Kristy's Big Day

The series has rotated back around to Kristy, and this book features a life-changing event in her world: her mother is finally marrying Watson Brewer. Of course, we wouldn't have much of a story without some complications, and these arrive along with Kristy's extended family. Her mother is forced into holding her marriage months earlier than she anticipated, due to changes in her job, and she is overwhelmed by the planning. Her family come to help, but they all have children, as well, and after everyone arrives, fourteen children of various ages are underfoot. Kristy has another one of her inspirations, and tells her mom that the Babysitter's Club is equal to the task. Since Mrs. Thomas only has a week before her nuptials, she needs them to watch the children for five days, from morning to evening. The girls agree, and soon embark on their most ambitious babysitting project ever.

I liked this story. Even though the series clearly has a formula, Martin continues to change up the plots. Rather than focusing on a particular babysitting experience, this story centers on a babysitting extravaganza. It felt like summer camp. I enjoyed seeing how the babysitters interacted with each other on the job, and how the children dealt with each other. It was refreshing to read a new twist on the series idea now that we are six books deep. The wedding part was sweet, too. The author does a good job of presenting a variety of characters that are developed and distinct. Even though these books do focus on a specific segment of our society - middle class suburbia - the novel realistically depicts the people and events involved. One of the better books so far, in my opinion. ( )