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The Baby-sitters Club Super Special Graphic Novels #1
Baby-sitters on Board!: A Graphic Novel
New York Times bestselling authors Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan team up and return to The Baby-sitters Club -- both Raina and Gale adapt and illustrate this super special graphic novel!
Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, Stacey, Dawn, Mallory, and Jessi are the luckiest baby-sitters in the world. This summer, they're going on what is sure to be the best vacation ever: a plane ride to Florida, a cruise to the Bahamas on an extravagant ship, and then back to Florida for three days of fun at a huge amusement park!
The BSC has a million adventures, of course. And they still have time for what they like best of all -- baby-sitting!
Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, Stacey, Dawn, Mallory, and Jessi are the luckiest baby-sitters in the world. This summer, they're going on what is sure to be the best vacation ever: a plane ride to Florida, a cruise to the Bahamas on an extravagant ship, and then back to Florida for three days of fun at a huge amusement park!
The BSC has a million adventures, of course. And they still have time for what they like best of all -- baby-sitting!
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 22, 2026
I read this while waiting for my photo op with Raina Telgemeier, Gale Galligan, and Arley Nopra at the Baby-sitters on Board! Book Tour, so I didn't really give it my full attention like this book deserved. But it was wonderful!! The story was fun, and I didn't find the changes from the original book glaringly obvious (like Jessi being in this book - it's just unfortunate that she didn't get her own storyline.) I also found that it flowed quite nicely, despite being drawn by two different illustrators. There's the subtle differences in their styles, but it wasn't jarring when reading the book. And I loved that! More Super Special adaptations by the BSC graphic novel authors teaming up!!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Okay. I have to admit it. Not a fan of the Baby-Sitters Club books. Now, now. I know there are a lot of people who LOVE these books. They're not bad. They just came out when I was in college, and I feel about them the same way I feel about the Smurfs, Cabbage Patch Kids, and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. It's for kids, so therefore it's bad.
As for the graphic novels, I'm biased against adaptations of original works. I bought the first three BSC novels, and they get checked out occasionally. My students LOVE the graphic novels, but I... just don't. They feel forty years old in some very important ways. There is some updating that would help..
I'm also too old to fully appreciate a Super Special Edition. I'm always confused about where in the series the Hunter's Warriors super specials should be read. I vaguely recall my own children getting enthused about Applegate's Animorphs ones.
But here we go. All the love in the world to Ann M. Martin and all of the 45 year old fans of this series. Don't mean to yuck your yum. I'm just old enough that I still think Louisa May Alcott ROCKS.
September 15, 2026 by Graphix
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
After Mallory's father wins a four day cruise and three days at Wander World, a whole bunch of the Baby-Sitters Club girls and their siblings get to go. Mary Ann and Stacy are supposed to be babysitting the younger children. Dawn, Kristy and Claudia are sharing a room, and having a battle over neat vs. messy. Mallory and Jessi, inspired by Harriet the Spy, wander around taking notes on other people on the cruise. Claudia has a secret admirer, Stacey meets a young boy, Marc, who is in a wheelchair because of a heart problem, and Dawn meets Parker and starts a sweet romance. Mary Ann meets Alex, a glamorous orphan who may or may not be telling the truth. Some of the younger brothers find a treasure map and are determined to follow it. The girls have BSC meetings, and their primary focus is to find a thank you gift for the parents for being nice enough to take them on the trip. This is a fairly long graphic novel (320 pages!) so there is a lot going on!
I can only imagine that the original book was inspired by The Love Boat, which went off the air in 1986. That show is definitely the reason I would love to go on a cruise one day. I was a little confused as to when this book was set; the girls all seem to have cameras from about 1995, but one of the characters has parents who are celebrity podcasters. The romances are a bit better that Boy-Crazy Stacy. Fans of the series are probably glad of these brief glimpses of their favorite characters having an adventure. It was nice that the girls wanted to make a thank you present.
There are at least twenty of these graphic novel adaptations, but I stopped buying them after Boy-Crazy Stacy. I haven't bought any of the Little Sister books. Karen is amusing, but in a rather disturbing way. In this book, she has quite the plan to use "charge it to the room".
As for the graphic novels, I'm biased against adaptations of original works. I bought the first three BSC novels, and they get checked out occasionally. My students LOVE the graphic novels, but I... just don't. They feel forty years old in some very important ways. There is some updating that would help..
I'm also too old to fully appreciate a Super Special Edition. I'm always confused about where in the series the Hunter's Warriors super specials should be read. I vaguely recall my own children getting enthused about Applegate's Animorphs ones.
But here we go. All the love in the world to Ann M. Martin and all of the 45 year old fans of this series. Don't mean to yuck your yum. I'm just old enough that I still think Louisa May Alcott ROCKS.
