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Help, I Don't Want a Babysitter!
A reassuring and hilarious look at a child’s trepidation about meeting his first babysitter then realizing he adores her! When Ollie’s parents hire a babysitter, Ollie’s cuddle buddy Stubbs imagines the worst: what if the babysitter sprays them with stinky perfume . . . what if the babysitter only cooks yucky green vegetables? But when Ollie and Stubbs meet Ella . . . what happens next just might surprise you! Anke Wagner’s pitch-perfect story and Anne-Kathrin Behl’s humorous illustrations will comfort and entertain!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2015
About the author
Anne-Kathrin Behl
52 books2 followersAnne-Kathrin Behl grew up as the daughter of a bookseller and a forester in Greifswald, Germany. She studied illustration at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW) in Hamburg and now lives with her husband and two sons in Leipzig, where she works as a freelance illustrator and writer for various publishers. Her books have been translated into many languages and awarded the Prix Chronos de Littérature. They‘ve also been included in the collection of the most beautiful children’s books as part of the Austrian Children’s and Young Adult Literature Prize.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 16, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to North South Books Inc. and NetGalley.)
This was an okay story, although we found it a little bit repetitive. What if the babysitter wears too much lipstick? What if the babysitter is a muscle man? What if the babysitter makes us clean our room? I think I liked it slightly more than my 4-year-old, but I don't think we'll be reading this again.
This was an okay story, although we found it a little bit repetitive. What if the babysitter wears too much lipstick? What if the babysitter is a muscle man? What if the babysitter makes us clean our room? I think I liked it slightly more than my 4-year-old, but I don't think we'll be reading this again.
August 2, 2015
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publisher
Sat down with my 4yo son to read this. He's never had a "babysitter" as such, so I'm not sure if he was fully understanding what was going on, even though I tried to explain it's just like when Nan looks after him...
It was a bit of fun, with the child's toy having some wild imaginings about who the babysitter will be and what they're going to do. To their surprise they got a super fun girl that they could have lots of fun with. Now they can't wait until next time they need a babysitter!
Sat down with my 4yo son to read this. He's never had a "babysitter" as such, so I'm not sure if he was fully understanding what was going on, even though I tried to explain it's just like when Nan looks after him...
It was a bit of fun, with the child's toy having some wild imaginings about who the babysitter will be and what they're going to do. To their surprise they got a super fun girl that they could have lots of fun with. Now they can't wait until next time they need a babysitter!
August 25, 2017
After waiting what felt like forever for this book, I was a little disappointed by it. It just was not very good and didn't live up to my expectations at all.
January 25, 2015
A great read for a child about to experience being left with a babysitter for the first time, and a funny story for any child who enjoys a tale where they don't know what to expect.
Ollie is nervous about his parents going out to a film. He's not a baby but a babysitter is coming... Will he make him clean his room? Will she forget to play with him? His fears are assuaged when the babysitter arrives... And we see their evening of fun.
Reassuring and very funny, it's well-illustrated and a read suitable for bedtime for 3-6 year olds.
Review of a NetGalley advance copy.
Ollie is nervous about his parents going out to a film. He's not a baby but a babysitter is coming... Will he make him clean his room? Will she forget to play with him? His fears are assuaged when the babysitter arrives... And we see their evening of fun.
Reassuring and very funny, it's well-illustrated and a read suitable for bedtime for 3-6 year olds.
Review of a NetGalley advance copy.
June 20, 2015
Age: Kindergarten+
Ollie's cuddly buddy Stubbs imagines the worst babysitter taking care of them. Turns out the babysitter is imaginative, caring, and happily memorable. I would not recommend this for kids that are having separation anxiety because the "bad" babysitters take up most of the book, reinforcing fears.
Unfortunately, it feels like the editor took out a paragraph of text at the end, making the concluding sentence extremely confusing.
Ollie's cuddly buddy Stubbs imagines the worst babysitter taking care of them. Turns out the babysitter is imaginative, caring, and happily memorable. I would not recommend this for kids that are having separation anxiety because the "bad" babysitters take up most of the book, reinforcing fears.
Unfortunately, it feels like the editor took out a paragraph of text at the end, making the concluding sentence extremely confusing.
January 2, 2020
I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.
The unknown is often unsettling, no matter what age we are. For young children, this is especially so as they encounter the bigger world around them. This book explores the process of confronting our fears. Ollie's bear imagines the worst possible scenarios, that seem ridiculous from an adult vantage, but are likely to be on target for children. Of course, the babysitter ends up to be a delightful young woman who plays with them and cares for them.
Bringing in a babysitter can be a tough for parents and children alike; this book will open the conversation about what to expect.
