The Incomparable Mrs. McAllister

Melinda Arthur is almost thirteen.  She believes that she is "almost" grown up.

Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur, are going to a play on a Friday night and they decide to hire a babysitter to take care of Melinda and her little brother Winston.

When Melinda finds out about the babysitter, she is both shocked and angry.
Melinda confronts her parents about their babysitting decision.  She tells them that she is very responsible and that she is able to take care of herself and Winston for the night.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur tell Melinda that they believe she is not old enough for the responsibility of caring for her little brother without them.  They hire the elderly and eccentric Mrs. McAllister to babysit their children for the night.