Arthur's Mystery Babysitter

by Marc Brown

The babysitter is a surprise, says Dad, but to Arthur and D.W., she's more than a surprise-she's a mystery! Their imaginations run wild wondering who will take care of them for the evening-will it be a pirate, a robot, aliens from outer space-or even worse, Mr. Ratburn? When the doorbell finally rings, their panic turns to relief when they find out that their babysitter isn't such a mystery, after all-it's good old Grandma Thora!

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction

Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Marc Tolon Brown is perhaps best known for his series of children's books about Arthur the aardvark, which was turned into an animated television show on PBS. Brown is a three-time Emmy Award winner, for his role on the television show inspired by his books.

He lives on Martha's Vineyard and in New York City with his wife, Laurie Krasny Brown. He has three children, sons Tolon and Tucker, and daughter Eliza. The names of his two sons have been hidden in all of the Arthur books except for one: Arthur's Tooth.

Reviews

[Danielle T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm unfamiliar with these 8x8 inch Arthur books- they're the same size as the D.W. books, and about as simple in terms of text so I wonder if that's the target audience, the preschool crowd... anyway, the outline on the cover can let you guess who the mystery sitter is but it's a fun imagination exercise to see D.W. and Arthur's anxious speculation.

Oh, also a little weird to refer to the parents as Mother and Father early on, but then later as Mr. and Mrs. Read- feels inconsistent but maybe a teachable moment that parents have names too...

[Phillip Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arthur competes with the feisty DW in a reading competition.

[Marcos Cortes · Rating 5 out of 5]

said D.W .

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Arthur book is on a level of easy reading so a beginning reader could possibly read it on their own or at least merge into reading it alone.

Arthur and DW worry as their parents are getting ready to 'go out' as to whom their surprise babysitter is going to be. Because their normal babysitters are all busy... their imaginations play with their minds until a very nice surprise comes to the door!

[Shana Berschler]

I have always loved Arthur. The characters are animals, but their actions are so realistic that many people can relate to them. Many children can relate to having a babysitter, and I believe students would love this story. It explains what a mystery is, in a fun, entertaining way.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

great story for interest reading closely follows tv show

[Aaliyah Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda predictable who the babysitter was if you watch the show.