The Ghost at Dawn's House

Book #9

Original Book - Writer: Ann M. Martin

Graphix Book - N/A

Netflix Series - N/A

Basic plot

Dawn is convinced there is a secret passageway in her old house and then she finds one between her room and the barn. After hearing some spooky noises, and finding some strange things in the passageway she does some investigating and finding history book about Stoneybrook, she becomes convinced it is being haunted by Jared Mullray, a man who disappeared years ago. Meanwhile Nicky Pike has been fighting with triplets and sneaking off a lot. Eventually Dawn finds him in the passageway, he left all the strange things she found.

Netflix and Graphix

This post is taking a bit of a different format as this is the first book that is not adapted by the Graphix or Netflix series. Excitingly 2nd season release date for Netflix series has been announced for 11 October 2021 and along with it the 8 episode titles. Unlike the first season, that followed the first 8 books (although in slightly different order) the new season, is picking books throughout the series (from the range of books within 11-45). This is not surprising considering we don't know how many seasons they will have, picking books from later in the series to adapt now rather than potentially never doing them makes sense.

List of Season 2 Episodes and Original book number beside it:

Kristy and the Snobs	S2_01	OB11
Claudia and the New Girl	S2_02	OB12
Stacey’s Emergency	S2_03	OB43
Jessi and the Superbrat	S2_04	OB27
Mary Anne and the Great Romance	S2_05	OB30
Dawn and the Wicked Stepsister	S2_06	OB31
Claudia and the Sad Goodbye	S2_07	OB26
Kristy and the Baby Parade	S2_08	OB45

It'll be interesting to see the changes in this new season, Stacey it seems won't be moving back to New York and back to Stoneybrook and I wonder is Kristy and the Baby Parade will actually be more about adopting Emily Michelle (who is in that book but was actually adopted in book 24). Also no Mallory episode which is disappointing I would have liked to see them cover "Poor Mallory"

As for the Graphix we also know the next couple of upcoming books, no Mal or Jessi books yet but I hope they do get an adaption in that format.

No Adaptation

Some thoughts on why this has been skipped over. 

• For the Graphix so far there are 9 books printed and 2 upcoming. Some of the order has been changed but mostly sticking close to the original series. There are 2 books that have been skipped "Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls" and "The Ghost at Dawn's House". The Claudia book I've already talked about, it made sense to skip when they thought there would only be 4 graphic books and they wanted a meatier Claudia story to tackle with "Claudia and Mean Janine". That book did take some scenes from Phantom Phone Calls so it's not all completely skipped over.
• The Ghost at Dawn's House doesn't have the same excuse, but I wonder if they decided to steer clear of mystery/spooky stories. 
• Also not sure how many Graphix are approved so again there are storylines with more going on for Dawn (such as Jeff moving away or Sharon and Richard marrying), so they may be wanting to adapt one of those instead. 
• For the graphix, there are times when they have taken things from other books, so it is possible we will see some reference to this book in the future. I know Cam Geary Mary Anne's Hollywood crush is first mentioned here, that will be brought up in "Logan likes Mary Anne".
  
• For the Netflix series, as stated above, we don't know how many seasons there will be so clearly they don't want to just follow chronologically anymore and miss out on better books. They have also indicated that they may still take things from other books so I imagine this next season may be looser adaptions and combine a couple of events in 1 episode.
  
• Also with the number of episodes they are mostly restricted to just 1 book per girl, only Claudia and Kristy get 2 (and again poor Mallory is left in the cold!). They would have to choose an interesting book to adapt and also one to fit in with a television arc. 
  
• The "Mary Anne and the Great Romance" and "Dawn's Wicked Stepsister" makes sense for a continuing storyline in the series. (I think it's the only time two BSC books led directly into each other).
• Depending on how much they stick to plot of "Dawn's Wicked Stepsister" the secret passage could be part of episode if she uses it to try and scare Mary Anne.
  