September 15, 2026 by Graphix
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
After Mallory's father wins a four day cruise and three days at Wander World, a whole bunch of the Baby-Sitters Club girls and their siblings get to go. Mary Ann and Stacy are supposed to be babysitting the younger children. Dawn, Kristy and Claudia are sharing a room, and having a battle over neat vs. messy. Mallory and Jessi, inspired by Harriet the Spy, wander around taking notes on other people on the cruise. Claudia has a secret admirer, Stacey meets a young boy, Marc, who is in a wheelchair because of a heart problem, and Dawn meets Parker and starts a sweet romance. Mary Ann meets Alex, a glamorous orphan who may or may not be telling the truth. Some of the younger brothers find a treasure map and are determined to follow it. The girls have BSC meetings, and their primary focus is to find a thank you gift for the parents for being nice enough to take them on the trip. This is a fairly long graphic novel (320 pages!) so there is a lot going on!
I can only imagine that the original book was inspired by The Love Boat, which went off the air in 1986. That show is definitely the reason I would love to go on a cruise one day. I was a little confused as to when this book was set; the girls all seem to have cameras from about 1995, but one of the characters has parents who are celebrity podcasters. The romances are a bit better that Boy-Crazy Stacy. Fans of the series are probably glad of these brief glimpses of their favorite characters having an adventure. It was nice that the girls wanted to make a thank you present.
There are at least twenty of these graphic novel adaptations, but I stopped buying them after Boy-Crazy Stacy. I haven't bought any of the Little Sister books. Karen is amusing, but in a rather disturbing way. In this book, she has quite the plan to use "charge it to the room".
September 18, 2026
It was a great book. I also liked that instead of it being one person as the narrator through the whole book it changed per chapter, unlike the other babysitters club books. The epilogue made me feel so happy. I’m Ellie and I’m 9.
October 8, 2026
OH MY GOODNESS OKAY! I was SOOSO excited to read this when I saw we were getting a collab book with my TWO FAVORITE artists for the series, AND- It was a Super Special?! I thought those would never get adapted- bro, I was just SO happy! 😭💕
For context, I’ve never read the novels… I’m a graphic novel fan! So!
Let’s talk about a few things, shall we?
First off… The book was REALLY fun and cozy. It was chunky and took me almost an hour to read? It was AT LEAST over double the length of a normal BSC book! I LOVED the way the plot lines fit together, although… Sometimes they were a slight bit confusing! But it wasn’t too bad lol.
The two art styles are VERY different, like, honestly it’s pretty crazy LOL. I LOVED seeing Raina draw the BSC girls again, like the nostalgia? But also…. Something about her style has changed, no? I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but something really is different. As for Gale’s art, OH MY GOODNESS IT WAS SO CUTE?? The… ‘cinematic close ups’ of Stacy and Claudia?! STUNNING! Like actually they looked SOO pretty I COULD NOT 😭 They added to the drama/cuteness of their respective scenes. Also, Mary-Anne has always looked the cutest in this style. I think it’s her true potential like fr, she looks so tiny and cute LOL
As for the special ‘boat characters’! I REALLY LOVED THE OLD MAN! His story was so sweet and cute but also down to earth! Like it didn’t feel so ‘crazy’ or unrealistic. On the other hand, Alex and Timothy… *sigh* Okay, so like when I FIRST saw Alex?! Super cute, pretty, I was really interested in her story! I liked her personality and everything though, but… it was just very strange hahaha!
And as for Parker, he was very meh. Average love interest haha nothing special. And Marc was so cute T^T My heart actually kind of did hurt for him! His story felt real!
Other random thoughts:
Kristy and Dawn’s fight was kinda over the top and strange. Like… why?
Karen’s whole ‘charge it to my cabin’ thing was hilarious. I will forever be cringed by Karen, but I also low-key love her lol!
The treasure map thing was really silly HAHA
What time period are we in?? It’s like there is a mix of modern things and older things! Like, Alex mentioned that her brother says her new hair looks horrible, and Mary-Anne assumes that means he’s on the ship. But like, he could’ve seen a picture? Unless we’re back in time? And I saw reviews mention that there are actually cell phones in this book, so like what?!
I honestly don’t know what else to say… there was SO MUCH to cover. I don’t think I can cover it all!
Just know this book made me really happy! I think everyone working on it did great!
(This book contains: romance, hand holding, kissing on head and cheek, talk of dating. Kids throwing up (somewhat off screen, but still slightly triggering for some). A boy has a heart condition, Stacy’s diabetes is mentioned. Karen thinks a ghost is following her. I would give this book an age rating of 10+!)
For context, I’ve never read the novels… I’m a graphic novel fan! So!
Let’s talk about a few things, shall we?
First off… The book was REALLY fun and cozy. It was chunky and took me almost an hour to read? It was AT LEAST over double the length of a normal BSC book! I LOVED the way the plot lines fit together, although… Sometimes they were a slight bit confusing! But it wasn’t too bad lol.
The two art styles are VERY different, like, honestly it’s pretty crazy LOL. I LOVED seeing Raina draw the BSC girls again, like the nostalgia? But also…. Something about her style has changed, no? I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but something really is different. As for Gale’s art, OH MY GOODNESS IT WAS SO CUTE?? The… ‘cinematic close ups’ of Stacy and Claudia?! STUNNING! Like actually they looked SOO pretty I COULD NOT 😭 They added to the drama/cuteness of their respective scenes. Also, Mary-Anne has always looked the cutest in this style. I think it’s her true potential like fr, she looks so tiny and cute LOL
As for the special ‘boat characters’! I REALLY LOVED THE OLD MAN! His story was so sweet and cute but also down to earth! Like it didn’t feel so ‘crazy’ or unrealistic. On the other hand, Alex and Timothy… *sigh* Okay, so like when I FIRST saw Alex?! Super cute, pretty, I was really interested in her story! I liked her personality and everything though, but… it was just very strange hahaha!
And as for Parker, he was very meh. Average love interest haha nothing special. And Marc was so cute T^T My heart actually kind of did hurt for him! His story felt real!
Other random thoughts:
Kristy and Dawn’s fight was kinda over the top and strange. Like… why?
Karen’s whole ‘charge it to my cabin’ thing was hilarious. I will forever be cringed by Karen, but I also low-key love her lol!
The treasure map thing was really silly HAHA
What time period are we in?? It’s like there is a mix of modern things and older things! Like, Alex mentioned that her brother says her new hair looks horrible, and Mary-Anne assumes that means he’s on the ship. But like, he could’ve seen a picture? Unless we’re back in time? And I saw reviews mention that there are actually cell phones in this book, so like what?!
I honestly don’t know what else to say… there was SO MUCH to cover. I don’t think I can cover it all!
Just know this book made me really happy! I think everyone working on it did great!
(This book contains: romance, hand holding, kissing on head and cheek, talk of dating. Kids throwing up (somewhat off screen, but still slightly triggering for some). A boy has a heart condition, Stacy’s diabetes is mentioned. Karen thinks a ghost is following her. I would give this book an age rating of 10+!)
October 26, 2026
2.75/5 5.5/10 This had a lot of storylines, but I'm still going to try and write a mini review for each sitter (except Mallory & Jessi will be grouped together) and each important storyline. Overall review at the bottom!
➴ Dawn's Story 4 Dawn had two storylines, one romance and one with Kristy. Her romance, with a guy named Parker, was weird. It seemed like he would be the stowaway, and . Also, it seemed like for a change of pace, they tried out having someone else be distracted by a boy. Her storyline with Kristy was mostly about Kristy, so more on that later.
➴ Mary Anne's Story 4 Mary Anne has to do a lot of tiring babysitting, and I felt for her. She also meets a mysterious girl named Alex, who is an interesting spin on the lying girl trope that is repeated in the series time and time again. I like Mary Anne's reaction, but
➴ The Stowaway 2 Having a stowaway seemed to me like really low-hanging fruit for a book set on ship, and also unrealistic, Genuinely was just there to keep the Pike boys busy and for the running gag.
➴ Mallory & Jessi's Story 5 OMG these two! They have a spy book inspired by Harriet the Spy (love when a classic is referenced in a book!) and are just hanging out together. Mallory thinks that her idol is on the cruise with them, and they help uncover some mysteries.
➴ Karen's Story 4 Adorable rich kid hijinks.
➴ Claudia's Story 3 Claudia gets stuck in between Kristy and Dawn and peacekeeps. She also has a secret admirer, which was cute I guess?
➴ Stacey's Story 4 Stacey is doing the excessive all day sitting with Mary Anne and meets Marc, a young boy in a wheelchair with a heart condition. This storyline was great and Marc is so precious, I liked that she didn't have a love interest for once.
➴ Kristy's Story 3 Kristy clashes with Dawn because she is a slob and Dawn is very neat. However, she takes it very far and This was an interesting continuation of Dawn & Kristy's shaky relationship, but I didn't like how Kristy acted and Kristy's other plotline is with a grumpy old man, who she .
Overall Thoughts This was okay, wouldn't really recommend unless you're a diehard BSC fan. The resolution felt rushed and weird, and there was not a ton of wholesome togetherness like there usually is. It was cool how the Pikes paid for it all, and how the two artists (Raina Telgemier and Gale Galligan) worked together, switching chapters/perspectives, but I wished they could have also worked with some of the artists who drew the later graphic novels in the series, like Chan Chau.
