Ms. Turtle the Babysitter

by Valeri Gorbachev

Book Overview

Ms. Turtle is the best babysitter ever. No wonder the little frogs love her

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060580755
• ISBN13: 9780060580759
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 3.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

The best babysitter isn't Mary Poppins

Children who resist staying with a babysitter may change their minds after reading the delightful trio of short stories in this level 1 "I Can Read!" book. Whenever their parents leave for the evening, three little frogs stay home with Ms. Turtle. No Mary Poppins she, Ms. Turtle admits to many limitations. The little frogs want her to jump rope with them, but she confesses that she cannot jump at all. The evening the little frogs are sad, she can't cheer them up but instead sits down and is sad with them. Still, Ms. Turtle can make yummy dinners. She can play the piano and sing with the froggies. And when the little frogs share their secrets, they find out Ms. Turtle has the best secret of all. Mr. Gorbachev has a knack for expressing nuanced meaning with one stroke of a pen. His witty, charming ink and watercolor illustrations appear sketchy at first glance but are in fact surprisingly detailed. The high-energy froglets are differentiated even when moping in a row on the sofa. Bouncing on the bed, they're irresistible! The page showing the staid Ms. Turtle learning to jump is worth the price of the book. Ms. Turtle the Babysitter is targeted to beginning readers, using simple sentences and short words. Babysitter is the only word with more than two syllables. Nevertheless, each story has an intriguing plot, complete with a bit of suspense and a surprise twist. The characters are engaging, their emotions genuine. Clearly the author respects his young audience. A book this enjoyable is perfect for the beginning reader to read aloud to younger siblings. And when the book is done, they all may ask eagerly to stay with a babysitter soon.