Gabby Duran and the Unsittables (Gabby Duran Series #1)

by Elise Allen, Daryle Conners

Overview

Subject: A.L.I.E.N Associate Number 4118-25125A, A.K.A: Gabby Duran, Sitter to the Unsittables

Case File: The First Unsittable

Summary: Gabby Duran, babysitter extraordinaire and modern day Mary Poppins was on her way home from sitting for a famous action's star's rambunctious triplets when she was approached by a mysterious woman (Associate 4118-23432B) with her first mission. A babysitting job with a more lucrative rate than she'd ever received. What child could possibly be so difficult to handle? Gabby was soon trusted with the truth—aliens are living among humans on Earth. They are protected by the top-secret organization, the Association Linking Intergalactics and Earthlings as Neighbors (hereby known as A.L.I.E.N). Even extraterrestrials need a sitter now and then. No one was up for the task except Gabby.

After accepting the top-secret position, Gabby is paired up with her first charge, a little alien girl named Wutt from the planet Flarknartia,who turns out to be much more than meets the eye. The timing for associate 4118-25125A is less than ideal. It's a school day on Planet Earth and Gabby's audition for the solo part in the band is tonight. Can Gabby Duran, Associate 4118-25125A, First Sitter to the Unsittables, keep her otherworldly charge safe in the unpredictable halls of middle-school and keep A.L.I.E.N hidden?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781484725429
Publisher:	Disney Press
Publication date:	05/17/2016
Series:	Gabby Duran Series , #1
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	293,076
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Emmy-nominated writer and New York Times best-selling author Elise Allen made a name for herself with her acclaimed young adult novel Populazzi (Harcourt), and the Jim Henson's Enchanted Sisters chapter books (Bloomsbury). She also co-wrote Hilary Duff's best-selling Elixir series (Simon and Schuster), and Bella Thorne's new series, Autumn Falls (Random House). In television, she has written for talent ranging from Bill Cosby to Kermit the Frog, and is currently writing for the new Disney Junior show The Lion Guard. Her dog may or may not secretly be from another planet.




Daryle Conners is an award-winning writer, filmmaker and video game designer. She writes joke and riddle books and has designed many game titles for the PC and iPhone/iPad including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Scene It? Harry Potter, Hot Wheels Slot Car Racers, and Scene It? Twilight Saga. Her non-fiction books include Lunchtime LOLZ, Nintendo DS Hot Tips, ROFLs, Video Game Secrets and Monster High Jokes, all for Scholastic. Daryle lives in Seattle, where she still babysits from time to time.

Editorial Reviews

"Positively intergalactic."—Kirkus Reviews"

The humorous details and quick plot make this a fun book for reluctant and avid readers alike."—School Library Journal"

Goofy inventions, wild plot, and peppy dialogue [A] briskly plotted crowd-pleaser."—Booklist

From the Publisher

05/01/2015
Gr 4–7—Gabby works hard as a babysitter, earning money to help her mother support their family. She plays the French Horn and desires to attend a prestigious music college in the future. Her skill with children has led to jobs working with movie stars as well as neighbors. But none of her previous babysitting experiences have completely prepared her for what comes her way when an old woman offers Gabby a job she can't refuse. With her dream of attending the expensive music school squarely in mind, the compassionate tween accepts the assignment to babysit the "unsittable." These alien children bring more excitement and secrets into Gabby's life than she is prepared to handle. Since the work is highly secretive and can come at any time, Gabby has to decide if she is really willing to do what it takes to care for and protect these children, possibly at the cost of her own friendships and music. An entertaining look at the possibilities inherent in alien life on earth, Gabby's adventures will enthrall readers eager to explore a world of surprises and secrets. VERDICT The humorous details and quick plot make this a fun book for reluctant and avid readers alike.—Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

School Library Journal

2015-02-23
Twelve-year-old Gabby Duran's reputation as babysitter to the stars is positively intergalactic. As if watching the children of Hollywood's hottest action hero weren't cool enough, now the Association Linking Intergalactics and Earthlings as Neighbors has come knocking. After a series of babysitting mishaps threatens to expose the secret of human-alien integration, they declare Gabby "Sitter to the Unsittables." Though a bit one-dimensional, Gabby is a conscientious and likable heroine who rises to the challenge of protecting a young, shape-shifting alien for an entire school day. It's no easy feat, with a bounty on her head and undercover agents for the Group Eradicating Totally Objectionable Uninvited Trespassers hot on her trail. Sworn to secrecy and uncertain whom she can trust, Gabby risks everything to protect her new extraterrestrial charge. Middle-grade readers looking for an accessible and entertaining foray into science fiction will find plenty to enjoy here. Relying heavily on visual description and peppered with eccentric characters, this first book in a planned series plays out like a Disney pilot. What's lacking is depth. Gabby's complicated and intriguing family history is introduced in the very beginning of the novel and barely mentioned again. Surely the "trusted friends" who are invited to read Gabby's first dossier deserve a real understanding of what makes her unique. (Science fiction. 7-12)

Kirkus Reviews

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