Parenting Book List: Babysitting
The common phrase, “It takes a village” is so true! I have no idea how parents do these days between full-time jobs, school, extracurriculars, and birthdays parties every weekend, they’re pulled in so many directions! And although my niece and nephew don’t live close enough for me to babysit regularly, I do have some friends who I try to help out once in a while. Because every couple needs some time together without the kids interrupting every other minute. And if you’re lucky, you’ve got family nearby that you can count on, but if not, it truly does take a couple great babysitters to have in your back pocket just in case.
Today’s parenting book list is a great way to introduce kids to the concept of a babysitter, especially if they are nervous or tend toward separation anxiety a bit. Not all of these books are necessarily “how-to” manuals about what happens when a babysitter comes over. Some, are just super silly stories that will get kids giggling, I’m sure! And I also included a great resource for older kids who are interested in babysitting themselves. If you missed the last parenting book list – check out the First Day of School list!
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Parenting Book List: Babysitting
The Babysitter From Another Planet by Stephen Savage
When their parents go out for the evening, a brother and sister are left with a babysitter unlike any they’ve ever had before–an alien from another planet! But even though she seems a little strange, the kids quickly see that this babysitter can make anything fun…even brushing their teeth and doing their homework.
This story is literally E.T. meets Mary Poppins, and as soon as the Babysitter from Another Planet is gone, the kids can’t wait for her to come back again.
Bye-Bye Time by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
Being dropped off at childcare or cared for by a baby-sitter means saying good-bye to Mom or Dad—and for many toddlers, bye-bye is a big deal. This gentle book helps ease the transition with simple rituals: hugs and kisses, a big wave, a deep breath, and the confidence to seek comfort with the new caregiver or other children. Toddlers learn that good-bye isn’t forever, it’s just for a while.
Cork & Fuzz: The Babysitters by Dori Chaconas, illustrated by Lisa McCue
Cork is a short muskrat who likes to help out. Fuzz is a tall possum who likes to help himself. Cork is babysitting a porcupine, and he needs Fuzz’s help. Fuzz says he’s too busy. But when the porcupine goes missing, it is up to Fuzz to help find him! Young readers will love the sixth installment in the popular Cork and Fuzz series!
Daniel’s First Babysitter by Alexandra Cassel, illustrated by Jason Fruchter
Mom and Dad Tiger are going out for the evening. And with Prince Tuesday babysitting, Daniel is guaranteed to have a royally good time. But as Daniel gets ready for bed, he misses his Mom and Dad. Then he can’t find Tigey. Soon enough Daniel learns what a grr-ific babysitter Prince Tuesday is. And when his parents return, as promised, Daniel’s confidence grows and he realizes how much fun it is to have a babysitter.
Do Not EVER Be a Babysitter! by Michaela Muntean, illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre
Uncle Pig is babysitting his nieces and nephews, and he is clueless about what to do! His sister left him a handy list of ideas for how to entertain them, but Pig has a flair for misinterpretation (think Amelia Bedelia). When his tidy home erupts into messy chaos, what is a rookie babysitter to do? Turn to the reader for help, of course!
Help, I Don’t Want a Babysitter by Anke Wagner, illustrated by Anne-Kathrin Behl
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!
How Do Dinosaurs Say Good-Bye? by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague
When they have to part from a loved one, they might cry, or hide in their bedrooms, or even write “DON’T GO!” on the wall. But with a little courage, they can face their fears. They can tell grown-ups how they’re feeling and know that time apart can still be filled with love.
How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish
When you babysit a grandma, if you’re lucky, you’ll have a sleepover at her house! And with the useful tips found in this book, you’re guaranteed to become an expert grandma-sitter in no time. (Be sure to check out the sections on: How to keep a grandma busy; Things to do at the park; Possible places to sleep, and what to do once you’re both tucked in for the night.)
Little Owl’s Babysitter by Debi Gliori, illustrated by Alison Brown
Little Owl does NOT want a babysitter … he’s not a baby and he certainly doesn’t want to be sat on! When Pinny the babysitter arrives, Little Owl wants a long bedtime story and a hot chocolate with forty marshmallows – and he mustn’t forget to say goodnight to ALL his toys, about a millionty billion of them!
Then, Little Owl sets Pinny a final, impossible task:
‘The moon,’ said Little Owl, ‘I need it by my bedside.’
Llama Llama Meets the Babysitter by Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan, illustrated by JT Morrow
“I have something new to talk about . . . tonight I will be going out,” Mama gently tells Llama Llama.
At first, Llama feels okay with this. After all, Mama has gone out before and Gram and Grandpa have stayed with him. But this time they can’t. Someone new is coming over, and the more he thinks about it, the more he worries! He knows he will be miserable . . . and then the doorbell rings. It’s Molly from the ice cream store. What is she doing here? And she has ice cream! Maybe having a new babysitter isn’t nearly as bad as he thought!
No Babysitters Allowed by Amber Stewart, illustrated by Laura Rankin
Hopscotch is a very brave bunny―except when his parents go out and Mrs. Honeybunch comes to stay. She wants to play, but Hopscotch would much rather be alone in his special NO BABYSITTERS ALLOWED fort . . . that is, until he hears Mrs. Honeybunch reading his books all wrong. But explaining the right way to tell the stories would mean leaving his fort, and Hopscotch isn’t sure he’s brave enough for that.
This sweetly funny story about separation anxiety will provide ample reassurance to young children (and their worried parents) facing babysitter night.
Pirates Don’t Change Diapers by Melinda Long, illustrated by David Shannon
When the pirate crew turns up at Jeremy Jacob’s house and accidentally wakes his baby sister, that wee scallywag howls louder than a storm on the high seas. Sure, there’s buried treasure to be found, but nobody’s digging up anything until Bonney Anne quits her caterwauling. So, quicker than you can say “scurvy dog,” Braid Beard and his swashbuckling pirates become . . . babysitters? Blimey!
Sitting Duck by Jackie Urbanovic
When Brody’s niece Anabel comes for a visit, Max and the gang’s only job is to keep her out of trouble. How hard could it be to babysit a puppy anyway? To Max’s surprise, this fun-loving pup can’t help getting into trouble—especially when set loose in the backyard. Turns out being a “sitting duck” is a lot harder than Max expected!
A Smart Girl’s Guide: Babysitting, The Care and Keeping of Kids by Harriet Brown, illustrated by Karen Wolcott
Who will be the best babysitter on the block? You! Inside this guide, you’ll find professional tips and tricks, quizzes, secrets from real sitters, and safety how-to information that will keep kids and parents asking for you. You’ll learn how to care for kids and become a wiz at changing a baby’s diaper properly, calming a crying child after her parents leave, and even making a picky eater happy and full.
A Stack of Alpacas by Matt Cosgrove
Macca the alpaca is looking after his nieces and nephew and they are nothing but TROUBLE! Can Uncle Macca rein in this unruly trio?
Smashing and splashing! Jumping and thumping! Macca is an alpaca who loves silly caps and taking naps. But can Macca take care of his rambunctious nieces and nephew for an entire afternoon? Let’s find out!