The unknown is often unsettling, no matter what age we are. For young children, this is especially so as they encounter the bigger world around them. This book explores the process of confronting our fears. Ollie's bear imagines the worst possible scenarios, that seem ridiculous from an adult vantage, but are likely to be on target for children. Of course, the babysitter ends up to be a delightful young woman who plays with them and cares for them.
Bringing in a babysitter can be a tough for parents and children alike; this book will open the conversation about what to expect.
February 19, 2018
The babysitter is coming and there is all kinds of worry as to what kind of babysitter it will be: evil witch? neat freak? old lady with perfume? etc. Turns out to be a fun babysitter who likes to play and read stories too.
April 25, 2018
I thought this was a really good book, every kid doesn't want a babysitter but maybe this book would change their mind.
January 16, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
When Ollie’s parents hire a babysitter, Ollie’s cuddle buddy Stubbs imagines the worst: what if the babysitter sprays them with stinky perfume...what if the babysitter only cooks yucky green vegetables? But when Ollie and Stubbs meet Ella...what happens next just might surprise you!
This was a really good book. I quite understand the thoughts that Stubbs had as he contemplated what the babysitter would be like. I remember some of those thoughts as a kid myself and really enjoyed the "worst-case scenarios" that Stubbs came up with. Thankfully, it turned out well for both Ollie and Stubbs...
The most impressive thing for me were the illustrations. Bright, clean, and cheerful, the depictions of the people in the story were close enough to human but yet, not quite - some were silly, some had big hair, some were exactly as I remember "cranky grandma babysitter" to be like. All good fun and something kids will get a kick out of as they will be able to identify these people too.
I would certainly recommend this to parents as a worthwhile read to share with their children.
Paul
ARH
When Ollie’s parents hire a babysitter, Ollie’s cuddle buddy Stubbs imagines the worst: what if the babysitter sprays them with stinky perfume...what if the babysitter only cooks yucky green vegetables? But when Ollie and Stubbs meet Ella...what happens next just might surprise you!
This was a really good book. I quite understand the thoughts that Stubbs had as he contemplated what the babysitter would be like. I remember some of those thoughts as a kid myself and really enjoyed the "worst-case scenarios" that Stubbs came up with. Thankfully, it turned out well for both Ollie and Stubbs...
The most impressive thing for me were the illustrations. Bright, clean, and cheerful, the depictions of the people in the story were close enough to human but yet, not quite - some were silly, some had big hair, some were exactly as I remember "cranky grandma babysitter" to be like. All good fun and something kids will get a kick out of as they will be able to identify these people too.
I would certainly recommend this to parents as a worthwhile read to share with their children.
Paul
ARH
February 26, 2015
Ollie is upset. His cuddle buddy Stubbs is upset too. Why? His mom and dad are taking a night off to go to a movie and guess what he's getting? Yep, his first babysitter. He and his stuffed buddy start to stew and fret and think of all the things that could possibly go wrong. The what if's pile up and the imaginations go into overdrive. And then she magically appears at the door, voilá? Should he worry? No way.
She is amazing. She is cool. She is wonderful, caring and yes, dare he even admit it? ... lots of fun. She whips them up a Swashbuckler's meal, initiates a game of hide-and-seek and helps them build a cozy fort to snuggle up and read in altogether. All his fretting was for naught and I am sure he will try to find a way to get his parents to go out more often so he can spend more quality time with his new babysitter best friend.
The story is engaging and kids will love the illustrations. Colourful and detailed they tell a story all on their own. Word bubbles, different styles of fonts, little added attachments, like notes, make the story very interesting and kid-friendly. I highly recommend this book and it would be a wonderful read for a child who is experiencing a babysitter for the very first time.
She is amazing. She is cool. She is wonderful, caring and yes, dare he even admit it? ... lots of fun. She whips them up a Swashbuckler's meal, initiates a game of hide-and-seek and helps them build a cozy fort to snuggle up and read in altogether. All his fretting was for naught and I am sure he will try to find a way to get his parents to go out more often so he can spend more quality time with his new babysitter best friend.
The story is engaging and kids will love the illustrations. Colourful and detailed they tell a story all on their own. Word bubbles, different styles of fonts, little added attachments, like notes, make the story very interesting and kid-friendly. I highly recommend this book and it would be a wonderful read for a child who is experiencing a babysitter for the very first time.
August 3, 2017
While it makes sense from a purely real-life psychology standpoint, I found it interesting that the young boy in this book, Ollie, is totally okay with the idea of a babysitter, but his anxieties are shown through his stuffed toy, Stubbs. It's like he's projecting his anxieties, so he might remain brave-looking, while still getting reassurance.
