Eleanor and the Babysitter

Eleanor's mommy has curlers in her bushy tail, and her daddy is buttoning up his ruffled shirt. They are stepping out, and a new babysitter--a koala bear named Alison--arrives. Eleanor insists that she does not need a sitter and refuses to play any of the games that Alison suggests. The stubborn child takes refuge in a dark closet, where some luggage and old clothes look too much like a monster for her liking. Alison comes to her rescue, and the youngster realizes that her brave sitter isn't so bad after all. Hellard ( Just a Minute! ; It's Not Fair! ) infuses her text and pictures with gentle humor and succeeds in entertaining while reassuring. Kids will love the illustrations' diverting details--fancy earrings clipped onto mom's ears and Alison's trendy apparel and ankle bracelet. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)