What do you think?
Rate this book
Best Babysitters Ever #2
The Good, the Bad, and the Bossy
Being a boss isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in the second book of the Best Babysitters Ever series. Perfect for fans of Rachel Vail and Sarah Mlynowski.
Just when Malia, Dot, and Bree (aka the Best Babysitters Ever) corner the Playa Del Mar babysitting market, their lives get even busier. Malia’s evil older sister ropes her into a thankless internship. Dot must win the science fair. And Bree’s brand new cat turns out to be a holy terror. Meow! Malia is frustrated by the group’s lack of commitment until she has an idea so great it rivals the creation of the club in the first place: they can hire new babysitters and take a cut of their wages! It’s all of the money, and less of the babysitting. This plan is too perfect to fail. Until—spoiler alert—it does, in the most hilarious way possible.
Just when Malia, Dot, and Bree (aka the Best Babysitters Ever) corner the Playa Del Mar babysitting market, their lives get even busier. Malia’s evil older sister ropes her into a thankless internship. Dot must win the science fair. And Bree’s brand new cat turns out to be a holy terror. Meow! Malia is frustrated by the group’s lack of commitment until she has an idea so great it rivals the creation of the club in the first place: they can hire new babysitters and take a cut of their wages! It’s all of the money, and less of the babysitting. This plan is too perfect to fail. Until—spoiler alert—it does, in the most hilarious way possible.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2019
90 people are currently reading
1109 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Cala
7 books60 followersCaroline Cala is a writer and editor residing in Brooklyn. She has worked as a book editor and as a ghostwriter on a number of books. Her work has appeared in Vogue, ELLE, Refinery29, and others.
Best Babysitters Ever
is her debut novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 19, 2020
Four full and glittery stars for this second book in the new Best Babysitters Ever series. Malia, Bree, and Dot are back and they are once again saving their babysitting money for special outing. Malia is obsessed with Connor Miller and the singer Veronica. She can be at the concert at the same time as Connor if they can pay for the tickets. The girls also have other activities taking up time they need for babysitting so they decide to hire assistants to work for them and share the proceeds. It starts working too well when it seems that the kids are liking their new babysitters more than the old ones. Includes a hairless cat (also names Veronica) and some inspiring problem-solving. Even better than the first book. Looking forward to "Miss Impossible," due out next month.
November 27, 2023
This is a good sequel to the first book! I love the first book so much. The series is so well done. With so much to do, so much to learn and so much to handle our girlies are just on it despite the challenges and difficulties they face in school and social life in spite of running a great babysitting business!
I love how realistic the characters are; how unique each character turns out to be. It’s a sure recommendation for middle graders (8 to 12 year olds).
I love how realistic the characters are; how unique each character turns out to be. It’s a sure recommendation for middle graders (8 to 12 year olds).
June 13, 2019
Bree, Dot, and Malia are actually enjoying their babysitting enterprise, but life is getting busy for all three: Bree has new cat dreams, Dot has science fair ambitions, and Malia has internship dread. How can they keep their babysitting clients and still accomplish all of the things that life is throwing at them? Sub-contract, of course! The problem is, the three sitters that they hire do their jobs a little too well. Brody fits into Bree's family a little better than Bree does, Pigeon proves even more talented at science than Dot, and Sage gets the attention of Malia's long-time crush. Now, the original three need to figure out how to get rid of the new sitters, without losing their clients when they go.
This series continues to be light and fun, if you can suspend your disbelief on some of the more outrageous elements (a 12-year-old with an internship?). I liked the new characters they introduced here, and the plot was fun. I probably won't read more in this series, but I had a galley of this book, so thought I would give it a try. Recommended to readers who enjoyed the first book in the series.
This series continues to be light and fun, if you can suspend your disbelief on some of the more outrageous elements (a 12-year-old with an internship?). I liked the new characters they introduced here, and the plot was fun. I probably won't read more in this series, but I had a galley of this book, so thought I would give it a try. Recommended to readers who enjoyed the first book in the series.
November 19, 2025
I really enjoyed these books when I was younger. But, reading them now, they just seem…
So much duller ?
Don’t get me wrong, the books aren’t ‘bad’, or even boring, but something about them lacks character. I think some of the events of this book were entertaining, like Bree getting a cat, and the characters they newly introduced had potential …. But I feel like it was wasted with the writing style.
