Arthur Babysits: An Arthur Adventure

Brown's 16th adventure starring the affable aardvark has the bespectacled fellow take on his first babysitting job. Of course he has had experience looking after his sisters, D. W. and Kate, but they are less of a challenge than the terrible Tibble twins. Though D. W. telephones to coach her brother, the feisty, cowboy-suited twins almost get the best of their frenzied sitter. But luckily Arthur calls on his colorful imagination to come up with the story of a horrible, big, slimy, stinky green swamp thing who prowls around searching for his favorite meal-twin boys. Suddenly subdued, both youngsters take cover in Arthur's safe lap, where their pleasantly surprised grandmother finds them on her return. Typically loaded with kid appeal, Brown's tale is simple and satisfying. Little ones will savor the action-filled pictures depicting the riotous chaos caused by Arthur's charges. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)