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Henry Babysits, by Robert Quackenbush

I kind of had to chuckle as I read this book in August, when my “teacher dreams” are starting to kick into gear. The babysitting scenario that got out of hand seemed to reflect the themes of most teachers’ dreams this time of year. When Henry’s friend stops by and asks if he can watch her sleeping nephew for a bit, she insists it will be no problem, as the baby is sleeping. But word spreads around the neighborhood and pretty soon watching a kitten, an infant, a baby, and a puppy. One thing leads to another until complete chaos is reigning, beyond Henry’s control and his house gets trashed. But eventually they all wear themselves out and are asleep when their parents return to collect them. The last one to leave, who was the friend who had started it all says, “You see, Henry? Babysitting is easy.”