The author, in my opinion, doesn’t do a very solid job and characterizing everyone. Sure, they all have their own traits- but I feel like their traits are what they are. I think a good example is Bree- she likes cute things, glitter and cats, and freaks out easily. But… I’ve just described her entire character. Reading the book isn’t really going to teach you anything else about her personality, which makes the book somewhat plain.
Another thing about the book that I disliked was the way they got rid of the satellite sitters. All the girls become vengeful and mean when pressed to a situation they don’t like, and everything is for their own gain. I don’t think any of them are good role models whatsoever. Also, the way
In short, the book is fine for younger kids. But I don’t think it’s written particularly well, and many points of the book annoy me, even Maila’s crush on Conner- usually I like hopeless crushes like that, so you know something is up with the writing. I think it went downhill with this one. The one thing they improved was, I do think the girls are better at babysitting. But this book being a downgrade from the other still mediocre book is just… sad.
It’s not horrible though, and because I still found myself WANTING to read it, I’ll give it three stars.
(This book contains mild language, innocent romance, talk of getting scratched by a cat, and other somewhat sensitive content, such as Dot’s mother and friends being moon worshipers and practicing witchcraft, and the girls being vengeful and even downright mean at times. I would give this book an age rating of 12+)
So much duller ?
Don’t get me wrong, the books aren’t ‘bad’, or even boring, but something about them lacks character. I think some of the events of this book were entertaining, like Bree getting a cat, and the characters they newly introduced had potential …. But I feel like it was wasted with the writing style.
The author, in my opinion, doesn’t do a very solid job and characterizing everyone. Sure, they all have their own traits- but I feel like their traits are what they are. I think a good example is Bree- she likes cute things, glitter and cats, and freaks out easily. But… I’ve just described her entire character. Reading the book isn’t really going to teach you anything else about her personality, which makes the book somewhat plain.
Another thing about the book that I disliked was the way they got rid of the satellite sitters. All the girls become vengeful and mean when pressed to a situation they don’t like, and everything is for their own gain. I don’t think any of them are good role models whatsoever. Also, the way
In short, the book is fine for younger kids. But I don’t think it’s written particularly well, and many points of the book annoy me, even Maila’s crush on Conner- usually I like hopeless crushes like that, so you know something is up with the writing. I think it went downhill with this one. The one thing they improved was, I do think the girls are better at babysitting. But this book being a downgrade from the other still mediocre book is just… sad.
It’s not horrible though, and because I still found myself WANTING to read it, I’ll give it three stars.
(This book contains mild language, innocent romance, talk of getting scratched by a cat, and other somewhat sensitive content, such as Dot’s mother and friends being moon worshipers and practicing witchcraft, and the girls being vengeful and even downright mean at times. I would give this book an age rating of 12+)
October 25, 2019
3.5
Enjoyed it.
Enjoyed it.
December 11, 2019
I think the first book was better. This was definitely disappointing and I thought it would be better.
June 12, 2024
Plot
Things seem to be going well with the babysitters. But when they all realize they need more money and more free time Malia comes up with a new plan for the club. If they can hire more babysitters and take a cut of the profit then it's a win for everyone! Malia is coerced into an unpaid internship with her evil older sister, but she's got a Veronica concert to attend (because her crush is going). Dot is intent on first place at the science fair but with the over-achieving new girl in town it seems like she's destined to fail, and she really needs money to buy her supplies. Bree needs the money because she bought a Sphynx cat that hates her, and there's got to be a way she can make things work! Not every plan goes well, especially when there's cat puke inside the grand piano.
Diversity: Malia is Black, I think Bree is Asian, and Dot is white.
Review
Fun, quick listen with a crazy hairless cat, a crush, and an evil, scheming older sister. I booktalk the first one, but in two years it's had two checkouts so while I won't add it to our physical collection, I did add all three to our Sora collection.
Malia's predicament with her sister, the crazy woman, and the unpaid "internship" was somewhat frustrating because why would you keep going? I know she doesn't like her older sister and her mom won't let her quit, but seriously… At 16 when I repeatedly got yelled at by a boss and was told to do things that were more punishment than part of my job [scooping out cigarette butts and cat poo from a planter that had no plants, calling in injured then getting a phone call soon after asking why I wasn't there], I quit then went home to tell my parents. I don't think they minded since it was my time and money.
