THE LEMONADE BABYSITTER

The author of Dad Gummit and Ma Foot (1990) makes a stronger second showing with a story about a classic situation: getting used to a new sitter. Molly is a handful. Her last babysitter quit; now, after a clay visiting Mom's office, ""old Mr. Herbert from down the street"" is taking charge. His strategy--psychologically adroit as well as believable in a man his age--is simply to wait, reading while Molly tests his patience; he does finally let on that he, too, can dance, and then meets Molly's challenge of a trip to the zoo, where he proves to be agreeably indulgent and Molly begins to mention some of her mom's rules--""My mother doesn't let me eat hot dogs."" By the homeward journey, they're sharing more important confidences (her dad's in Oregon, his daughter's in Arizona); and though Molly has achieved her objective of wearing him out, they've become such good friends that, once home, she fixes lemonade for him. Waggoner's dialogue is amusing and believable; Donohue makes a fine debut with lively, sympathetically drawn illustrations enhanced with a soft wash of color. Insightful and entertaining.