Content warnings: Vomiting (kinda offscreen) Kissing & Holding Hands, Grief,
This book's feel is: 🛥❤🌪🎭.
--
--Maria W.
Pre-Read
Excited for this! Already read the original and planning to write mini reviews for each sitter's storyline or just one for every major storyline, similar to what I did for my review of The Baby-sitters Club Fan Edition (my review here).
➴ Dawn's Story 4 Dawn had two storylines, one romance and one with Kristy. Her romance, with a guy named Parker, was weird. It seemed like he would be the stowaway, and . Also, it seemed like for a change of pace, they tried out having someone else be distracted by a boy. Her storyline with Kristy was mostly about Kristy, so more on that later.
➴ Mary Anne's Story 4 Mary Anne has to do a lot of tiring babysitting, and I felt for her. She also meets a mysterious girl named Alex, who is an interesting spin on the lying girl trope that is repeated in the series time and time again. I like Mary Anne's reaction, but
➴ The Stowaway 2 Having a stowaway seemed to me like really low-hanging fruit for a book set on ship, and also unrealistic, Genuinely was just there to keep the Pike boys busy and for the running gag.
➴ Mallory & Jessi's Story 5 OMG these two! They have a spy book inspired by Harriet the Spy (love when a classic is referenced in a book!) and are just hanging out together. Mallory thinks that her idol is on the cruise with them, and they help uncover some mysteries.
➴ Karen's Story 4 Adorable rich kid hijinks.
➴ Claudia's Story 3 Claudia gets stuck in between Kristy and Dawn and peacekeeps. She also has a secret admirer, which was cute I guess?
➴ Stacey's Story 4 Stacey is doing the excessive all day sitting with Mary Anne and meets Marc, a young boy in a wheelchair with a heart condition. This storyline was great and Marc is so precious, I liked that she didn't have a love interest for once.
➴ Kristy's Story 3 Kristy clashes with Dawn because she is a slob and Dawn is very neat. However, she takes it very far and This was an interesting continuation of Dawn & Kristy's shaky relationship, but I didn't like how Kristy acted and Kristy's other plotline is with a grumpy old man, who she .
Overall Thoughts This was okay, wouldn't really recommend unless you're a diehard BSC fan. The resolution felt rushed and weird, and there was not a ton of wholesome togetherness like there usually is. It was cool how the Pikes paid for it all, and how the two artists (Raina Telgemier and Gale Galligan) worked together, switching chapters/perspectives, but I wished they could have also worked with some of the artists who drew the later graphic novels in the series, like Chan Chau.
Content warnings: Vomiting (kinda offscreen) Kissing & Holding Hands, Grief,
This book's feel is: 🛥❤🌪🎭.
--
--Maria W.
Pre-Read
Excited for this! Already read the original and planning to write mini reviews for each sitter's storyline or just one for every major storyline, similar to what I did for my review of The Baby-sitters Club Fan Edition (my review here).
October 19, 2026
There were some obvious differences between the graphic novel and the original (such as changing Disney World to Wander World, adding Jessi to the group, and making Alexandra Carmody's parents podcasters/web series hosts instead of movie stars) but they worked for this adaptation. It's fun to see what changes and what stays the same between versions. Regardless, I'll keep reading these as long as they keep getting published!
October 8, 2026
Ok, I haven’t enjoyed Babysitters Club as much as I did when I was younger in a while. I was so excited when this addition came out, created by what I believe to be the two best adapters.
This book is really cool. It’s a lot thicker than a normal Babysitters Club book, and there are many interesting plot points. Every chapter is narrated by a different girl from the club, including chapters from Karen and Byron’s POVs. Every narrator has one of the adapters, for instance, Telgemiere would always illustrate Dawn’s POV. It is not jarring, though, and even though the styles are different, they completely each other well.
This book was so fun. It was nostalgic (I grew up with Babysitters Club graphic novels) and refreshing to have a positive addition to the series. It feels authentic. The adaptions haven’t been good in a while, and this is one is fantastic. This is Babysitters Club at its best.
This book is really cool. It’s a lot thicker than a normal Babysitters Club book, and there are many interesting plot points. Every chapter is narrated by a different girl from the club, including chapters from Karen and Byron’s POVs. Every narrator has one of the adapters, for instance, Telgemiere would always illustrate Dawn’s POV. It is not jarring, though, and even though the styles are different, they completely each other well.