The Veronica concert tickets were the driving force for Malia to make money for the concert. However, for a singer who is referred to as bigger than Taylor Swift, I highly doubt the girls would've gotten tickets right before the concert, nosebleed seats or not. Also, I wonder what they charged that they could split money with their co-babysitters and still have enough for the concert and their other purchases! Are they making minimum wage?? If so, in what state?? I talked to a parent who was advertising babysitting from his 12 year old daughter and she was asking $18 an hour! When I babysat at 13 my state's min wage was $5, so I requested $4 for two kids.
The audiobook has different voice actors for each of the three girls, which is a helpful way of distinguishing between characters.
Things seem to be going well with the babysitters. But when they all realize they need more money and more free time Malia comes up with a new plan for the club. If they can hire more babysitters and take a cut of the profit then it's a win for everyone! Malia is coerced into an unpaid internship with her evil older sister, but she's got a Veronica concert to attend (because her crush is going). Dot is intent on first place at the science fair but with the over-achieving new girl in town it seems like she's destined to fail, and she really needs money to buy her supplies. Bree needs the money because she bought a Sphynx cat that hates her, and there's got to be a way she can make things work! Not every plan goes well, especially when there's cat puke inside the grand piano.
Diversity: Malia is Black, I think Bree is Asian, and Dot is white.
Review
Fun, quick listen with a crazy hairless cat, a crush, and an evil, scheming older sister. I booktalk the first one, but in two years it's had two checkouts so while I won't add it to our physical collection, I did add all three to our Sora collection.
Malia's predicament with her sister, the crazy woman, and the unpaid "internship" was somewhat frustrating because why would you keep going? I know she doesn't like her older sister and her mom won't let her quit, but seriously… At 16 when I repeatedly got yelled at by a boss and was told to do things that were more punishment than part of my job [scooping out cigarette butts and cat poo from a planter that had no plants, calling in injured then getting a phone call soon after asking why I wasn't there], I quit then went home to tell my parents. I don't think they minded since it was my time and money.
The Veronica concert tickets were the driving force for Malia to make money for the concert. However, for a singer who is referred to as bigger than Taylor Swift, I highly doubt the girls would've gotten tickets right before the concert, nosebleed seats or not. Also, I wonder what they charged that they could split money with their co-babysitters and still have enough for the concert and their other purchases! Are they making minimum wage?? If so, in what state?? I talked to a parent who was advertising babysitting from his 12 year old daughter and she was asking $18 an hour! When I babysat at 13 my state's min wage was $5, so I requested $4 for two kids.
The audiobook has different voice actors for each of the three girls, which is a helpful way of distinguishing between characters.
November 17, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
As a teen, I made money babysitting probably like most girls in their early teens before getting jobs in stores or fast-food chain restaurants, etc. So when I saw this book, I was excited to read and review it. It is the second book of a series: Best Bad Babysitters Ever. This is the debut series of Cala, a writer and editor residing in Brooklyn.
Pretty much the title says it all–babysitters who think they’re the best but are really the worse, yet, somehow manage to come out smelling like roses, and, there’s a lesson to learn in all the chaos. I do like the idea that the author gives some challenges that are a bit above their age range to show readers of the same age that dreaming ‘big’ is a healthy reality.
The characters continue to be quirky and sometimes, silly, often times they show brilliance or just sheer dumb luck, whichever it is, they resolve their issues showing strength of character and a strong resolve, excellent examples for readers of the same age.
These are pre-teen girls, so drama, drama, drama! Excellent for grades five to seven, or ages ten to twelve. A fun read and so far, a great series reminiscent of the Babysitters’ Club.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
As a teen, I made money babysitting probably like most girls in their early teens before getting jobs in stores or fast-food chain restaurants, etc. So when I saw this book, I was excited to read and review it. It is the second book of a series: Best Bad Babysitters Ever. This is the debut series of Cala, a writer and editor residing in Brooklyn.
Pretty much the title says it all–babysitters who think they’re the best but are really the worse, yet, somehow manage to come out smelling like roses, and, there’s a lesson to learn in all the chaos. I do like the idea that the author gives some challenges that are a bit above their age range to show readers of the same age that dreaming ‘big’ is a healthy reality.
The characters continue to be quirky and sometimes, silly, often times they show brilliance or just sheer dumb luck, whichever it is, they resolve their issues showing strength of character and a strong resolve, excellent examples for readers of the same age.
