What do you think?
Rate this book
The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels #16
Kristy and the Walking Disaster: A Graphic Novel
A Baby-sitters Club graphic novel adapted by Eisner- and National Book Award-nominated cartoonist Ellen T. Crenshaw!
They're lean, they're mean, they're the pride of Stoneybrook. Who are they? They're Kristy's Krushers!
When Kristy sees how much her little brothers and sister want to play on a softball team, she starts a ragtag team of her own. Maybe Kristy's Krushers aren't world champions (how could they be, with Jackie Rodowsky, walking disaster, playing for them?), but nobody beats them when it comes to team spirit.
Now Bart's Bashers have challenged the Krushers to a game. It's bad enough that the Bashers truly are lean and mean -- but what's worse is that Kristy has a crush on the Bashers' coach!
They're lean, they're mean, they're the pride of Stoneybrook. Who are they? They're Kristy's Krushers!
When Kristy sees how much her little brothers and sister want to play on a softball team, she starts a ragtag team of her own. Maybe Kristy's Krushers aren't world champions (how could they be, with Jackie Rodowsky, walking disaster, playing for them?), but nobody beats them when it comes to team spirit.
Now Bart's Bashers have challenged the Krushers to a game. It's bad enough that the Bashers truly are lean and mean -- but what's worse is that Kristy has a crush on the Bashers' coach!
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 25, 2024
Kristy and the Walking Disaster is a fantastic graphic novel adaptation of the Baby-Sitters Club classic. The story emphasizes themes of teamwork, and doing your best, making it both relatable and inspiring.
One of my favorite aspects was the inclusion of Matt, first introduced in Jessi’s Secret Language, and the representation of American Sign Language. The kids use sign language with Matt, Kristy incorporates signs while communicating with her team, and Matt’s mother and sister both serve as interpreters. I appreciated how the signed words were bolded in the text, adding a nice visual touch to the reading experience.
Kids who like reading about sports (baseball) or the Baby-Sitters Club in general will enjoy this graphic novel. – Diana F.
One of my favorite aspects was the inclusion of Matt, first introduced in Jessi’s Secret Language, and the representation of American Sign Language. The kids use sign language with Matt, Kristy incorporates signs while communicating with her team, and Matt’s mother and sister both serve as interpreters. I appreciated how the signed words were bolded in the text, adding a nice visual touch to the reading experience.
Kids who like reading about sports (baseball) or the Baby-Sitters Club in general will enjoy this graphic novel. – Diana F.
September 19, 2024
Reading about baseball is boring. The Kristy/Bart crush was cute.
September 7, 2024
KRISTY LOVE INTEREST?!?!?
September 20, 2024
A very cute adaptation of a book that's honestly not one of my favorites (sorry, not a sports girl, even for the BSC). But sorry, I need to indulge in a few nitpicks. They stood out to me because this series is usually so seamless!
* The book retains a cute little moment where Kristy calls Archie "Red" and he doesn't get why. But in this series, the Rodowskys all have brown hair, I assume to make the Pikes stand out more. In fact, Kristy's hair is redder than Archie's. Why not put him a red shirt or something?
* When the Bashers show up to practice to heckle the kids, one of the Krushers complains, "Those boys were mean." But at least one of the Bashers was a girl. She even appears on the cover of the book.
* We see the refreshment stand at the game from a distance in one panel and Sam Thomas appears to be leaning over the table chatting with a redheaded guy. Then there's a close-up, and oops, the redhead is Charlie and he has completely different coloring now!
* The book retains a cute little moment where Kristy calls Archie "Red" and he doesn't get why. But in this series, the Rodowskys all have brown hair, I assume to make the Pikes stand out more. In fact, Kristy's hair is redder than Archie's. Why not put him a red shirt or something?
* When the Bashers show up to practice to heckle the kids, one of the Krushers complains, "Those boys were mean." But at least one of the Bashers was a girl. She even appears on the cover of the book.
