Claudia has always been the most outrageous kid in her class...until Ashley Wyeth comes along, Ashley's really different--she wears hippie clothes, has six holes in her ears, and is the most fantastic artist Claudia has ever met. Ashley says Claudia has artistic talent, too. She thinks Claudia should spend more time on her "calling" and forget about the Baby-sitters Club: It's just a waste of time. The Baby-sitters are sick of Ashley Wyeth, and they think Claudia's a traitor. Claudia's got to decide: either the Baby-sitters Club or the new girl--one of them's got to go!