• While it would have been nice to see an adaptation, other than Dawn finding secret passage, and Sharon briefly dating the "Trip-man" not a lot of significant things happen so I can understand the reason this was skipped over.
  

Final Thoughts

This was actually the first BSC book I got so I have a soft spot for it. My Uncle gave me this for Christmas and super specials nos. 2 & 3. I thought it would be so cool to have a secret passage way in my house, when I was younger, like everyone that read this book I think! Going forward it'll be hard to keep to timelines straight and what appeared in other books (especially as I didn't read the later books as much) but it will be fun to try!

Kristy's Big Day

 Book #6, Graphix #6, Netflix S1 E8

Original Book - Writer: Ann M.Martin

Graphix Book - Illustrator: Gale Galligan

Netflix Series - Director:  Kimmy Gatewood, Writer: Rachel Shukert

Basic plot

Kristy is nervous about her mother marrying, the family changing and the move across town. Elizabeth is stressed with all the wedding preparations, but on the day of the wedding everything goes well and Kristy is happy for her mom and Watson.

Things that are kept the same 

• Kristy is still feeling apprehensive about the marriage and is especially not looking forward to moving.
• Kristy and Mary Anne have some conversations from window, knowing they won't be able to do that when they move (Netflix they have flashlight conversation)
• To keep the kids entertained Karen and David Michael play at being bride and groom.
• Elizabeth is very stressed with organising the wedding.
• Kristy is actually excited to wear a pretty dress and be bridesmaid.
• Karen is the flower girl and screams when she see Mrs Porter "Morbidda Destiny" at the wedding, but things then calm down and the wedding goes smoothly.
  

Things from other books 

• [Netflix only] The girls discuss their upcoming summer camp, they discuss the list of things the camp has said they need to bring (Original Book BSC Super Special 2) 
• [Netflix only] Charlie will drive Kristy to her BSC meetings (Original Book 7)
  
  

Things that are changed 

• Timeline change in the Graphix and Netflix series means this takes place after Mimi's stroke.
• Otherwise the Graphix stays close to the original book, with the subplot staying the same - the BSC looking after a group of kids while the parents help with the wedding preparations. Again because Mallory is now a member she joins with helping Kristy's group of kids, the reasoning being that Kristy will sometimes have to go do wedding stuff like dress fittings. 
•  Other than addition of Mallory there are a few small changes in the Graphix. Elizabeth mentions Watson's parents being religious as one of the reasons to move wedding up (and presumably not just live with each other), funnily in the Netflix series there is also mention of Elizabeth trying to appease Watson's family.
• Not a major plot but in the book Sam makes a prank call to the BSC looking for babysitter with experience with Little Women for Amy March, which is actually kind of funny and smart. In the Graphix he calls looking for sitter with experience with lots of smelly farts. Presumably this was to do with how much space to fit dialogue in Graphix but I miss the original joke.
• In the Graphix when Karen freaks out about Morbidda Destiny, Dawn shoots her a look and she acts nicer to Morbidda (also ties in nicely to Dawn having to talk to her earlier in the week about her scaring kids with stories). In the original book it is Kristy and Watson who stop Karen from being rude to Mrs Porter but then Karen goes into house and won't come out until after Mrs Porter is gone.
  
• The Netflix series drops the subplot of looking after the kids completely. Instead it has it's own subplots to follow.
• There is tension with Elizabeth when Watson buys her kids expensive things. Charlie a new car and Kristy a new bridesmaid dress. (The original dress is yellow like the books, but she gets a new blue one)
• Kristy and her mom have fight about the cost of new dress, and she thinks it's unfair that she gets more of a talking to about it then Charlie got about car. One of the conditions of Charlie getting to keep the car is that he has to use it for all the family, so he will take Kristy to her BSC meetings.
  