* We see the refreshment stand at the game from a distance in one panel and Sam Thomas appears to be leaning over the table chatting with a redheaded guy. Then there's a close-up, and oops, the redhead is Charlie and he has completely different coloring now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2024
Kristy starts a baseball team for her siblings and the rest of the BSC kids who are too young for little league. They take on a rival team of also too young for little league kids (but not quite as young), who are coached by a neighborhood boy. Cute as always. I don’t remember Kristy being quite so into Bart (and fricken’ a is Karen annoying).
A bit laughable now, since 3-year-olds have baseball “teams”. Not to mention a few 13-year-olds left in charge of a gaggle of 2-1/2 to 8 year olds. But no registration fees and free babysitting, so I can see why the parents like it.
A bit laughable now, since 3-year-olds have baseball “teams”. Not to mention a few 13-year-olds left in charge of a gaggle of 2-1/2 to 8 year olds. But no registration fees and free babysitting, so I can see why the parents like it.
October 7, 2024
I have been enjoying all of these graphic novel adaptations of my favorite childhood series 💛
November 14, 2024
As far as BSC books go, it was good
October 3, 2024
the romanceeeee
K+B
K+B
September 30, 2024
Ooo la la Kristy has a crush loved this book
September 25, 2024
September 24th, 2024
I really enjoy this series. The way the story is told, one need not be a fan of the original series. These adaptations in some ways improve upon those stories, or at least brings them from the late 1980s/early 1990s into at least the 2010s (though the absence of cell phones is a little off - surely at least a few of these girls would have a phone on them?)
Anyway, Jackie is a wild character, mostly because he seems to be less an actual character than what an adult might remember about a particular kid they babysat at one time. (In this way, I think of Jackie as akin to Boy Meets World villain Griff Hawkins, as played by Adam Scott: there's no way he's real, but the character makes sense as some sort of archetype that looms large in one's memory.)
I don't remember Bart and Kristy moving so fast in the original novel. This is not at all how I pictured Bart.
My favorite part of this is actually the interaction between Kristy and Watson. I've only read about ~200 of the original books, but their relationship never seems to get the same fleshing out that Kristy's relationship with, say, Karen gets. Watson clearly wants a real relationship with Kristy in this book, and we get some hints about how that might develop.
(I maintain this: Watson either had a great prenup with Karen's mom, or her divorce attorney screwed her. Why are we always told about how small Karen's mom's house is in Karen's books, versus Watson's vast empire of a house?)
Anyway, fun read. I would never have Kristy's patience with these children - at least, not without getting paid - and frankly Jamie Newton resonates with me in baseball specifically. It was nice to see Charlotte - hers and Stacey's relationship is one of the best parts of the original series, so I hope we see more of her.
I really enjoy this series. The way the story is told, one need not be a fan of the original series. These adaptations in some ways improve upon those stories, or at least brings them from the late 1980s/early 1990s into at least the 2010s (though the absence of cell phones is a little off - surely at least a few of these girls would have a phone on them?)
Anyway, Jackie is a wild character, mostly because he seems to be less an actual character than what an adult might remember about a particular kid they babysat at one time. (In this way, I think of Jackie as akin to Boy Meets World villain Griff Hawkins, as played by Adam Scott: there's no way he's real, but the character makes sense as some sort of archetype that looms large in one's memory.)
I don't remember Bart and Kristy moving so fast in the original novel. This is not at all how I pictured Bart.
My favorite part of this is actually the interaction between Kristy and Watson. I've only read about ~200 of the original books, but their relationship never seems to get the same fleshing out that Kristy's relationship with, say, Karen gets. Watson clearly wants a real relationship with Kristy in this book, and we get some hints about how that might develop.
(I maintain this: Watson either had a great prenup with Karen's mom, or her divorce attorney screwed her. Why are we always told about how small Karen's mom's house is in Karen's books, versus Watson's vast empire of a house?)
Anyway, fun read. I would never have Kristy's patience with these children - at least, not without getting paid - and frankly Jamie Newton resonates with me in baseball specifically. It was nice to see Charlotte - hers and Stacey's relationship is one of the best parts of the original series, so I hope we see more of her.
