for Spring Break. Well, Sunny, I guess, since we don't really see any of her other pre-BSC friends. She's a little worried about leaving her mom alone, and not just because she's not thrilled that Sharon is dating Trip again.
As a kid, the idea of sending a million and one postcards didn't strike me as the least bit odd, probably because kids love mail and now that I think about it, this series might be WHY I love postcards in particular? Anyway, Dawn writes some on the plane and this is how we'll keep up with the gang back in Stoneybrook.
Dawn finds herself happy as a clam once she lands back in California. Jeff's thrilled to see her and can't wait to head to Wander Land, which is a really thinly veiled version of Disneyland. Not sure why the change but here we are. I adore Jeff taking a million and one photos of Dawn everywhere and the art in this book is absolutely adorable. I bookmarked multiple instances of art I needed to go back to after I was finished.
After a full day at Wander Land, Sunny makes good on her surprise for Dawn and introduces her to the California branch of the BSC, the We ♥ Kids Club. At first Dawn's a little confused as to why Sunny's invited Maggie and Jill over since they weren't super close prior to Dawn's move, but then the club bit is dropped and Dawn is thrilled to hear all the similarities and is both thrilled and a little confused as to the differences. She loves the "Kids Can Cook... Naturally" book the WLK club has made but is thrown when there's no complicated scheduling after a parent calls for a sitter. Snacks are offered and are healthy and then the girls start talking about ghost story books and Dawn has a little "have I died and gone to Dawn heaven?" moment and it's adorable but also, Dawn? Claudia is always willing to engage in ghost story talk with you. Don't act like this is new. And she buys you healthy snacks! Still, I understand that there's a little bit of wonder when you think you've found YOUR people who get you on all the levels. Dawn even manages to book a sitting job with her old charges, Clover and Daffodil.
Yup, the girl is on cloud nine. We get some time back in Stoneybrook and then we join Dawn and her family/friends at the beach where Dawn tries to navigate the awkwardness of talking to one of your divorced parents about the other while not mentioning their new kinda partner. Dawn also finds herself in a weird mood and points to her dad for picking up on her being lonely back in Stoneybrook. (Fear not, Dawn, fate has something big planned!) Later, Dawn talks to her mom and realizes she feels weird but doesn't know what's wrong.
We get a sitting chapter with Clover and Daffodil and it turns out I had the ring toss scene burned into memory all these years later. Who knew?
Anyway, Dawn realizes she's homesick. Not for Stoneybrook, but for California. It's not until Sunny's mom invites her (and the rest of the club) to stay for dinner that it occurs to her that she could just... stay in California. Or at least move back, like Jeff did. She runs home and brings it up with her dad, who confirms that if that's something she truly wants to do, it should be possible to make it happen. Jeff is over the moon at the idea and my heart just... so cute, Jeff. So cute. Dawn tries to sort out her feelings by calling Mary Anne, but she's out. Turns out that Dawn's reason for not walking to turn to Sunny right away (that Sunny would immediately leap at the prospect of having her BFF move home and steamroll through anything Dawn actually might feel) is correct as Sunny does just that.
Dawn's smart enough to realize that a pro/con list might be a good start to sorting your feelings and thoughts on such a big matter, but it's not necessarily a one for one measurement. She eventually realizes that while she misses California, Stoneybrook is home. She levels with her dad, Jeff freaks out, and then she calls her mom and accidentally spills all her thoughts. Sharon may be a space cadet (really downplayed in this, btw), but she's not stupid. She knew full well that Dawn would seriously entertain the thought of moving back once she visited and even offers to let Dawn do just that in case that's what Dawn truly wants.
Dawn's spring break ends and we're treated to a really sweet thawing of Jeff's heart when he forgives Dawn for not staying with him, and finally Dawn returns home to Stoneybrook, her mom, and the BSC.
My only real quibble with this is that some of Dawn's internal monologue (like about her mom dating Trip) doesn't quite work here the way it does in the book and feels both clunky and not quite enough. Some things feel a bit rushed in a way I don't remember the book feeling, but I was also in elementary school when I first read it so who knows?
Solid story and the art's wonderful. Also, they didn't forget Dawn's freckles! This always makes me happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
OKAY BUT THE COLOURS ON THIS ONE!!! *heart eyes* Like it made me want to move to California, it was GORGEOUS!!!! *more heart eyes*
I loved this. I cried, obviously (I am such a Mary Anne about these things!) and I just LOVED the way this book was adapted! But I really need to go back and reread the whole graphic novel series, because I don't remember when Jeff moved back to California (or if he was ever in Stoneybrook at all?)
I loved this. I cried, obviously (I am such a Mary Anne about these things!) and I just LOVED the way this book was adapted! But I really need to go back and reread the whole graphic novel series, because I don't remember when Jeff moved back to California (or if he was ever in Stoneybrook at all?)
May 3, 2026
Just like the original, this was a good one with Dawn torn between California and Connecticut, working through the feelings of figuring out where she belongs.
I was a little surprised that they didn't make Dawn's friends more diverse. Sunny is like an exact replica of Dawn. The graphic novels aren't as race-bending as the new TV show, but they mixed things up with some of the side characters (e.g. Logan), so I thought they could have done that here.
And the California artwork was beautiful, I think spot on and reminds me of the feeling of visiting CA.
I was a little surprised that they didn't make Dawn's friends more diverse. Sunny is like an exact replica of Dawn. The graphic novels aren't as race-bending as the new TV show, but they mixed things up with some of the side characters (e.g. Logan), so I thought they could have done that here.
And the California artwork was beautiful, I think spot on and reminds me of the feeling of visiting CA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2026
omg this book was AMAZING!! what a cute and fun story! I’ve always loved Dawn’s vibe and how carefree and loyal she can be to those who love her so I definitely enjoyed reading this book. I especially LOVED the coloring used in this book. The colors were just gorgeous!
p.s. can we talk about how damn hot and attractive Jack Shaffer (Dawn’s father) is?! also, I thought Dawn’s mom was dating Mary-Anne’s father..? WHO THE HECK IS TRIP?!
solid read 10/10 recommend
p.s. can we talk about how damn hot and attractive Jack Shaffer (Dawn’s father) is?! also, I thought Dawn’s mom was dating Mary-Anne’s father..? WHO THE HECK IS TRIP?!
solid read 10/10 recommend
Review of advance copy
I think my biggest thing with Dawn is that she probably CAN eat healthy food if she wants, like maybe it’s not as accessible as in California where she’s from but no one’s holding her hostage and making her eat junk food. But this was a good look at what it’s like to be a kid if divorce and your family is fully cut in half, I’m glad she stayed in Storybrook
April 30, 2026
This book definitely seemed more vibrant than other BSC graphic novels. Dawn visits her brother and father in CA and sees her bestie Sunny who has started her own Babysitting Club. Is Dawn better off staying in CA and leaving her mom and the BSC behind? Find out! This was a quick but fun read, and not a standout book but I loved the artwork. I think 10 year old me would have LOVED this!
May 9, 2026
Finally another Dawn adaptation! She was always my favorite for obvious reasons. I really enjoyed this, and it seemed weightier than some of the others. There is a lack of other BSC members, since Dawn spends most of the book in California. Also Wanderland…pretty sure she went to actual Disneyland in the chapter book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Scholastic sent me a copy pre publication. Another fun trip down memory lane with this book. This one really shows how kids can be torn between what feels like home when parents divorce and move far from each other.
April 30, 2026
I’ve read several BSC graphic novels and this is by far my favorite one. I loved the California setting and the overall story line. I couldn’t put it down. If you read any BSC graphic novel make sure this is the one you read!
Read
April 20, 2026Really good colors in this!!
April 20, 2026
A fun read.
April 22, 2026
Stopp this is one of the cuter ones in awhile! Although the main conflict was rushed, the rest was adorable and I love Dawn’s brother so much, he’s so cute
April 24, 2026
3.5 stars
April 24, 2026
I liked this book! It was really sweet and I can’t wait to read the next one when it comes out!
Read
April 27, 2026I want to be like Dawn when I grow up.
April 30, 2026
It must be hard to have your heart in two places,
two places called home, two sets of loved faces,
but love isn't divided between one place or two,
love is the gift you get for just being you.
two places called home, two sets of loved faces,
but love isn't divided between one place or two,
love is the gift you get for just being you.
May 1, 2026
4/5 stars
I love the colors
I love the colors
Read
May 2, 2026somehow they manage to make the kids look exponentially younger every book, even if they should be freshmen in high school but wtvr
May 2, 2026
Reliving my favorite childhood series through these fun graphic novels!
May 3, 2026
Another great installment!
May 7, 2026
I really like this book I love seeing her explore California but it was super cute at the end where they surprised her when she went home
May 7, 2026
I love Dawn. She's my favorite BSC member, after Mary Anne.
(I think she should have stayed in California).
Thank you Scholastic for the paperback copy!
(I think she should have stayed in California).
Thank you Scholastic for the paperback copy!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews