Comics and Cookies: Baby-Sitter’s Little Sister

IOWA CITY — Each month, the Iowa City Public Library’s will feature a comic or graphic novel for kids, suggest a sweet treat pairing, include a game or activity, and ask a couple discussion questions about the book.

Maybe you've heard of the Baby-Sitter's Club graphic novels, but did you know there is a spinoff series for younger readers about Kristy Thomas' little stepsister, Karen Brewer?

In the first book, 6-year-old Karen's imagination gets the best of her when she decides that her neighbor, Mrs. Porter — who has wild gray hair, wears black robes, and has a garden full of mysterious herbs — must be a witch.

Pairs well with: Witch's Hat Cookies. Simply flip a fudge-striped cookie upside down and attach a Hershey's Kiss to the middle with a piping bag of icing to make a treat that is simple to make and delicious to eat!

Discuss

Can you tell what someone is like based on the way that they look? Why or why not?

What evidence does Karen cite for her claims that her neighbor is a witch?

When have you confronted a fear, like Karen did in this book? What happened?

What is Karen's relationship with her little brother Andrew like? If you have siblings, what are some activities you do with them, and some challenges in getting along with them?

Try

Make a neighborhood map.

Karen is very invested in the movements of her neighbor, Mrs. Porter, and spends a lot of time outside observing. Take a walk around your neighborhood and pay attention to landmarks, houses, signs and nature while taking notes or observe from inside your house from a window!

Draw what you saw on paper, adding streets and other landmarks around your house, if possible.