Release Date: All available now from Scholastic
Source: Personal Collection
Synopsis (Book 1)
In this new graphic novel edition of the very first BABY-SITTERS CLUB book, Raina Telgemeier captures all the drama of the original in warm, spunky illustrations. Witness Kristy's eureka moment, when she gets the idea for a "baby-sitters club" and enlists her best friends, shy Mary Anne and artistic Claudia, in an exciting new venture. But the baby-sitting business isn't the only thing absorbing their attention: Kristy is having a hard time accepting her stepdad-to-be, and the newest member of the gang, Stacey, seems to be hiding a secret.
I grew up reading The Baby-Sitters Club books. I was just the right age when they started coming out and I was obsessed. My friends and I even started our own club, although I don't think any of us were actually babysitting at the time. Even though I was a big fan, or maybe because I was a big fan, of the original series, it took me a long time to get around to the graphic versions. I think I felt like I would just rather see the original books still on shelves.
It is pretty amazing how much staying power this series has. When I was at the bookstore, at least once a month someone would come in looking for the series, and I always had to turn them away or offer the graphic version.
Recently I read Smile by Raina Telgemeier and I loved it, so I decided it was high time I got around to this series. I'm so glad I finally picked them up. It was wonderful to get to know the club once again and in a whole new way. The stories are familiar, the characters are familiar, but when you see them brought to life before your eyes, it really is a wonderful experience.
Telgemeier does a beautiful job capturing the spirit of each of these characters. As a longtime fan, I felt that rather than take away from the books, these graphic novel versions simply add to the world and make it a much richer place to be. Her illustrations are wonderful and completely spot-on.
Luckily, the original books will soon be sharing the shelves with these. The first of the re-released books comes out on April 1st. I'm very excited, although a little weary, because I heard they were updating them. As long as they don't take away from the charm of the originals, I will be happy. If they do half as good a job as Telgemeier has done, I will be thrilled. Check these out whether you're a BSC fan or not, they will capture your heart.
Hehe... those look cute.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how well the originals will work with today's young audience. I worry that the only people who might want to buy them would be us nostalgic older folks.
I mean... do teenagers even get to babysit these days? Don't parents drag their screaming kids everywhere rather than leaving them at home with a babysitter? Sure seems like it sometimes...
Anyway, I might have to have a look for these graphic novels, because I loved the series when I was a preteen. It was one of my favourites.
I had no idea they were re-releasing The BSC! I am kind of excited to see what they look like...and I kind of feel like I will have to buy them all again hehe
ReplyDeleteGraphic novel editions sound very cool. I remember I read some of this series when I was younger, but I can't remember which. Hmm, I may re-read one day!
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to read the BSC graphic novels. I have such fond memories of this series, and I'm actually pretty glad they're getting updated too. I think some of the ways the originals have dated might put new readers off reading them, and that would be a pity.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures look so cute just from the cover of the graphic novel. I've never read the original though I've heard of it, so now I may have to dig up a copy. By the way I've given you an award for your pretty awesome blog. You can get it here - http://backchatgirl.blogspot.com/2010/03/award-time.html
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie,
ReplyDeleteDidn't see your email on your blog so trying this. I am working with 1ARC Tours and I am trying to see if you have or have not read Duplikate by Cherry Cheva. Trying to find were the book has been and where it is now. Please email me at booklady2007[at]gmail[dot]com.
Thanks,
Stormi
P.S. That book looks real cute and something my niece would love..lol Different from the BSC I remember. :)
I grew up reading this series, too. I've moved around a lot since I was a kid, but I've still managed to save most of my copies of The BSC, which I hope to pass on someday. I love graphic novels (or books with art in them), too, so I look forward to checking these out. And those buttons are too cute.
ReplyDelete