Henry Heckelbeck Does Not Need a Sitter

by Wanda Coven, Priscilla Burris (Illustrator)

Overview

In this fifteenth Henry Heckelbeck adventure, Henry tries to prove he’s too old for a babysitter!

Henry’s parents are going on a date night and have hired a babysitter. But Henry’s not a baby, he’s a wizard! And the last thing he needs is a nosy stranger looking into his room and discovering his magic Book of Spells. Can Henry convince his parents that he’s old enough to stay home alone?

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Henry Heckelbeck chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781665952873
Publisher:	Little Simon
Publication date:	05/07/2024
Series:	Henry Heckelbeck Series , #15
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 7.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	5 - 9 Years

About the Author

Wanda Coven has always loved magic. When she was little, she used to make secret potions from smooshed shells and acorns. Then she would pretend to transport herself and her friends to enchanted places. Now she visits other worlds through writing. Wanda lives with her husband and son in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They have three cats: Hilda, Agnes, and Claw-dia.

Priscilla Burris is the illustrator and author-illustrator of many books for children. She attributes her love of children’s books and library visits to the East Los Angeles Library. Priscilla loves her role of creating characters and stories for readers everywhere. She lives in sunny Arizona, where she finds the sunrises and sunsets awe-inspiring.

Read an Excerpt

Chapter 1 NO FAIR!

 

  Henry loved Saturday lunches. On Saturdays he got to have dinosaur chicken nuggets and applesauce.

  Henry glanced at the kitchen calendar.

  Today’s date had a big red heart on it. That’s weird, he thought. It’s not even Valentine’s Day!

   

  “Why is there a heart drawn on today’s date?” Henry asked his mom and dad, who were also eating their lunch at the kitchen table.

  His parents looked at each other. Then they kissed.

  Henry covered his eyes. GROSS! he thought.

  “Today is our anniversary!” said Dad.

   

  Henry peeked between his fingers. “What’s that?”

  “An anniversary remembers a special event from the past,” said Mom. “We got married on this day many years ago.”

   

  “Tonight we’re going to a fancy restaurant called Jacky’s to celebrate,” Dad said. “We got a wonderful babysitter to stay with you while we’re away.”

   

  Henry’s mouth dropped open. “A BABYsitter? But I’m not a baby!”

  Dad cleared his throat. “Then we’ll call him a HENRYsitter,” he replied.

  “Doesn’t Heidi need a sitter too?” Henry asked.

  “Nope! I’m sleeping over at Lucy’s tonight!” Heidi entered the kitchen, carrying a duffel bag. She held a fluffy pillow under her arm.

   

  “May I PUH-LEASE spend the night at Dudley’s?” Henry asked.

  Dad shook his head. “We already talked to Dudley’s parents, but Dudley is visiting his grandparents tonight.”

  Henry didn’t give up. “What about Max?” he asked.

  “Max has a little cold,” Mom replied, resting a hand on Henry’s shoulder.

 

   

 

Henry turned to Heidi in a last attempt to be saved. Heidi shrugged. “Sorry, bud, but Lucy and I plan to stay up ALL night talking. About things you’re not allowed to hear.”

   

  Henry folded his arms tightly against his chest. “NO FAIR! Everyone’s going to have fun tonight except ME.”