Max & Ruby and the Babysitting Squad

by Rosemary Wells

“Another charming installment of this clever and comforting series.” — Kirkus Reviews

From beloved author-illustrator Rosemary Wells comes the next installment in the adventures of the inimitable brother and sister bunnies, Max and Ruby.

When Louise and Ruby open up their new babysitting business they are delighted when Mrs. Warddropper hires them right away. But then they meet Percy, who wants to have everything his way. But Ruby doesn’t see it that way. Could it be that babysitting might not be as easy as Ruby and Louise thought it would be?

Max and Ruby have their own TV show on Nick Jr.!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Rabbits

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2020

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Rosemary Wells is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. She often uses animal characters to address real human issues. Some of her most well-known characters are Max & Ruby and Timothy from Timothy Goes To School (both were later adapted into Canadian-animated preschool television series, the former’s airing on Nickelodeon (part of the Nick Jr. block) and the latter’s as part of PBS Kids on PBS).

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and Ruby were my daughter's favorite characters when she was a child, this one, spotted on the library shelves, was new to me. Ruby and Louise start a babysitting squad and Mrs. Wardropper asks them to babysit her little boy Percy while she goes to the hairdresser. Max tags along and (spoiler alert) the babysitters discover that Percy is just as mischievous as Max (Max's constant mischief is what my daughter loved so much about the series)! Full of the charm and humor that endears Max to readers young and old, featuring Rosemary Wells's adorable, expressive illustrations.

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't believe I am writing a negative review of a Rosemary Wells book. She is one of my book goddesses. But this is just not very good, and the ending is awful.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ruby and Louise start a babysitting job, they take Max with them for their first job. While Max plays with his earth moving equipment in the backyard, the child being babysat does not want to cooperate with Ruby and Louiseand hides from them. No amount of coaxing brings him out, but when he sees Max with his digging equipment, things change. Fun story.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby and Louise have started a babysitting service. When they get their first job Max insists on accompanying them. Their charge, Percy, is none to pleased to see them and hides from them most of the afternoon.

Cute story that children will enjoy. Hand to those that love Max and Ruby.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun story with engaging illustrations, but I think the writing in this story was not as good as other Max and Ruby titles.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Louise and Ruby realize babysitting is not all it's cracked up to be.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max helps Ruby and Louise babysit Percy.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much of a story, but the colorful illustrations feature lots of toys, a Saw-toothed Dirt Bucketer, a Rock Crusher, and Wells’ trademark critters engaged in lots of silly action.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - I felt it was unfinished

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby and her friend have started a new babysitting business and don't want max to join in but is he their secret weapons for a tough client. preschool and up

[Alicia Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note* Babysitters lose the child (he's hiding in the attic), child is told not to push a button but does anyway

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as charming as the old ones

[Kristin Guay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for the Max & Ruby books just because they are such sweet stories and really seem to appeal to many young children. In this story, Ruby and her friend Louise have created a babysitting squad--advertising that they are professional and bonded. Of course, Max wants to join, but they said this club is just for them. Besides, he is not a professional nor is he bonded. Ruby and Louise get their first customer when Mrs. Wardropper wants them to babysit Percy. They arrive at the Wardropper’s house with Max in tow. Ruby and Louise tell him to stay out of the way and play in the backyard with his construction toys. You almost know there is going to be some sort of trouble when Percy answers the door in a skunk costume. The girls get right to work offering suggestions of things Percy might like to do--play a game or build a castle. But Percy says that skunks do not do any of these things and he sneaks off into a hiding place. Now the girls are really worried--they have lost their first customer!. As it turns out, Percy is hiding in the attic and he happens to look out the attic window and sees Max playing with a bulldozer in the dirt. That looks much more interesting to Percy and he comes out of hiding--not to play games or build a castle, but to dig in the dirt with Max. As it turns out, Max was the one to entertainPercy.

This book is perfect for children between the ages of four and seven years old, especially if they are fans of Max & Ruby (either through the other books or the TV shows).