This book was so fun. It was nostalgic (I grew up with Babysitters Club graphic novels) and refreshing to have a positive addition to the series. It feels authentic. The adaptions haven’t been good in a while, and this is one is fantastic. This is Babysitters Club at its best.
October 11, 2026
Again, a nostalgic read and I really enjoyed the different storylines.
I will say that this one had me thinking about the privilege of all these girls, and about how Dawn got mad at Kristy, even though it's only because of their friendship & Kristy's stepdad that Dawn is even there. Which is definitely a part of the story I never thought about when I was younger.
I will say that this one had me thinking about the privilege of all these girls, and about how Dawn got mad at Kristy, even though it's only because of their friendship & Kristy's stepdad that Dawn is even there. Which is definitely a part of the story I never thought about when I was younger.
October 31, 2026
The first graphic novel Super Special! It was cute and I liked that we got to spend time with each girl (true to the format of the original Super Specials).
Can’t wait to read more of these — and I can’t wait to see Stacey and Sam together!!!!
Can’t wait to read more of these — and I can’t wait to see Stacey and Sam together!!!!
September 23, 2026
It gave me teary at the end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2026
The BSC takes a cruise vacation together and shenanigans ensue with a great cast of characters!
November 2, 2026
Loved the romance, secrecy, and drama.
September 24, 2026
Aaaaahhhh! I loved this book just as much as I loved all of the other baby sitter graphic novels, such a good story and super cute illustrations😍. Also this book was drawn by my two favorite artists.
October 2, 2026
I was really excited to see how they adapted a super special BSC book, but I don’t think it works as well as the regular books. There’s just so much going on and so many points-of-view that things get muddled or confusing.
It was fun to compare the Wander World rides to Disney. I don’t think I ever read the original and now I kind of want to?
It was fun to compare the Wander World rides to Disney. I don’t think I ever read the original and now I kind of want to?
September 27, 2026
So, I was 9 when the original came out and it was my introduction to Disney World and to cruises. I flipping ADORED this book. Karen's trip to the salon for a manicure? I swooned. Karen seeing a ghost in her Doom Buggy at the Haunted Mansion and imagining that it stayed with her? Masterpiece. Sophisticated and gorgeous orphan tween and a secret admirer? I read this book so many times, it hit my id over and over and over.
So, this was delightful and also I am disappointed, ha! Karen's manicure scene was still adorable and glamorous. But they cut the ghost! There's only one line of Kristy saying that Karen thinks a ghost is following her. Crushing. I did like that AMM adapted and updated the text herself, though I wish some of the plotlines hadn't disappeared for so long in so many cases.
Also, they weren't allowed to use Disney World this time! It was Wander World, and it was a lot of fun seeing the changes to the rides, stores, and areas. I kept reading it as Wonder World, though, which I think would have been better name, lol.
So, this was delightful and also I am disappointed, ha! Karen's manicure scene was still adorable and glamorous. But they cut the ghost! There's only one line of Kristy saying that Karen thinks a ghost is following her. Crushing. I did like that AMM adapted and updated the text herself, though I wish some of the plotlines hadn't disappeared for so long in so many cases.
Also, they weren't allowed to use Disney World this time! It was Wander World, and it was a lot of fun seeing the changes to the rides, stores, and areas. I kept reading it as Wonder World, though, which I think would have been better name, lol.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Ann M Martin gave readers the very first Babysitter’s Club (BSC) book in 1986 and by the time the original series, written in prose, was finished, there were 131 installments and plenty of spin off titles. Then in 2006, Raina Telgemeier adapted that first title, Kristy’s Great Idea, into graphic novel format and a whole new generation of readers discovered this group of girls who helped each other deal with all manner of situations that come up when babysitting. Many of those have gone back to find the titles in prose form and readers of the original BSC have read the new format with a great sense of nostalgia.
This first Super Special Edition BSC puts all seven girls on a fabulous cruise and theme park and each one has a different adventure amid the fun and babysitting-a secret admirer, helping a older widowed man smile again, befriending a young boy about to have a serious surgery, showing a crush that his new step family could be a good thing, finding (and forgiving) a new friend, and more. There is friendship drama, some romance, and a variety of childcare scenarios.
The changing perspectives and intertwining storylines of the girls did get a little convoluted at times, but with the chapter headings clearing noting which girl was telling her story and the illustrated chart of all seven kept things pretty straight in my mind. Likely that readers who are already familiar with each babysitter’s appearance and personality won’t have any trouble keeping the threads straight.
This is definitely a first choice purchase for library graphic novel sections.
Age range: grade 4-6
Profanity: none
Violence: none
Sexual content: none (Some handholding and two kisses, one on the cheek and the other on closed lips)
Representation: Jessi is Black and the other babysitters are White; Marc and his family are Black; random shipboard and amusement park guests are diverse; wide variety of family configurations including divorced with step-children, widowed, one to seven child homes;
LBGTQ+: none
Note: Year of this updated Babysitter’s Club special edition is unclear. Smart phones were not regularly used until 2000-2010ish but Alex is clearly using one to input MaryAnne’s contact info while picture taking was all being done with cameras and photos were not easily shared/printed or sent to a photo album-making business. Also, Stacey is a diabetic who uses insulin shots and pricks her finger to test her blood sugar rather than using an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitoring. By the time frame of smartphones, it is the rare young diabetic who isn’t using at least one of those advances in the disease. That puts the time period of the book more in the 80s-90s, more in line with the time period of the original series.
Thanks for a print arc, Scholastic!
This first Super Special Edition BSC puts all seven girls on a fabulous cruise and theme park and each one has a different adventure amid the fun and babysitting-a secret admirer, helping a older widowed man smile again, befriending a young boy about to have a serious surgery, showing a crush that his new step family could be a good thing, finding (and forgiving) a new friend, and more. There is friendship drama, some romance, and a variety of childcare scenarios.
The changing perspectives and intertwining storylines of the girls did get a little convoluted at times, but with the chapter headings clearing noting which girl was telling her story and the illustrated chart of all seven kept things pretty straight in my mind. Likely that readers who are already familiar with each babysitter’s appearance and personality won’t have any trouble keeping the threads straight.
This is definitely a first choice purchase for library graphic novel sections.
Age range: grade 4-6
Profanity: none
Violence: none
Sexual content: none (Some handholding and two kisses, one on the cheek and the other on closed lips)
Representation: Jessi is Black and the other babysitters are White; Marc and his family are Black; random shipboard and amusement park guests are diverse; wide variety of family configurations including divorced with step-children, widowed, one to seven child homes;
LBGTQ+: none
Note: Year of this updated Babysitter’s Club special edition is unclear. Smart phones were not regularly used until 2000-2010ish but Alex is clearly using one to input MaryAnne’s contact info while picture taking was all being done with cameras and photos were not easily shared/printed or sent to a photo album-making business. Also, Stacey is a diabetic who uses insulin shots and pricks her finger to test her blood sugar rather than using an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitoring. By the time frame of smartphones, it is the rare young diabetic who isn’t using at least one of those advances in the disease. That puts the time period of the book more in the 80s-90s, more in line with the time period of the original series.
Thanks for a print arc, Scholastic!
September 26, 2026
I was so incredibly excited to get to read this particular graphic novel adaptation, based on my absolute favorite Baby-Sitter's Club book of all time. This book is probably at least partly why I love Disney parks so much. So imagine my disappointment to discover that they don't actually go to Disney World anymore. Instead, they're at Wander World, which is just very clearly vintage Disney World and Epcot with the serial numbers lightly filed off. This is probably at least partly to avoid using Disney's trademarks and such, but also because this version of the parks mostly doesn't exist anymore. Nor does the exact vacation the baby-sitters go on. They're doing a specific vacation package that splits their time between the now defunct Big Red Boat and Disney World. To be clear, you can book a vacation that does this, but back then it would have been much more common for passengers on the cruise ship to continue to the parks and stay in the same hotel for the same amount of time. Is the original book an ad for a Big Red Boat/Disney vacation? Maybe.
Anyways. This book. I was happy to see that I loved it every bit as much as I had the first time I read it. Is that partly because I loved see the vintage Disney references? Yes. I have no shame. But I do think it's a fun book in its own right. Each baby-sitter, including Mallory and Jessi, get some kind of plotline, and I thought most of them were really good reads. I didn't love Karen's chapter, but I don't care for Karen. At least it was short! Is this book sometimes weird about tech? Absolutely. This series could never decide if it's set in a world with smartphones. That doesn't generally bother me anymore.
Anyways. This book. I was happy to see that I loved it every bit as much as I had the first time I read it. Is that partly because I loved see the vintage Disney references? Yes. I have no shame. But I do think it's a fun book in its own right. Each baby-sitter, including Mallory and Jessi, get some kind of plotline, and I thought most of them were really good reads. I didn't love Karen's chapter, but I don't care for Karen. At least it was short! Is this book sometimes weird about tech? Absolutely. This series could never decide if it's set in a world with smartphones. That doesn't generally bother me anymore.
November 2, 2026
What an amazing adaptation!
A few random notes:
In the original novel, Mallory isn't in the club yet and Jessi hasn't moved to Stoneybrook yet. In this version they're both there, but no explanation is given as to why Mal isn't helping with her siblings. And poor Jessi gets no storyline at all.
Alex's parents are changed to famous podcasters. Just... why? Wouldn't movie stars have still worked?
Disney World is Wander World again, just like in "Dawn on the Coast". It made me miss the nostalgic feeling of the original ride descriptions.
As such, Karen's entire side plot with the ghost from Haunted Mansion is eliminated, which... good. We do still get the chapter where she sneaks off for a manicure, but this time they actually call Watson who immediately gives permission. The fact that she never apologizes to Kristy still bugs me, though.
Marc broke my heart even more "seeing" him in this book than reading about him in the original!
I bet Mr. Pike's company was furious when they found out they had to send him and EIGHT CHILDREN on a cruise, when single Phil from Accounting would have been a much cheaper ticket.
A few random notes:
In the original novel, Mallory isn't in the club yet and Jessi hasn't moved to Stoneybrook yet. In this version they're both there, but no explanation is given as to why Mal isn't helping with her siblings. And poor Jessi gets no storyline at all.
Alex's parents are changed to famous podcasters. Just... why? Wouldn't movie stars have still worked?
Disney World is Wander World again, just like in "Dawn on the Coast". It made me miss the nostalgic feeling of the original ride descriptions.
As such, Karen's entire side plot with the ghost from Haunted Mansion is eliminated, which... good. We do still get the chapter where she sneaks off for a manicure, but this time they actually call Watson who immediately gives permission. The fact that she never apologizes to Kristy still bugs me, though.
Marc broke my heart even more "seeing" him in this book than reading about him in the original!
I bet Mr. Pike's company was furious when they found out they had to send him and EIGHT CHILDREN on a cruise, when single Phil from Accounting would have been a much cheaper ticket.
September 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this graphic novel! It's one of the longest graphic novels I've read, but I think it was well-done and necessary in order to fully cover each sub-plot. Graphic novel adaptions often feel like they are too simplified compared to the original book, but this one didn't feel that way. To be honest, I don't remember reading the original series when I was growing up even though I know they were very popular at the time. This graphic novel version didn't feel outdated though so I think it is a great way to get this generation interested in the series. I loved that each chapter was from a different character's perspective and their adventures were interwoven together. This was very engaging and I found myself invested in all of the adventures and mysteriousness happening. I also really appreciated the representation in this book, especially Marc with his wheelchair and heart problem, and Stacey with her diabetes. This book has definitely gotten me interested in reading the rest of the series!
November 3, 2026
Generally I feel like you can jump into this graphic novel series at any point and enjoy them as stand-alone stories, this one’s sort of an exception to that, with twenty-three characters on this vacation together, that’s a lot of names and illustrated faces to keep track of, so it might help if you have at least a little knowledge of The Babysitter’s Club going into this one.
The chapters alternate between the girls and there’s a good variety to their storylines, a couple romances, a friendship tested by living with each other’s quirks, etc., it’s mostly light stuff, but in the two areas where this does venture into heavier territory, an elderly man grieving his wife, and a boy with a heart condition, the emotion though only briefly touched on, was nicely conveyed.
This reminded me of when sitcoms in the 80’s and 90’s traveled to places like Paris or Disneyland, there’s just something extra fun about being with familiar characters outside of their usual environment.
The chapters alternate between the girls and there’s a good variety to their storylines, a couple romances, a friendship tested by living with each other’s quirks, etc., it’s mostly light stuff, but in the two areas where this does venture into heavier territory, an elderly man grieving his wife, and a boy with a heart condition, the emotion though only briefly touched on, was nicely conveyed.
This reminded me of when sitcoms in the 80’s and 90’s traveled to places like Paris or Disneyland, there’s just something extra fun about being with familiar characters outside of their usual environment.
September 22, 2026
Yeah this was fun. Nice to see Telgemeier and Galligan return given they were both the first two artist who did the graphic novels, and could arguably be called responsible for it's popularity over a decade later. I will say the Super Special gimmick loses some charm in graphic novel form given we're not directly in the girls heads unlike the normal books, compare to the Megamorph books in the Animorph series. Still they nail the vibes Cruise and trip to legally distinct Disney World, certainly tickled my nostalgia for similar trips in my past. Plus all the girls getting their own little arcs is fun, except Jessi who unfortunately gets stuck once more with "You weren't in this book originally so you get put with Mallory and her plot"
September 30, 2026
This middle-grade graphic novel throwback is just plain fun. Told through multiple viewpoints, the Super Special lets each girl have her own little adventure while still keeping that familiar Baby-Sitters Club friendship at the center. Claudia’s secret admirer, Dawn’s romance, new friends, travel mishaps—a LOT is happening in this 300+ page book! No worries, the graphic style keeps everything moving just fine. The characters are what make it work; they’re different enough that every perspective feels fresh. It’s definitely nostalgic, but that added to the charm. The ending left me smiling and ready for another BSC adventure while me and my BFF’s are vacationing like these babysitters!
September 30, 2026
My 8yo and I couldn’t wait to get our hands on this graphic novel from the local library. We both LOVED this vacation adventure for all of the BSC members that involved a cruise and a trip to an amusement park. The side characters are excellent: from a couple boy crushes (so many squeals and giggles!) to a crotchety old man-turned-friend to a young boy confined to a wheelchair because of a debilitating heart condition. My daughter and I kept wanting to read “just one more” chapter told from alternating characters POV. This book and its colorful, perfect illustrations exceeded our high expectations.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
ARC courtesy of Edelweiss.
The original was always my favorite BSC Super Special - the BSC and a trip to Florida, perfect combo of my younger self's interests. (I still think about Karen and the HM ghost following her home!) This graphic novel adaptation does the original book justice and fans of all ages will enjoy it. It's not a one-to-one adaptation but still captures the fun, mystery, and heart of the original book. Telgemeier and Galligan's styles go together wonderfully. Can't wait to buy a copy when it comes out later this year. :)
The original was always my favorite BSC Super Special - the BSC and a trip to Florida, perfect combo of my younger self's interests. (I still think about Karen and the HM ghost following her home!) This graphic novel adaptation does the original book justice and fans of all ages will enjoy it. It's not a one-to-one adaptation but still captures the fun, mystery, and heart of the original book. Telgemeier and Galligan's styles go together wonderfully. Can't wait to buy a copy when it comes out later this year. :)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review based on ARC from publisher at ALA.
Fans of BSC are going to love this super special storyline!
They’re headed on a cruise to the Bahamas and then to Florida for 3 days at an enormous amusement park. The trip involves, of course, babysitting, but also arguments between Dawn and Kristi over a neat vs. messy room, a secret admirer for Claudia, Mallory and Jessi spying on other cruise members, a treasure map, a sweet romance for Dawn, and a new friend who doesn’t seem to be telling the truth for Mary Ann.
Releases September 15th, and I’m excited to see the final art in color!
Fans of BSC are going to love this super special storyline!
They’re headed on a cruise to the Bahamas and then to Florida for 3 days at an enormous amusement park. The trip involves, of course, babysitting, but also arguments between Dawn and Kristi over a neat vs. messy room, a secret admirer for Claudia, Mallory and Jessi spying on other cruise members, a treasure map, a sweet romance for Dawn, and a new friend who doesn’t seem to be telling the truth for Mary Ann.
Releases September 15th, and I’m excited to see the final art in color!
September 16, 2026
I was very excited as other adults were when we heard the news of this book at a "Meet the author" with Raina in the spring. O went out and bought this the day it came out. Fun read, I've enjoyed all of the BSC GNs. I love both of the artists art and writing in these adaptations so it was fun to see them combine! I liked that each chapter was from a different character's point of view. It's always fun to grow our BSC and Raina Telgemeier book collection as her books are read and reread by all of my kids a great deal!
September 18, 2026
I missed Raina as a BSC illustrator so badly!!!! Gale Galligan and all the rest of the other BSC illustrators are okay but Raina will always be my favourite and seeing all of the babysitters in her style again was so amazing and wonderful. I really need another graphic novel from her soon!!!!!! Anyways, this wasn’t as good as the first couple of novels (the ones illustrated by Raina 🫡) but I enjoyed it so much!!!!! I love Raina so much and I’ve always loved her!!!!! And I caught the Raina & Gale cameo right away!!! 😼
October 15, 2026
The Baby-sitters Club Super Special, graphic novel #1: Baby-sitters on Board! by Raina Telgemeier, Gale Gilligan, & Ann M. Martin
Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!
Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a small piece of paper with the book.
Started October 5th, 2026.
Finished October 5th, 2026.
October 5th, 2026: read whole book in physical copy.
Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!
Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a small piece of paper with the book.
Started October 5th, 2026.
Finished October 5th, 2026.
October 5th, 2026: read whole book in physical copy.
October 16, 2026
Adaptation problems: Are we in 1988, or now? It must be the present, since they watch streaming services and talk about YouTube personalities, but then why do none of the main characters have or use cell phones? A group that large, you'd think the parents arranging for phones between every 4 kids or so, so they can check in and not get kidnapped would be basic. Don't try and modernize unless you're going to do it right.
September 20, 2026
I don’t mind the changes they made about when Mallory becomes a club member because the girls are so mean to her in Hello Mallory but that put them in a weird situation in this book because Mallory is a babysitter in the graphic novels but not in the original text. Which also means Jessi wasn’t in this book originally so they have one shared, flimsy plot.
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