From a storytelling standpoint, man, that is one panicky stuffed thing.
I think this would end up being a good pick for parents anticipating a night out while a relative stranger watches their kids. Start things by reading this several nights in advance, however. Don't want to spring everything on the kid at once. And, if you're going to be using a babysitter, this does set some pretty high standards you want to meet.
Most of Stubbs fears are pretty ridiculous, and you can get your kids to laugh along, but some...well, I've had that babysitter that makes you go to bed early and serve gross green foods. Bleh.
For the book itself, I found it pretty entertaining, and I think kids who have already faced the challenge of their first babysitter will enjoy it, as well. It actually makes me want a bit more of Ollie and Stubbs, but it looks like that hasn't happened, yet. Perhaps, if the author is lucky....
From a storytelling standpoint, man, that is one panicky stuffed thing.
I think this would end up being a good pick for parents anticipating a night out while a relative stranger watches their kids. Start things by reading this several nights in advance, however. Don't want to spring everything on the kid at once. And, if you're going to be using a babysitter, this does set some pretty high standards you want to meet.
Most of Stubbs fears are pretty ridiculous, and you can get your kids to laugh along, but some...well, I've had that babysitter that makes you go to bed early and serve gross green foods. Bleh.
For the book itself, I found it pretty entertaining, and I think kids who have already faced the challenge of their first babysitter will enjoy it, as well. It actually makes me want a bit more of Ollie and Stubbs, but it looks like that hasn't happened, yet. Perhaps, if the author is lucky....
February 14, 2015
There are some key events in a young child’s life that can leave them traumatised in anticipation - and the first time being left with a babysitter is certainly one of these for Ollie! He imagines all different and dreadful babysitters coming to look after him and his cuddle buddy, Stubbs, but when the babysitter actually arrives . . . . well, you’ll just have to read the story to know that!
This is a beautifully illustrated book that will amuse children and, if the scenario is about to happen to them, it will also probably worry them hearing about the initially imagined babysitters but reassure them, too, in the end. The story itself is lovely and the illustrations so appropriate - they really enhance the enjoyment of the story. This is a delightful book I have no hesitation in highly recommending - either to be shared and read to youngsters or to be read independently by older children.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautifully illustrated book that will amuse children and, if the scenario is about to happen to them, it will also probably worry them hearing about the initially imagined babysitters but reassure them, too, in the end. The story itself is lovely and the illustrations so appropriate - they really enhance the enjoyment of the story. This is a delightful book I have no hesitation in highly recommending - either to be shared and read to youngsters or to be read independently by older children.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2015
A perfect book for parents trying to convince their children that staying with a babysitter is not the end of the world. Ollie and his best cuddle buddy Stubbs will be at home with a sitter while Mommy and Daddy go to the movies. Stubbs is very worried. He tosses and turns all night wondering what the babysitter will be like. Too girly? Too macho? Too strict? Too sleepy? The possibilities are all too frightening. And then the babysitter arrives...
The terrible babysitters that Stubbs imagines are hilarious and so are the situations he pictures each of them creating. And the actual babysitter is a complete surprise. I think it's a wonderful touch that it is the pet who is so concerned about the sitter coming, rather than the child. It helps to make young readers distance themselves from those concerns. They can think, "Well of course the dog is worried. He doesn't know about babysitters. I would never do that."
Even if you aren't having babysitter anxiety, this is a fun read-aloud for your favorite cuddle buddies.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
The terrible babysitters that Stubbs imagines are hilarious and so are the situations he pictures each of them creating. And the actual babysitter is a complete surprise. I think it's a wonderful touch that it is the pet who is so concerned about the sitter coming, rather than the child. It helps to make young readers distance themselves from those concerns. They can think, "Well of course the dog is worried. He doesn't know about babysitters. I would never do that."
Even if you aren't having babysitter anxiety, this is a fun read-aloud for your favorite cuddle buddies.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
February 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this book as I can remember how I felt as a child when my parents would announce that they where going to be going out for the evening. Who would be watching us? What where we going to be doing? What time would they make us go to bed? Ect... Ect...
I'm not sure if stubs was supposed to be Ollie's pet or stuffed toy, but I loved that he was distressed for Ollie. Very cute!
I also have to mention that I really loved the diversity in the babysitters that Ollie dreamed up, it was nice to see something other then all teenaged girls.
This would be a great book for introducing babysitters, if parents haven't taken that step yet. I know my daughter has only stayed with relatives so far as I'm lucky enough to have them available.
I would recommend this book for children three and up.
