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misajane79's review
3.0
As a babysitting veteran, this book cracked me up. Not outstanding, but very, very enjoyable.
charlieavocado's review
4.0
I remembered that these are outdated, creating situations I definitely don't agree with (for instance the support of stereotypical expectations). But I had *zero* memory of the usage of the R-word in relation to a kid who initially refuses to speak. Was upset too see the usage, ESPECIALLY when the entire situation was wholly unnecessary. Also heavy usage of Indian and related terms. So far I think this book ages with the least grace. Bit concerned to read the next one.
daisyporter's review
4.0
I thought this was a great read - well-written with strong secondary characters, and it took the teenagers seriously. The babysitting incidents were funny and resolved well.
The Sebastian parts didn't make a lot of sense, though. The boy twin started out just eating a lot and never talking, while the girl was an obnoxious snob and her whole thing was how she was much too cool for Henry and Midge. But then suddenly the brother can not only speak, but plan a fairly elaborate prank - why would he bother? And at the end, he got his comeuppance, but his sister didn't, even though she was a much worse person. The book would have been stronger if the entire barn/ghost anecdote was left out and it was the sister who had to be embarrassed at the end.
The Sebastian parts didn't make a lot of sense, though. The boy twin started out just eating a lot and never talking, while the girl was an obnoxious snob and her whole thing was how she was much too cool for Henry and Midge. But then suddenly the brother can not only speak, but plan a fairly elaborate prank - why would he bother? And at the end, he got his comeuppance, but his sister didn't, even though she was a much worse person. The book would have been stronger if the entire barn/ghost anecdote was left out and it was the sister who had to be embarrassed at the end.
lemon_drop's review
4.0
A Young Reader's Choice award winner from the 60's.... these always make me marvel at just how far the standards have come. Children's literature has made such amazing strides just in the last 20 years.
This one was quaint and funny, but it does drop the reader in, assuming you've read the previous books featuring these characters so I had a hard time getting into it at first.
This one was quaint and funny, but it does drop the reader in, assuming you've read the previous books featuring these characters so I had a hard time getting into it at first.
jinjer's review
5.0
A fun blast from the past. Henry Reed, his beagle, Agony, his BFF Midge Glass, a black poodle (?) named Consommé, and all kinds of adventures. I remember reading this book out loud (aloud?) in 5th grade. Love the dated illustrations
caleb_m's review
5.0
I liked it. Instead of having their research company as they did last year in Grover's Corner, Henry Reed sets up a babysitting service to earn money and it's really funny.
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