Karen's Surprise

Baby-Sitters Little Sister Graphic Novels #12

by Shauna J. Grant (Adapter), Ann M. Martin

Another graphic novel in this fun series spin-off of The Baby-sitters Club, adapted and illustrated by bestselling author and Mimi series creator Shauna J. Grant!Karen and her classmates are putting on a play about a grand Thanksgiving feast. She wants the starring role, of course, but she is given the worst part of all -- the Thanksgiving turkey! All she gets to do is walk across the stage in a big brown costume and say one or two lines.Will everyone laugh at Karen the Turkey? Not when they see her big surprise!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fiction, Holiday, Graphic Novels Comics, Comics, Childrens

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2026

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This summer release is weirdly all about Thanksgiving. At school, Karen’s class is planning a play about Thanksgiving. At home, her parents are fighting over who gets to have Karen and Andrew for the holiday. I distinctly remember the cover of the original book with their silly food costumes.

Dramatic Karen doesn’t get the part she wants in the play. She writes a poem to give herself a bigger part, and then plans a surprise dance solo as well. She is scolded by her teacher, but her family lavishes her with praise. Meanwhile, her parents decide to split their time with Karen and Andrew on Thanksgiving. Karen is excited to have two Thanksgivings, but eats so much she makes herself sick. Her parents apologize for being selfish and promise to be better coparents. Back at school, she lies to her classmates, pretending her Thanksgiving was great, to try and one up Pamela’s trip to fakeDisneyWorld.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nostalgia overload. The drawing style was enjoyable but the story was lacking due to omitting certain plot points from the original book. Probably due to controversial subject matter and copyright issues.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots happening in this one. Karen's in her class Thanksgiving play and she's upset that she's not the star so she makes it about herself by adding a little dance to her part. No harm done and she wasn't really punished. Then her two families fight over where and when to have Thanksgiving, so the 4-year-old and 7-year-old Andrew and Karen have to eat two full Thanksgiving dinners. They are overstimulated and sick and sleepy. Gladly, the parents acknowledged their mistake and promised not to do it again. It's nice how they show the struggles the kids have with their multiple families, even if they are privileged.

3 stars instead of 4 stars like the original. I don’t think this captured Karen’s emotions about being torn between her two families as well as the book did.

[Hope Burmeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another cute graphic novel in the Babysitters Little Sisters series. The most interesting part of the book was the “two thanksgivings in one day” storyline. It reminded me of having lunch at one house and dinner at another house on Christmas Day. I can relate to feeling full but as a child, you probably can’t control your portion size as well. The Thanksgiving play was slightly less interesting, especially how Karen selfishly took the limelight as usual. Another instance of Karen being Karen. Overall, it was a good read but not my favourite in the series.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my review of the novel from 2 years ago because my feelings still stand - Karen's parents suck!

Loved the art in this (and thought that Karen was ADORABLE in her little turkey costume) but I don't feel like the graphic version really focused on the play and Karen's extra verses in the song, so it wasn't abundantly clear that she was a stage-hog. But I still really liked this, it was a good adaptation.

[Jourdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a selfish act on the parents to have their kids go to two celebrations on the same day. But I’m glad Karen had fun at her play.

[Shelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

She definitely didn’t think it through how her surprise would be received, but that’s how children are. The child mindset was well-written.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who does go to two Thanksgivings, it’s not that great.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karens class is doing a school play for Thanksgiving and Karen is forced to play the role of Turkey so she Decides to spice it up. This was a very cute but very short read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story but I didn’t love this art style.

[Geiosh A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book so good I love going to my mom's house for Thanksgiving I love my brother picks me up and I get to eat my mom's food

[Kiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Thanksgiving dinners? Just the thought makes my stomach hurt! Poor Karen and Andrew, but at least the families talked it out in the end.