Elise Allen

Gabby Duran And The Unsittables Elise Allen

Marc Notes: The Association Linking Intergalatics and Earthlings (hereby known as A. L. I. E. N.) has a new member. After months of investigation, Gabby Duran, Associate 4118-25125A, has proven herself to be a babysitter extraordinaire. Her celebrity clients fly her around the country to care for their rambunctious little humans. Our spy, Associate 4118-23432B, otherwise known as Edwina, belives Gabby can be trusted with the truth: aliens are living among humans on Earth. And here at A. L. I. E. N. we believe that even extraterrestrials need a babysitter now and then. No one was up to the task - until now. Biographical Note: Emmy-nominated writer and "New York Times" best-selling author Elise Allen made a name for herself with her acclaimed young adult novel "Populazzi," and the Jim Henson's Enchanted Sisters chapter books. She also co-wrote Hilary Duff's best-selling Elixir series and Bella Thorne's new series, Autumn Falls. In television, she has written for talent ranging from Madeline Kahn 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. You can find her online at www.eliseallen.com or on Twitter @EliseLAllen. 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 nonfiction books include "Lunchtime LOLZ"; "Nintendo DS Hot Tips"; "ROFLs"; "Video Game Secrets"; and "Monster High Howlers." Daryle lives in Seattle, where she still babysits from time to time. You can follow her on Twitter @Darylec. Review Quotes: 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 Total! ly Objectionable Uninvited Trespassers hot on her trail. Sworn to secre! cy 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, the 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" Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2015 (EAN 9781484709351, Hardcover) School Library Journal 05/01/2015 pg. 100 (EAN 9781484709351, Hardcover) Booklist 05/01/2015 pg. 100 (EAN 9781484709351, Hardcover) Contributor Bio:  Allen, Elise ELISE ALLEN is a vibrant new voice in teen fiction. Populazzi is her first book for young adults. She has written for children's television and film and is co-writing Hilary Duff's first novel for teens, Elixir. She lives with her family in sunny Southern California.