• The fight means although she is happy for mum finding happiness, they leave things on bad terms before ceremony. They do make up before Elizabeth and Watson drive off on honeymoon.
• Kristy also gets her 1st period on the day, and the BSC are there to help her.
• Richard and Sharon get back together at the wedding.
• Esme Porter officiates the wedding. When Karen screams on seeing her, she calmly explains Karen thinks she is a witch and that she is correct and then moves on with the ceremony.
  
• There is set up for the girls going to camp next episode. Claudia initially was going to go to art school but decided in the end she would prefer to spend her Summer with the BSC.

Final Thoughts

While the Netflix series has 2 more episodes left, this feels a bit like the finale with a big event and the wrapping up several ongoing plots (Kristy's apprehension about marriage, Sharon and Richard's relationship, Kristy getting her first period), I can see why they moved it to later in the series. There are some great visuals in the Graphix like when Kristy is describing her dress, and it changes as she adds more description. I also like little details between the chapters like the list of charges and the coloured groups they belong to. This was favourite book of mine when I was younger, it's nice to see it adapted so well.

 

Timeline

Original Series	Graphix	Netflix Series
1. Kristy’s Great Idea  Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia and Stacey form the Babysitters Club. Kristy babysits the Brewers for the first time.  Stacey meets and has a crush on Sam Thomas. Stacey tells the club she has diabetes.	1. Kristy’s Great Idea Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia and Stacey form the Babysitters Club. Kristy babysits the Brewers for the first time. Stacey meets and has a crush on Sam Thomas. Stacey tells the club she has diabetes.	1. Kristy’s Great Idea Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia and Stacey form the Babysitters Club. 1st appearance of Logan Bruno (not named until episode 2).
2.       Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls Claudia has a crush on Trevor Sandbourne. Claudia struggles academically in school.	2.       The Truth about Stacey  The BSC find out about rivals - The Babysitters Agency. Kristy has the idea for Kid-Kits. 1st appearance of Mallory Pike Stacey makes up with her New York friend Laine.	2.       Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls  Kristy babysits the Brewers for the first time. Claudia has a crush on Trevor Sandbourne. Claudia struggles academically in school. The BSC find out about rivals - The Babysitters Agency.
3.       The Truth about Stacey The BSC find out about rivals - The Babysitters Agency. Kristy has the idea for Kid-Kits. 1st appearance of Mallory Pike Stacey makes up with her New York friend Laine.	3.       Mary Anne Saves the Day 1st appearance of Dawn Schafer. Mary Anne and Dawn find out their parents dated in high school. Dawn joins the BSC.	3.       The Truth about Stacey Kristy has the idea for Kid-Kits Stacey meets and has a crush on Sam Thomas. Stacey tells the club she has diabetes.
4.       Mary Anne Saves the Day 1st appearance of Dawn Schafer. Mary Anne and Dawn find out their parents dated in high school. Dawn joins the BSC.	4.       Claudia and Mean Janine Mimi has a stroke	4.       Mary Anne Saves the Day 1st appearance of Dawn Schafer. Mary Anne and Dawn find out their parents dated in high school.
5.       Dawn and the Impossible Three Dawn becomes alternate officer.	5.       Dawn and the Impossible Three Mallory Pike joins the BSC as junior officer.	5.       Dawn and the Impossible Three Dawn joins the BSC. Dawn becomes alternate officer.
6.       Kristy’s Big Day Elizabeth Thomas and Watson Brewer get married.	6.       Kristy’s Big Day Elizabeth Thomas and Watson Brewer get married.	6.       Claudia and Mean Janine Mimi has a stroke
7.       Claudia and Mean Janine Mimi has a stroke	7.       Boy Crazy Stacey  Stacey has her first kiss with Toby in Sea City	7.       Boy Crazy Stacey 1st appearance of Mallory Pike Stacey has her first kiss with Toby in Sea City
8.       Boy Crazy Stacey Stacey has her first kiss with Toby in Sea City		8.       Kristy’s Big Day Elizabeth Thomas and Watson Brewer get married.

