ELEANOR AND THE BABYSITTER
by Susan Hellard & illustrated by Susan Hellard
Distressed because her parents have left her, Eleanor turns down all baby-sitter Alison's suggestions: book, TV, etc. Finally, after even the patient Alison begins to feel annoyed, Eleanor hides in a dark closet where she imagines she sees a monster; after Alison ``saves'' her, the two are finally friends. This engaging presentation of a familiar conflict and its satisfying resolution is illustrated with animal characters (Alison is a koala), drawn with sympathy, humor, and unusual verve. Useful and fun. (Picture book. 3-8)