**i received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I'm not sure if stubs was supposed to be Ollie's pet or stuffed toy, but I loved that he was distressed for Ollie. Very cute!
I also have to mention that I really loved the diversity in the babysitters that Ollie dreamed up, it was nice to see something other then all teenaged girls.
This would be a great book for introducing babysitters, if parents haven't taken that step yet. I know my daughter has only stayed with relatives so far as I'm lucky enough to have them available.
I would recommend this book for children three and up.
**i received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
February 22, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Help, I Don't Want A Babysitter by Anke Wagner is a must read especially if your child will be having a first time babysitter. The time has finally come for Ollie's first babysitter. He begins to imagine how it might go. He goes through all of the what if's scaring himself more and more. The babysitter arrives. She is not what he thought she would be. He did not expect all of the kooky fun she brought with her. This is a short ,cute, fun story. It has great illustrations and the colors are vibrant. This is a fun book to read to your child or if your child is a reader they would like to read it themself. This is such a great book for children. I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could have given it more. It would make a great gift and would look good on your child's bookshelf or any library's bookshelf. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look for more from Anke Wagner.
Help, I Don't Want A Babysitter by Anke Wagner is a must read especially if your child will be having a first time babysitter. The time has finally come for Ollie's first babysitter. He begins to imagine how it might go. He goes through all of the what if's scaring himself more and more. The babysitter arrives. She is not what he thought she would be. He did not expect all of the kooky fun she brought with her. This is a short ,cute, fun story. It has great illustrations and the colors are vibrant. This is a fun book to read to your child or if your child is a reader they would like to read it themself. This is such a great book for children. I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could have given it more. It would make a great gift and would look good on your child's bookshelf or any library's bookshelf. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look for more from Anke Wagner.
April 19, 2015
We received this book via NetGalley to give an honest review.
This is a really cute book you have a young boy and his cuddle buddy. Ollie and Stubbs are going to have a babysitter for the first time. Stubbs thinks of the worst things when having a babysitter. Varying from someone being a neat freak to wearing pink and a lot of bows. The pictures are very colorful and funny. At the end of the story Stubbs realizes that the babysitter that came was not all that bad and the babysitter would love to come back and watch Ollie.
K loved the babysitter and her idea of being a pirate, he asked me if he could have a babysitter like that.
I think it was neat to have an imagination on how the babysitter would look like. I think kids would enjoy this and get a kick out of a boy and his cuddle buddy's imagination.
I think parents will enjoy reading this to their children especially if they are going to have a babysitter for the first time.
This is a really cute book you have a young boy and his cuddle buddy. Ollie and Stubbs are going to have a babysitter for the first time. Stubbs thinks of the worst things when having a babysitter. Varying from someone being a neat freak to wearing pink and a lot of bows. The pictures are very colorful and funny. At the end of the story Stubbs realizes that the babysitter that came was not all that bad and the babysitter would love to come back and watch Ollie.
K loved the babysitter and her idea of being a pirate, he asked me if he could have a babysitter like that.
I think it was neat to have an imagination on how the babysitter would look like. I think kids would enjoy this and get a kick out of a boy and his cuddle buddy's imagination.
I think parents will enjoy reading this to their children especially if they are going to have a babysitter for the first time.
July 15, 2025
It's a bit better than OK, but not a favorite by any means.
Ollie and his buddy Stubbs are anticipating their first evening with a babysitter and are getting worried imagining things going disastrously wrong. What if they don't like the babysitter? What if the babysitter doesn't like them? What if it's horrible!? Of course, things aren't as bad as they fear...
While the pictures definitely have a sense of humor, the story overall is a bit long winded and repetitive, and doesn't seem to wrap up as cleanly - just felt a bit abrupt. And the sense of humor in general seemed aimed at a little bit older audience. Not like Adult older, but maybe for kids who've already had babysitters and can see the humor in all Ollie and Stubbs' worries? Overall, a good premise, fun illustrations, but parts just didn't seem to fit as cleanly together to really make this a standout.
Ollie and his buddy Stubbs are anticipating their first evening with a babysitter and are getting worried imagining things going disastrously wrong. What if they don't like the babysitter? What if the babysitter doesn't like them? What if it's horrible!? Of course, things aren't as bad as they fear...
While the pictures definitely have a sense of humor, the story overall is a bit long winded and repetitive, and doesn't seem to wrap up as cleanly - just felt a bit abrupt. And the sense of humor in general seemed aimed at a little bit older audience. Not like Adult older, but maybe for kids who've already had babysitters and can see the humor in all Ollie and Stubbs' worries? Overall, a good premise, fun illustrations, but parts just didn't seem to fit as cleanly together to really make this a standout.