 

Boy-Crazy Stacey

 

Book #8, Graphix #7, Netflix S1 E7

Original Book - Writer: Ann M.Martin

Graphix Book - Illustrator: Gale Galligan

Netflix Series - Director: Linda Mendoza,  Writer: Dan Robert & Lisha Brooks

Basic plot

Stacey and Mary Anne get the job of coming on vacation to Sea City so they can babysit the Pike kids. Stacey gets a crush on lifeguard Scott and leaves Mary Anne doing all the work. Stacey is heartbroken when she discovers Scott with another girl. She salvages the rest of trip by actually having fun with the Pike kids, and meeting a more age appropriate boy, Toby.

Things that are kept the same 

• The club have a tearful goodbye ahead of their first big separation.
  
• Stacey and Mary Anne head to Sea City to babysit the Pikes on their vacation.
• Small details I appreciate that are kept the same, Mr & Mrs Pike having an easy going style to parenting, Stacey and Mary Anne share the yellow room at the holiday home and Toby likes telling bad jokes.
• While on the beach with the Pike kids, Stacey develops crush on older lifeguard, Scott.
• Mary Anne is left to look after the Pikes while Stacey moons over Scott fetching him sodas and such. 
• Mary Anne makes a new friend Alex, who helps her with the Pikes.
• Mary Anne is annoyed with Stacey for not doing her job and blowing her off.
• [Netflix only] Meanwhile Kristy has a hard time while babysitting Karen and Andrew when they clean Watson's car with steel wool.
  
• On their evening off Stacey goes looking for a present for Scott, she considers a book about shells, before settling on a box of chocolates.
• She is hurt and embarrassed when she sees Scott kissing another girl.
• After a talk with Mary Anne, and also helping Byron Pike with a problem, Stacey decides to try and enjoy the rest of the trip.
• She has fun babysitting the Pikes and also hanging out with Alex and his cousin Toby.
• Mary Anne, Stacey, Alex & Toby all go out together (this happens earlier in the Netflix episode)
• Stacey has her first kiss with Toby.
• Stacey and Mary Anne have become closer after their trip and head back home happy.
  

Things from other books 

• Nothing major stuck out as being reference to other books.
  
  

Things that are changed 

• Because in the Graphix Mallory is part of the club at this stage, she is there when club say their goodbyes, but otherwise the story follows pretty much from book. This seems a bit of a missed opportunity, while it would have diverged from the book, it would have made sense for Mallory to be also annoyed at Stacey if she ended up helping out more with her siblings on what is supposed to be her holiday.
• In the Graphix Alex and his cousin Toby are black. In the Netflix series Alex is gay, so there is no romantic feelings, just friendship between him and Mary Anne, while in the book and Graphix the girls go on a double date.
• In the Netflix series it is Spring break rather than Summer and due to when they must of filmed the episode it does look a bit chilly!
• In the original book, Scott gives Stacey a whistle as a gift. While he certainly isn't in love with her, he is more misleading in the original book, in the Graphix and Netflix he is more oblivious to Stacey's crush. In the Graphix he doesn't give her a whistle, in the Netflix series he drops it and when Stacey picks up he tells her she can keep it (so not as deliberate a gift as in the book).
• Some change around in timeline, originally it is just Mary Anne and Stacey together when they see Scott kissing girl, after Stacey gets over Scott they goes on double date with Alex and Toby. In the Netflix series, the 4 of them go out together on friendly terms and it is Toby she drags around looking for gift for Scott, before seeing him kiss another girl.
• In the book and Graphix Byron is afraid to swim in the ocean and Stacey helps him with that fear. In the Netflix series he has a crush on Stacey and she has to let him down gently. Also presumably because of casting difficulties Jordan, Adam and Byron are not identical triplets in the series, in fact Byron is significantly shorter than Jordan and Adam.
• As for the subplots, the Graphix doesn't do anything back in Stoneybrook. Netflix series does have Karen and Andrew washing the car with steel wool, but in this case it is a classic car and Kristy has got stuck in a storage shed, rather than getting distracted by David Michael and Louie. Also as in the series it takes place before Watson and Elizabeth's marriage, it does end with Kristy and Watson having a nice talk as at this stage she is still unsure about her feelings of the upcoming marriage.
• Also added in the Netflix series is Dawn trying to get Richard and her mother back together. Richard leaves Sharon a turtle as a gift with a note that says "sorry I went back into my shell"
  

Final Thoughts

Some minor changes, but this one stuck close to the original plotline in both mediums. The Netflix series was restricted by filming, so we don't see much of Sea City, also the weather was clearly not warm! I did like the Graphix splash page which shows them exploring the boardwalk. It is one of the books that is a bit cringy to read (books with Stacey crushing on older guys usually are!) Scott has some questionable behaviour in the original series, while he may not intend anything by his compliments it does sometimes sound misleading, in the graphix and Netflix series they did better at making Scott more of a oblivious, nice guy.

Timeline

Original Series	Graphix	Netflix Series
1. Kristy’s Great Idea         Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia and Stacey form the Babysitters Club. Kristy babysits the Brewers for the first time. Stacey meets and has a crush on Sam Thomas.  Stacey tells the club she has diabetes.	1. Kristy’s Great Idea Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia and Stacey form the Babysitters Club Kristy babysits the Brewers for the first time. Stacey meets and has a crush on Sam Thomas. Stacey tells the club she has diabetes.	1.     Kristy’s Great Idea  Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia and Stacey form the Babysitters Club 1st appearance of Logan Bruno (not named until episode 2)
2.  Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls Claudia has a crush on Trevor Sandbourne. Claudia struggles academically in school.	2. The Truth about Stacey The BSC find out about rivals - The Babysitters Agency. Kristy has the idea for Kid-Kits.  1st appearance of Mallory Pike Stacey makes up with her New York friend Laine.	2. Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls Kristy babysits the Brewers for the first time. Claudia has a crush on Trevor Sandbourne. Claudia struggles academically in school. The BSC find out about rivals - The Babysitters Agency.
3.    The Truth about Stacey The BSC find out about rivals - The Babysitters Agency. Kristy has the idea for Kid-Kits. 1st appearance of Mallory Pike Stacey makes up with her New York friend Laine.	3. Mary Anne Saves the Day 1st appearance of Dawn Schafer. Mary Anne and Dawn find out their parents dated in high school. Dawn joins the BSC.	3. The Truth about Stacey Kristy has the idea for Kid-Kits Stacey meets and has a crush on Sam Thomas.  Stacey tells the club she has diabetes.
4.    Mary Anne Saves the Day 1st appearance of Dawn Schafer. Mary Anne and Dawn find out their parents dated in high school. Dawn joins the BSC.	4. Claudia and Mean Janine Mimi has a stroke	4. Mary Anne Saves the Day 1st appearance of Dawn Schafer. Mary Anne and Dawn find out their parents dated in high school.
5.    Dawn and the Impossible Three Dawn becomes alternate officer.	5. Dawn and the Impossible Three Mallory Pike joins the BSC as junior officer.	5. Dawn and the Impossible Three Dawn joins the BSC. Dawn becomes alternate officer.
6. Kristy's Big Day Will be discussed later	6. Kristy's Big Day	6.  Claudia and Mean Janine Mimi has a stroke
7. Claudia and Mean Janine Mimi has a stroke	7. Boy-Crazy Stacey Stacey has her first kiss with Toby in Sea City	7. Boy-Crazy Stacey  1st appearance of Mallory Pike Stacey has her first kiss with Toby in Sea City
8. Boy-Crazy Stacey       Stacey has her first kiss with Toby in Sea City