Karen's Witch (Baby-Sitters Little Sister Graphix Series #1)

by Katy Farina, Ann M. Martin (Based On Work by)

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

The Baby-Sitters Little Sister series kicks off with this witchy tale of fun and danger. And if you enjoy this one, the series has much more in store!

A fresh and fun graphic novel series spin-off of The Baby-sitters Club, featuring Kristy's little stepsister!

Karen Brewer lives next door to Mrs. Porter, who wears long robes and has wild gray hair. Mrs. Porter has a black cat named Midnight and always seems to be working in her garden. Karen isn't supposed to spy on her neighbor, but she's determined to prove that Mrs. Porter is a witch named Morbidda Destiny!Mrs. Porter is getting ready to have a special meeting at her house, and Karen is sure the meeting is for witches. Are they going to cast a spell on Karen? Or will she be brave enough to send them away — once and for all?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338356113
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	12/26/2019
Series:	Baby-Sitters Little Sister Graphix Series
Edition description:	Adapted, Full-Color Edition
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	454,959
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	GN500L (what's this?)
Age Range:	7 - 10 Years

About the Author

Katy Farina is the creator of eight New York Times bestselling graphic novel adaptations of the Baby-sitters Little Sister series by Ann M. Martin and of an original graphic novel for young readers, Song of the Court. Previously, she painted backgrounds for She-Ra and the Princesses of Power at DreamWorks TV. Katy lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two rambunctious cats. Visit her online at katyfarina.com.
Ann M. Martin is the creator of The Baby-sitters Club, which has more than 190 million books in print, making it one of the most popular series in the history of publishing. Her novels include A Corner of the Universe (a Newbery Honor Book), Belle Teal, Here Today, A Dog's Life, On Christmas Eve, and the Main Street and Family Tree series, as well as the much-loved collaborations P.S. Longer Letter Later and Snail Mail No More with Paula Danziger. Ann lives in upstate New York.

Editorial Reviews

10/14/2019

Thirty years after Martin branched off from the Baby-Sitters Club with the Little Sister books, this graphic novel adaptation revives their tried-and-true plots. Readers need not know BSC regulars to follow along; six-year-old Karen is the stepsister of BSC’s 13-year-old Kristy, and they see one another (and Boo-Boo the cat) during Karen’s biweekly visits to her father’s new home. Despite a rule of “no spying” at her dad’s place, Karen speculates about the imposing Victorian house next door and its occupant, a woman she dubs Morbidda Destiny. On “a witchy, autumny night,” Karen’s imagination keeps her wide awake and frightened, posing a babysitting challenge that Kristy overcomes. By the reassuring light of day, Karen ropes her reluctant friend Hannie into a dubious mission to reveal the witch’s identity. In her debut title, Farina, a background painter at Dreamworks TV, sustains momentum with pared-down, emotive panels and close-ups of the wide-eyed, conflicted Karen, who dares to confront her fears. Diverting and funny for those new to sitcom hijinks, this spin-off of a spin-off bodes well for this series. Ages 7–10. (Dec.)

Publishers Weekly

Praise for Karen's Witch:An instant New York Times and USA Today Bestseller"A great jumping-in point for younger readersor catnip for those wishing to soak up more time in Stoneybrook....Sure to bewitch fans new and old." — Kirkus Reviews

"The full-color illustrations are bright and detailed, and the story is fast paced and relatable." — School Library Journal

"Katy's work is so expressive and fun! The way she seamlessly blends high drama, big laughs, and tender family moments blows me away, and I couldn't be happier to welcome her to the club." — Gale Galligan, adapter and illustrator of The Baby-sitters Club: Kristy's Big Day graphic novel

Praise for The Baby-sitters Club graphic novels:

"Crisp and spot on." — Booklist

"Unique and original." — Voice of Youth Advocates

From the Publisher

10/01/2019

Gr 2–5—Every other weekend, Karen and her brother Andrew spend time with their dad and stepfamily. Karen suspects that her dad's next door neighbor, Mrs. Porter, is actually a witch named Morbidda Destiny. Although there is a strict no-spying rule, Karen and her best friend Hannie set out to prove that Mrs. Porter is a witch and catch her in the act of hosting a witch meeting. This graphic novel adaptation of the first installment in the "Baby Sitters Little Sister" series follows closely in the vein of the comics remakes of the "Babysitters Club" and is sure to be just as popular. The full-color illustrations are bright and detailed, and the story is fast paced and relatable. The "Little Sister" series is a bit simpler and more accessible to those who are not quite ready for the "Babysitters Club" series. It will also likely entice adults who have fond memories of the original books. VERDICT This reimagining of a beloved series will appeal to readers young and old and will attract fans of the highly popular "Babysitters Club" graphic novels as well.—Ellen Conlin, Naperville Public Library, IL

School Library Journal

2019-08-26
Could a witch really live next door?

In this graphic-novel adaptation of the series spinoff, 6-year-old Karen Brewer (stepsister to Baby-Sitters Club founder Kristy Thomas), has only three house rules when staying at her dad's: don't leave the TV on, keep closet doors shut, and (most importantly) no spying on the neighbors. Fanciful Karen cannot help but break the last one, convinced that her gray-haired, black cat-owning neighbor is only masquerading as being the kindly old Mrs. Porter and is actually a broom-riding witch named Morbidda Destiny. Soon, witches are all Karen can think about. After she convinces BFF Hannie Papadakis of Mrs. Porter's witchery, the two concoct a spell to cast Morbidda out of the neighborhood and protect their families. Karen's plan goes predictably awry, but her imagination, determination, and, ultimately, remorse should resonate with young readers. Adapted from the novels aimed at early-reader graduates, this charming graphic reworking should appeal to a similar audience with its adorably styled characters with rounded features and a palette of lively, bright colors. For those unfamiliar with either the 1980s novels or their new counterparts, this is a great jumping-in point for younger readers or catnip for those wishing to soak up more time in Stoneybrook. Karen and her family present white; Hannie has olive skin and dark hair.

Sure to bewitch fans new and old. (Graphic fiction. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews