WHAT KIND OF BABY-SITTER IS THIS?

Kevin is adamantly opposed to the being left with a baby- sitter while Mom's at school, but comfortable, white-haired Mrs. Lovey Pritchard turns out to be different: pinching his cheek and calling him ``sugar dumpling'' may not be an auspicious beginning, but she doesn't paint her toenails and eat ``the good stuff in the refrigerator,'' like her predecessors. She does watch TV, but it turns out that the program is Kevin's favorite, a baseball game to which he's inevitably lured—the beginning of a solid friendship (Aunt Lovey also brought just the right book). A wholesome look at a nice black family solving a universal problem; the author's freely rendered, realistic illustrations glow with well-being—a perfect match to her upbeat story. (Picture book. 4-8)*justify no*