Long live The Baby-Sitters Club

Long before Twilight and the Jonas Brothers captivated tweens everywhere (and before the word “tween” even existed), we had The Baby-Sitters Club books. And now, since Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, and GI Joe have made triumphant returns in recent years, why not bring back this wholesome book series, right? Indeed, series author Ann M. Martin is writing a new prequel to the series, which will trigger the series re-release to a new generation. And, while you probably won’t understand unless you’re a late 20s/early 30s female, I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic about it.

The Baby-Sitters Club may not have spawned hit movies and a creepy obsession with all things vampire, but it did make for more than just a fun book series. For instance, I remember owning The Baby-Sitters Club trivia/board game. What’s more, I had my very own baby-sitters club with several friends. We even had our own business cards made. I was the club treasurer, which I remember because a few years after our club fizzled out, I found an envelope full of the “dues” we collected from each other in my bedroom closet. I’m not sure what the money was intended for; and I honestly don’t remember what I did with that money after discovering it.

Also, in my trip down memory lane (via Google) I discovered clips of a Disney TV show based on the books and—while it never hit blockbuster status—there was actually a Baby-Sitters Club movie! Seriously, how did I miss this? http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3901620505/ (And can you spot the Minnesota native turned mildly successful actress in that movie trailer?)

Anyway, good luck to Ms. Martin and Scholastic books with their new publishing endeavor. I hope today’s tweens appreciate the re-release of this series, even if it isn’t filled with blood and scandal.