These are pre-teen girls, so drama, drama, drama! Excellent for grades five to seven, or ages ten to twelve. A fun read and so far, a great series reminiscent of the Babysitters’ Club.
December 16, 2019
Malia, Dot and Bree are back for more adventures in babysitting in this second book of the series. When outside stresses force the babysitters to hire 3 employees to fill in for them, the girls discover not only how much they love and miss their babysitting responsibilities, but more about themselves and what they can handle. While not wanting to let the families that they have come to care for down, they also hope to earn enough money to attend the Veronica concert, each for a different reason.
Middle school readers will enjoy the adventures of the babysitters and identify with the pressures that the girls are facing. Growing up provides each girl with more responsibility and how well they handle it models well in this story. They defeat bullies, find out just how good they have it, and learn to make compassionate choices. I would recommend this book/series for purchase by any middle school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Middle school readers will enjoy the adventures of the babysitters and identify with the pressures that the girls are facing. Growing up provides each girl with more responsibility and how well they handle it models well in this story. They defeat bullies, find out just how good they have it, and learn to make compassionate choices. I would recommend this book/series for purchase by any middle school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
November 12, 2019
While some of the challenges that the main characters, Bree, Dot, and Malia, are not ones typical 12-year-olds face, such as doing an internship for an attorney, the relationships between the three friends is very affirming and supportive. It is wonderful to have a book that finally shows harmony among friends.
There are also some wise adults in the book who give the girls sound advice to ponder regarding the challenges they face. It gives the girls a way to think about their problems without being didactic and proscriptive.
This book would be an enjoyable read for middle schoolers. The text is also easily readable so it would be a good book for those kids reading a little below grade level.
There are also some wise adults in the book who give the girls sound advice to ponder regarding the challenges they face. It gives the girls a way to think about their problems without being didactic and proscriptive.
This book would be an enjoyable read for middle schoolers. The text is also easily readable so it would be a good book for those kids reading a little below grade level.
February 21, 2021
This book was very good. I liked how Malia, Dot and Bree decided to have the Satellite Sitters-the sitters who can fill in for any position when the girls aren't free. Which the girls could really use. Especially Dot with the science fair looming. I really liked the first book, too, and I cannot wait to read more of the books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ The same three girls from the first book are back in this second installment. This time the girls are so successful that they decide to expand the agency yet still need to raise extra money to go to a concert. The three new recruits are doppelgangers for the three girls with the same likes and mannerism. Of course the newbies become more popular than the originals. Add Malia getting a demanding internship, Dot’s science fair preparation and Bree’s ownership of a demon like skinless cat and you have this middle school read
January 27, 2019
Did not finish. Could not get past the “sciencey” one Doing a lab experiment distilling wood. Really? Last time I checked, distillation separated liquid components, (and doesn’t happen in middle school). Maybe it wouldn’t matter to the target audience but it mattered to me.
March 8, 2019
AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVED IT!
I LOVED IT!
January 12, 2022
it was good! for me, a really quick read, but lighthearted and enjoyable. the three girls have really relatable struggles, and it was awesome to see them handling the various struggles. i'd reccomend it especially if you liked the Baby Sitters Club!
June 21, 2022
This book shows what life is as a teenager. It shows that as you get older, you get more privileges but with that, you get more responsibility. It really shows how easy it is to crumple under the pressure and how you need to speak up if you want your life to continue as you want it. I loved it
January 29, 2020
its a funny and interesting book
Read
February 4, 2020pretty good
June 12, 2020
A second fun installment in the series, perfect for BSC fans. The three narrators are pitch perfect for their characters and the audio really makes this story.
July 1, 2020
It is a lighthearted and fun series to read
November 16, 2021
I loved this book!
January 24, 2022
Some laugh out loud funny moments!
April 1, 2022
The theme of this book is to not give your responsibility to other people
June 27, 2022
Hmm. Babysitters club for this generation
January 5, 2024
I liked the book but in my opinion it was kinda confusing and the plot didn't really make sense to me
November 18, 2024
I'm really loving these girls and how they have grown. I did read 259 pages of this in a single day and it was so worth it.
August 31, 2024
"It was a fun book to kill time with."
March 15, 2021
Cute and fun read. Perfect if you're feeling nostalgic about The Baby-Sitter's Club series.
September 1, 2024
I like this book and how the main characters worked through the hard times.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews