Introduction
Scholastic has announced a trio of new titles to celebrate the Baby-Sitters Club‘s 40th anniversary. The releases include a fan-edition, a graphic novel, and a craft guide, all set to launch in the coming months. Fans of the beloved series, which debuted in 1986, will have fresh adventures to enjoy.
At a Glance
- Scholastic is releasing three new titles for the 40th anniversary.
- A fan-edition drops on July 7.
- A graphic novel follows on September 15.
- A craft book arrives on April 7.
- The series now spans over 250 titles, spin-offs, and graphic adaptations.
The Fan-Edition: A Fresh Take on Classic Characters
The Baby-Sitters Club Fan Edition: Baby-sitter Summer will hit shelves on July 7. The book follows the club’s members as they embark on new adventures, while Mary Anne and Stacey stay in Stoneybrook, according to an official synopsis. Six authors-Becky Albertalli, Coe Booth, Sarah Kuhn, Peter Lerangis, Jahnna N. Malcolm, and Emma Straub-will write from the perspectives of Stacey, Kristy, Claudia, Dawn, Jessi, and Mallory. Ann M. Martin will contribute a chapter from Mary Anne’s point of view.
> “I’m thrilled and humbled by the incredible success and enduring popularity of The Baby-Sitters Club,” Martin said in a statement shared with News Of Los Angeles.
> “One of the joys of The Baby-Sitters Club is that we now have generations of fans who think of the BSC as their own,” said David Levithan, Scholastic publisher and editor, in a statement shared with News Of Los Angeles. “The BSC Fan Edition is sure to be embraced by fans young and old.”
Graphic Novel: A Dream Collaboration
On September 15, Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan will release The Baby-Sitters Club Super Special: Baby-sitters on Board!, a new graphic novel adapted from the fan-favorite 1988 novel of the same name. The duo, both long-time fans and comic-book illustrators, bring a fresh visual style to the classic story.
> “Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan are comics superstars and longtime friends who are also huge fans of The Baby-Sitters Club and have each adapted and illustrated multiple BSC graphic novels, making this a dream collaboration and incredible full-circle moment,” said Cassandra Pelham Fulton, editor of the graphic-novel line and Graphix imprint associate publisher.
Craft Book: Hands-On Fun for All Ages
Scholastic and Klutz will publish The Baby-Sitters Club: Friendship Crafts on April 7. The guide offers a variety of art projects-bracelets, pins, bookmarks, and more-so readers can create their own BSC-themed items. The book is designed for fans of all ages to explore their creativity while celebrating the series.
The Legacy of a Cultural Phenomenon
Ann M. Martin launched the original series in 1986, originally planning four novels focused on Kristy Thomas, Claudia Kishi, Mary Anne Spier, and Stacey McGill. Since then, the series has expanded to over 250 titles, four spin-off series, and a collection of graphic-novel adaptations. The characters also appeared in the 1995 film The Baby-Sitters Club and a 2020 Netflix show.
> “It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly four decades since the adventures of Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, and Stacey began, and I’m thrilled and humbled by the incredible success and enduring popularity of The Baby-Sitters Club,” Martin added.
Key Takeaways
- Scholastic’s 40th-anniversary celebration includes a fan-edition, a graphic novel, and a craft guide.
- Releases are scheduled for April 7, July 7, and September 15.
- The series’ legacy spans more than 250 books and multiple media adaptations.
- The new titles aim to honor longtime fans and attract new readers.
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