February 1, 2015
received a copy through NetGalley.
I didn't care for this.
As a babysitter, I thought it would be cute and something I would read to the children I watch. I can say with all honesty that this will not happen.
I understand that the book is supposed to be funny and it is a little, when he goes through the "what-ifs" of the possibilities of babysitters. I think it's only funny because I'm an adult. This book seems to be targeted towards a younger age group, seeing as he has never had a babysitter, so I don't think that the humor of it would be found for the target audience. I would think that they might find it a little scary or unnerving.
I didn't care for this.
As a babysitter, I thought it would be cute and something I would read to the children I watch. I can say with all honesty that this will not happen.
I understand that the book is supposed to be funny and it is a little, when he goes through the "what-ifs" of the possibilities of babysitters. I think it's only funny because I'm an adult. This book seems to be targeted towards a younger age group, seeing as he has never had a babysitter, so I don't think that the humor of it would be found for the target audience. I would think that they might find it a little scary or unnerving.
January 30, 2015
Help, I Don't Want a Babysitter was too cute for words! The illustrations made the reading experience that much more enjoyable. (I loved the bear hiding under the covers...hahahahaha.) Although I thought that some of the language seemed odd at times, I still liked the story. I think that this book will appeal greatly to little boys.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Children
Status: G
A copy of this title was made available for review by the publisher in exchange for an honest critique.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Children
Status: G
A copy of this title was made available for review by the publisher in exchange for an honest critique.
January 23, 2015
The illustrations are charming but the story misses its mark. Its language seems to target very young children yet the exploration of what-ifs with negative outcomes is likely to be upsetting to this age group. No parent wants to read a list of things that could go wrong to their child, particularly a very young child. The author needs to either upgrade the maturity of the language or modify the content to fit the age group.
January 25, 2015
Short, sweet story about the worry over having a babysitter for the first time. The unique twist on this is a lot of the crazy wondering (what if we get a witch, a fussy neat freak, a sleepyhead, etc.) is from the stuffed animal’s point of view. Of course, all works out well in the end.
For illustrated books, I’m usually looking for great art and layout. Here, it’s so-so with decent use of colors.
For illustrated books, I’m usually looking for great art and layout. Here, it’s so-so with decent use of colors.
January 28, 2015
What if...Ollie is terribly worried about the many types of terrible sitters he envisions while waiting on the real sitter to show up. He is definitely not expecting the kooky fun that awaits. A cute story with adorable illustrations, this little tale will hopefully help ease your little one's woes when faced with the prospect of a new sitter. solid 4 stars
***Netgalley arc read in exchange for honest review.***
***Netgalley arc read in exchange for honest review.***
January 26, 2015
**I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.**
This is a great book and I will be referencing it when its time for babysitters at our house. The illustrations are wonderful and the cast of characters (even the evil babysitters) are colorful and fun. I really liked the wicked witch baby sitter. THis is a great kids book!
This is a great book and I will be referencing it when its time for babysitters at our house. The illustrations are wonderful and the cast of characters (even the evil babysitters) are colorful and fun. I really liked the wicked witch baby sitter. THis is a great kids book!
January 18, 2015
A bit too much text for my liking. The illustrations were great and did a wonderful job of conveying the feeling and thought necessary, making some of the text unnecessary & lengthy. Still, a cute book that I would recommend to the right reader!
January 21, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley, I read this book for free. Cute! Some strange things in the book. I can see this book being good for kids that will soon have a babysitter and have never had one yet that was unrelated to them.
February 1, 2015
The illustrations are certainly a winner, but man did the story miss its mark. Overall, "Help" has a good message, but so bogged down by wording, it feels more appropriate to call this a "beginning readers" book.
June 18, 2015
The parents are going out and the babysitter is coming over! What will they be like? A standard child's story of fear-of-the-unknown, then finding-out-everything-is-ok. But it won me over with charming illustrations (including the parents holding movie tickets that clearly say the word "Hobbit")
June 30, 2015
A sweet, funny story about worries before a new babysitter arrives. I thought it was just ok, but my kids laughed out loud at some of the horrifying scenarios imagined by the Ollie's stuffed animal, Stubbs. Interesting that this is an import from Switzerland, translated from German.
November 29, 2016
This is a cute story about a stuffed animal who is anxious about having a babysitter for the first time. The nightmare babysitter scenarios he imagines are clever and the illustrations are worth taking extra time to appreciate.
January 19, 2015
This is a highly-relatable story of a boy's anxiety over a new babysitter. The boy and his cuddle buddy imagines different scenarios of what the babysitter might turn out to be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews