Kid Konnection: Gabby Duran and the Unsittables

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a cute middle grade book that's being called a blend of BABY-SITTERS CLUB meets MEN IN BLACK!

Summary: Case File: The First Unsittable

Summary: The Association Linking Intergalatics and Earthlings (hereby known as A.L.I.E.N.) has a new member. After months of investigation, Gabby Duran, Associate 4118-25125A, has proven herself to be a babysitter extraordinaire. Her celebrity clients fly her around the country to care for their rambunctious little humans. Our spy, Associate 4118-23432B, otherwise known as Edwina, believes Gabby can be trusted with the truth: aliens are living among humans on Earth. And here at A.L.I.E.N we believe that even extraterrestrials need a babysitter now and then. No one was up to the task…until now.

After accepting the top-secret position, Edwina has paired our new associate up with her first charge, a little girl from the planet Flarknartia. The timing for associate 4118-25125A is less than ideal. It’s a school day on Planet Earth, Gabby’s audition for the solo part in the band is tonight, and this tiny alien is a bit more than meets the eye.

Can Gabby Duran, Associate 4118-25125A, First Sitter to the Unsittables, keep her otherworldly charge safe in the unpredictable halls of middle-school and keep A.L.I.E.N hidden? -- Disney Hyperion

GABBY DURAN AND THE UNSITTABLES by Elise Allen and Daryle Conners is the first in a new series by Disney, and it's a cute way to introduce science fiction novels to middle grade readers. I have a feeling that many kids are going to love Gabby and her intergalactic adventures.

Gabby Duran is quite the babysitter! In fact, she's earned her status a babysitter to the stars... and by that I mean famous celebrities. However, the Association Linking Intergalactics and Earthlings (A.L.I.E.N.) wants her as a member. This group believes that Gabby can work her babysitting magic on a variety of alien kiddos.

Gabby is recruited by Edwina, a spy who tells Gabby the "truth" -- that there are aliens living in Earth and even their little ones occasionally need a babysitter. Gabby isn't sure whom to trust or what to believe, but one thing's for sure. She will do her best to take care of and protect her charge, a little girl from the planet Flarknartia.

When Gabby takes the little alien with her to school and to her audition for the band concert, she quickly learns that this little "girl" is more than meets the eye!

I thought GABBY DURAN AND THE UNSITTABLES was a fun book, and I really enjoyed the premise. The story was cute, as were the characters, and I believe that there was enough action to keep things interesting for most readers. In addition, I liked the way the authors brought the story to life with their vivid descriptions. Overall, it's an ideal book for kids ages 7 - 12; however, I do think those kids on the younger side of this range will probably enjoy the book more!

One of the best things about this book was the character of Gabby. She's a great kid and it's easy to see why she is a babysitter who's in demand. Gabby was a good student and a conscientious girl, and I think readers will appreciate those qualities in her. Even when Gabby was being chased down by undercover agents for the Group Eradicating Totally Objectionable Uninvited Trespassers (G.E.T.O.U.T.), she still was concerned about the alien when was babysitting.

Another thing I appreciated about this book was the story itself. We've all read (or seen) stories about aliens living on Earth, but what a unique idea to have a series starring a young girl who is a babysitter to intergalactic creatures. I loved the descriptions of the aliens and their parents, as well as the special skills they possessed.

Finally, GABBY DURAN AND THE UNSITTABLES was a fun ride... especially for middle grade readers. Gabby's adventures were both exciting and silly, and the pacing was ideal for keeping kids' interest. Because there is so much going on in this novel given the aliens and their special abilities, I do think the number of story lines for future books in this series is almost endless. Personally, I'm looking forward to Gabby's next case, but I'm also anxious learn more about Gabby and her family!

GABBY DURAN AND THE UNSITTABLES is the start of a fun new middle grade series. Recommended to young fans of science fiction and fantasy.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!