Four decades since the first book of “The Baby-Sitters Club” series came out, creator and author Ann M. Martin is looking back.
“When I set out to write the first book in The Baby-Sitters Club, 'Kristy’s Great Idea,' I wanted to create a series about girls who were strong, entrepreneurial, independent thinkers, and problem-solvers — and friends who were kind, compassionate, and supportive of one another despite their many differences.
"Now, nearly four decades later, I receive letters from kids who say their parents introduced them to the series and that they enjoy reading the books together. I love the idea of parents, caregivers, and children bonding over the stories," she says.
The first "Baby-sitters Club" book led to a total of 250 books, 200 million copies sold, shows on HBO and Netflix, a film and now, another graphic novel addition.
As part of the book series’ 40-year anniversary, Scholastic is releasing the first-ever graphic novel adaptation of a “Baby-sitters Club” super special book. The 15 “super special” books are longer than the standard novels and feature narration from every member of the BSC.
“The Baby-sitters Club Super Special: Baby-sitters on Board,” adapted by Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan, comes out on Sept. 15.
In the book, Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, Stacey, Dawn, Mallory and Jessi head to the Bahamas on a cruise for three days of fun. Amid all the adventure, these girls still have time for what they do best: babysitting.
“The graphic novel adaptations are a wonderful addition to the series,” Martin said in a statement to TODAY.com. “I’m in awe of how a story can be carried forward through illustrations — even by something as seemingly simple as a facial expression.”
New York Times bestselling authors Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan, who previously collaborated on BSC graphic novels, say the opportunity feels like a full-circle moment.
Telgemeier told TODAY.com in a statement that she "fell in love" with the BSC in 1986.
"My fondness for the girls and the world of Stoneybrook is as strong as ever," Telgemeier reveals. "What a joy to pick up my pencil and return to illustrating Ann’s characters, and what a thrill to share this ride with Gale — who is such a force of cartooning nature themself!"
Galligan, too, shares a personal connection to the BSC storyline and one character in particular.
“From the moment I met Claudia Kishi and discovered that there were books about Asian American kids like me, to the moment I saw my own graphic novel adaptation on a bookshelf for the first time, 'The Baby-sitters Club' has opened my life up in ways I could never have imagined," Galligan said.
"I’m delighted to celebrate its 40th anniversary in the most BSC way possible: by collaborating with dear friends," Galligan added.
Martin echoes the book' sisterhood. She says "stepping into the world of Stoneybrook" with this book feels like a "reunion with close friends."
"As we approach the 40-year anniversary of The Baby-Sitters Club, it’s deeply meaningful to know that the series has helped inspire a love of reading," Martin said. "I am humbled, honored, and incredibly grateful.”
Take a Sneak Peek at the 1st 'Baby-sitters Club' Graphic Novel
“The Baby-sitters Club Super Super Special: Baby-sitters on Board!” is the series' first super special graphic novel.
"The Baby-sitters Club boards the Ocean Princess for a cruise to the Bahamas and Disney World! Mary Anne meets a mysterious girl who never quite tells the truth. Claudia gets mixed up with a secret admirer. Kristy and Stacey make special friends, and Dawn has a fabulous romance," the official synopsis reads.
