essential LS

Boo-Boo dies in #103, Karen's Movie Star, although the Brewer-Thomases conveniently got a new kitten in #102, Karen's Black Cat. Seth and Lisa first tell Karen and Andrew about the Chicago thing in #94, Karen's Snow Princess. #95, Karen's Promise, is about Karen not knowing whether she should go to Chicago for the six months or stay in Stoneybrook, but since she has promised Andrew she would stick with him she decides to go to Chicago. In #96, Karen's Big Move, they move to Chicago for six months, but Karen is unhappy and decides to go back to Stoneybrook after a week or something, despite her promise to Andrew. In #99, Karen's Big City Mystery, Karen visits the Engles in Chicago for a month. At the end of that book, she says that the rest of them are coming back to Stoneybrook "in a few months," so I guess she's still staying at the big house for a few more books after that. I own most of the LS books, but there are a lot of them I haven't gotten around to reading yet, and I don't know what book it is where they come back.

I think #48, Karen's Two Families, is essential because it's the book where Karen and Andrew get upset with the custody situation and want to change it so they have equal time with both parents. #49, Karen's Stepmother, deals with Karen's first full month at the big house.

I think Super Special #3, Karen's Mystery is essential because it takes place at the same time as Snowbound, during the big storm, and there are references to the plot of this book in Snowbound. #8, Karen's Haircut is essential because a) Karen's horrible haircut is referenced in the BSC series and b) Karen with a mullet is funny. Oh, and #93, Karen's Cooking Contest, is essential because it's where we learn that Nannie's name is Janet Taylor.

I don't know what other books would be considered "essential" LS titles, but someone who's read more of the LS books than I have might have some idea.

I think you are referring to the Delaney family ( Although I am not sure if I spelled the last name right, I am too lazy right now to go check). They were the one with the expensive cat, and the ones Stacey tamed with reverse psychology.

I found one that slightly parallels BSC at shadow lake. It's the little sister super special, Karen, Hannie and Nancy the three musketeers. They mention how they went to Shadow lake, how they found their secret house etc.

I am keeping an eye out for parallels more now. I am rereading a lot of my little sister books so if I see any more I will let you know!

I remember that storyline also coming up in Karen's New Year. It's one of Nannie's resolutions to exercise more because of her hip. I can't recall it being mentioned in BSC either.

I think Karen is in a Thanksgiving play in one of her books, which is given a passing mention in a BSC book that references the holiday (perhaps Claudia and the First Thanksgiving, but not totally sure. And I'm not sure of the LS book...maybe Karen's Surprise? I know, some help )

In Mary Anne vs. Logan Kristy sits for Karen and she's all mopey because her and Ricky's marriage plans are on the rocks; it ties in with the whole plot of Karen's in Love.

Karen's Campout confuses me; she goes to Camp Mohawk and talks about seeing Claudia and I think one other BSC member on the bus ride over. But this doesn't seem to tie in with Babysitters' Summer Vacation because Kristy's not there.

^There's a go-cart subplot in Abby and the Notorious Neighbor, where the kids spy on each other to get ideas for their carts.

Even though nothing "new" happens in it, I consider Karen's Little Sister (I think it's number 6) to be essential. It's basically Karen's reaction to Watson and Elizabeth adopting Emily Michelle.