October 8, 2024
First up is the obligitory justice for Jackie as a redhead. There's even a scene where Kristy calls Archie, his little brother, Red and um... without the red hair this is just weird since the kid isn't wearing a stitch of red clothing either. Sigh.
That aside, there's an adorable scene with Janine and Tigger which earns a baseline of 3 stars no matter what, and then there's all the Kristy and Watson stuff which secures the other two stars. I have no real attachment to the original book/story for this one, so reading the graphic novel was fun as the ONLY thing I remembered was Karen's refusal to be a Krusher. Well, that and we're introduced to Bart.
The art knocked it out of the park for me and I loved so many pages/scenes. This one gave me all the warm fuzzies, aside from that one issue. (No. I will be dying on this hill. So sorry.)
That aside, there's an adorable scene with Janine and Tigger which earns a baseline of 3 stars no matter what, and then there's all the Kristy and Watson stuff which secures the other two stars. I have no real attachment to the original book/story for this one, so reading the graphic novel was fun as the ONLY thing I remembered was Karen's refusal to be a Krusher. Well, that and we're introduced to Bart.
The art knocked it out of the park for me and I loved so many pages/scenes. This one gave me all the warm fuzzies, aside from that one issue. (No. I will be dying on this hill. So sorry.)
September 26, 2024
This series continues to knock it out of the park! In this 16th installment of the graphic novel adaptation of Ann M. Martin’s beloved Babysitters Club books, Kristy brings together a ragtag group of their charges to form a baseball team. Kristy’s Krushers work hard to gain skills and confidence while maintaining good sportsmanship. This book also introduces Bart, Kristy’s neighbor and fellow coach who heads up the rival team. I love that this book softens Kristy as she crushes on Bart and eschews her competitive businesswoman ways to allow for ‘trying hard’ and ‘doing your best.’ The illustrations and bright, bold coloring make this book such a pleasure to read! I borrowed this from the local library and read it with my 6yo daughter who is already asking when book 17 will be out.
October 18, 2024
Kristy starts a baseball team for the young kids too little for little league. She has her hands full. What these kids lack in talent they make up for in spirit. With Kristy leading them, teaching them to be good sports and try their best they will thrive. Bart's Bashers made up of bigger kids challenges Kristy's Krushers to a game and it quickly becomes apparent that Kristy's team has more fun and team spirit than the more athletic bashers. Being the best you can be and trying hard is the moral. It doesn't matter if you win as much as if you gave it your all and were there for your team. Encouragement, support and fun rule.
November 6, 2024
In my youth, I read and re-read many OG BSC novels, but the Kristy ones always kind of took a backseat for me, so I wasn't as familiar with this one as I was with, say, "Logan Likes Mary Anne" or "Stacey's Mistake." I maintain that Kristy is the Worst (see my most recent reviews of OG BSC novels), but she wasn't so bad in this one. She's a good coach, and has endless patience with the kids on her team.
Also, Bart was always my least favorite of the BSC love interests, but I can tell you right now that if these graphic novel adaptations had been around when I was a tween, I would have absolutely been swooning over the way they illustrated him. They did not need to Do That.
Also, Bart was always my least favorite of the BSC love interests, but I can tell you right now that if these graphic novel adaptations had been around when I was a tween, I would have absolutely been swooning over the way they illustrated him. They did not need to Do That.
September 23, 2024
My favorite part of this graphic novel was the inclusion of the character Matt and ASL signs. The kids use sign with Matt, Kristy uses some signs, and his sister and mother both serve as interpreters as well. Whatever word was being depicted in sign was bolded in the text, which was a nice touch.
The story also had some great themes of trying your best and working together as a team.
Although some 5 year olds were playing on the team, it seems unreasonable to have a 2.5 year old playing baseball. Even with a whiffle ball.
Good graphic novel adaptation.
The story also had some great themes of trying your best and working together as a team.
Although some 5 year olds were playing on the team, it seems unreasonable to have a 2.5 year old playing baseball. Even with a whiffle ball.
Good graphic novel adaptation.
October 8, 2024
I found this book very fun to read! I understand that I’m a little bit older than the targeted audience, but this was my favorite book series as a child and I felt like it wouldn’t hurt to keep reading the new books that come up!
Anyway about the ACTUAL book, for once it wasn’t really about babysitting instead it was about teamwork and knowing that even though you may be small you can still do a lot and WIN!
This book was really good and I’d recommend even if you’re a little bit older! Enjoy the book!
Anyway about the ACTUAL book, for once it wasn’t really about babysitting instead it was about teamwork and knowing that even though you may be small you can still do a lot and WIN!
This book was really good and I’d recommend even if you’re a little bit older! Enjoy the book!
October 22, 2024
This was better than the book that it was based upon, but that being said, this is not my type of book. Kristy starts a baseball team featuring a ragtag group of kids including a 2 and a half year old (?) and has to go against a rival she meets named Bart, who has his own team. The two teams have a game and hilarity ensues. This was a fun read but as a non sports fan, the theme of the book didnt' resonate highly with me.
September 23, 2024
While not my favorite in the series, this was still all kinds of cute. I like Watson’s relationship with Kristy, and how Kristy led the team. The book also had a good lesson to it, and of course - Bart Taylor! It was so nice to see him be added to the series. Now we just need to get a Sam/Stacey book adapted…
October 3, 2024
This is one of the best-written novels in the series, although not my favorite.. There's a lot of plot to cover, most importantly Kristy's first crush! In fact the title should be Kristy's Krushers.
The underdog sports team is heartwarming but I find Jackie to be annoying and attention-seeking. It's interesting that Kristy is so patient with kids but so tough on her peers.
The underdog sports team is heartwarming but I find Jackie to be annoying and attention-seeking. It's interesting that Kristy is so patient with kids but so tough on her peers.
September 17, 2024
Welp, I cried. This book just hits different in a visual format, seeing the Krushers work hard and how proud they are of their team. Another amazing BSC graphic novel!
Also Bart Taylor is kind of a dreamboat.
Also Bart Taylor is kind of a dreamboat.
October 7, 2024
90/100 or 4.50 stars
These stories work the best as a graphic novel. The modernized versions of the stories work better, as they definitely updated some things and made the stories and characters better. I love this and want to read all of the adaptations. The nostalgia feels good here.
These stories work the best as a graphic novel. The modernized versions of the stories work better, as they definitely updated some things and made the stories and characters better. I love this and want to read all of the adaptations. The nostalgia feels good here.
October 26, 2024
This was absolutely terrible and the worst graphic novel to date. The art style did not jive well with the book. It didn’t remotely capture the personality of the kids correctly. It felt like a lackluster cash grab.
November 9, 2024
Kristy has never been my favorite of the BSC crew (because I've always been a Claudia about sports lol) but this was fun. I can see it being a huge hit! Kids are going to love it, especially your sporty kids. It was a good adaptation.
November 18, 2024
Cute, as usual! I'm really enjoying revisiting the BSC through these graphic novels. Pluses for signing fo the whole team, doing your best even if you don't win, and Kristy and Watson becoming friends
September 14, 2024
I know these are pure nostalgia for me but I thought this graphic novel version was very well done. The story was good and the illustrations were perfect.
September 20, 2024
Not bad. Not my favorite not my least favorite babysitters club graphic novel. Kind of fun. I like the theme of team spirit. And how Kristy coaches the team. Overall a fun graphic novel.
Read
September 20, 2024Yeah, I definitely love these as graphic novels
September 21, 2024
Great graphic novel series, beautiful colours and design. Great story of resilience.
2024 pop sugar reading challenge- women’s sport
2024 pop sugar reading challenge- women’s sport
Read
September 27, 2024Ooo, Kristy! I'm so happy for you :)
Anticipating the next volume as usual!
Anticipating the next volume as usual!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews