"B" Is for Betsy

Betsy #1

by Carolyn Haywood

“In this delightful story you will find out how Betsy learned to love school and how each day brought interesting new experiences and new friends into her life.”-- Christian Science Monitor

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Chapter Books, Classics, School, Middle Grade, Juvenile

159 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1939

About the author

Carolyn Haywood was an American writer and illustrator from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She wrote 47 children's books, most notably the series under the "Eddie" and "Betsy" titles.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the cover, I was expecting a modern story, but inside was a sweet old-fashioned story from when childhood was still innocent. I wish the cover illustrations were less modern looking and more closely matched the illustrations in the story, but otherwise a charming read.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of these chapters are five stars, in my book. Besty is a sweet, interesting little girl without being obnoxiously perfect or saccharine. Written in 1931, this story contains some excellent "old-fashioned values" yet most of Betsy's adventures are still quite relatable for modern children, from her reluctance to start school to her desire to have a puppy of her own to the day she just feels very out of sorts and does all sorts of naughty things. I love the chapter where she picks violets from a "no trespassing" yard and how she comes to terms with her behavior and finds her own way to make amends. The chapter about "Grandma Pretzie" is also quite special -- it's a Thanksgiving chapter and full of love and generosity. Wonderful lessons here! I could relate to so many of the feelings Betsy goes through. My six-year-old son also loved this book and wants to read the rest of the series, and he is even asking for re-reads of a few chapters while we wait for the others to come in at the library.

Despite the fact Betsy is a very relatable character, there are certainly a few differences between a six-year-old's day in 1939 and those of today. Betsy is in first grade, but it seems more like Kindergarten -- her school day only lasts until lunch and she comes home and takes a nap after that and they aren't reading yet. That said, she is able to go to the grocery store and make a purchase on her own and walk to and from school on her own, talks to strangers, etc. While we don't get much depth to other characters in the story, I did like the glimpses we got of Betsy's father -- he is so funny and sweet. I believe this may be the Betsy mentioned in the Little Eddie book by the same author -- Mr. Kilpatrick the police officer is a recurring character in both books.

Alas, I cannot give this book more than four stars because some of the "old-fashioned" bits just conflict too much with my own sensibilities today. Most objectionable, for me, was the chapter "A Circus is Fun" -- most of the chapter is harmless enough, I suppose -- cute bits with the children creating their own circus and pretending to be the different circus acts -- but just personally it breaks my heart to think of all the real animals who suffered in circuses and I did not like the bits with the "lion tamer" cracking his whip. There's also a part where a real organ grinder's money jumps through the classroom window to eat peanuts and the organ grinder runs up and scolds him (in broken English--very stereotypical) and says he will beat him. Fortunately, no beating occurs. But, still! There's also a classroom scene with some model "Indian" villages that the children make and play with -- is not exactly politically correct anymore, though I don't think any harm was meant at the time. One of the boys wishes he could grow up to be an Indian, and another girl says he can't, he asks why not, she says because his mom and dad aren't Indians. That sort of thing.

All in all, it's a nice little story and I'm glad to see it is still in print. With the warnings above in mind, I would say don't throw the baby out with the bathwater -- while I am generally against "abridgements" the above sections can be previewed and skipped over in whole or in part if you to your family's own comfort level if you are doing this as a read-aloud with your youngsters.

ETA: I have just read another review here that includes a quote from the "Indians" chapter (it is the chapter titled "How Wiggle and Waggle Grew Up" -- mostly about classroom tadpoles) that is much more objectionable than what I read. I am wondering if my copy has been abridged and "cleaned up" some. Based on that review, the original book mentions "squaws" and "braves" and sounds much more problematic. The edition I read is an Odyssey/Harcourt edition from 2004. It has new cover art but, fortunately, retains the author's original charming illustrations inside.

[Janssen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet. H was totally absorbed in this book and we read it in about three days.

Read it with M for our homeschool preschool year and she loved it.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet beginner book that follows Betsy from her first day of school to the end of the year with many happy little tales in between.

A great choice for your new reader!

#firstgrade #schoolyear

Ages: 4 - 9
Reading Level: 1st - 3rd grade

Content Considerations: nothing to note.

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[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former Library Copy

Haywood's books were my absolute favorite, and this one was the first chapter book I ever read. I loved that Betsy was just my age, and envied her Miss Gray, her koala bear, and her plaid school bag. I don't know that we had school bags of any type, now that I think of it.

Upon rereading, I don't know that I would give this book to a modern six year old. It just... doesn't make much sense. Betsy is walking to school by herself, and even gets lost. She then talks to a stranger and waits at her house so that the woman's husband can take her back to school. Of course, it's not quite as weird when the husband turns out to be Officer Kilpatrick, who works as a crossing guard, but in Betsy's world, children pet dogs that are in people's yards, buy pretzels from an impoverished old woman who sells them out of a basket, and knocks on strangers' doors to apologize for picking their violets.

There are also some problematic instances like the discussion of Thanksgiving, the making of "Indian villages", and a circus, none of which would be described in a similar way in a modern book. I love Haywood's line drawings, but the book is written in a rather stilted way by today's standards.

Oh, Betsy. I still sort of want to hunt down Snowbound with Betsy and read it, but thinking back, it involves a huge snowstorm, a family whose car breaks down and then stays with Betsy's family for a while. I also seem to recall that Betsy was friends with some Black children that may have been the children of a woman who worked for her family. As much as I loved these books when I was six, they would require a LOT of explanation to a modern six year old.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet the first childhood chapter book that I remember having read on my own. "B" Is for Betsy mattered immensely to me. On reflection, it matters still.

Talented Carolyn Haywood was one of those authors for children who reached me, reached directly into my child's mind and curiosity and emotions and view of the world. In hindsight, she was a compassionate author who gently introduced children like me to a world that was safe and friendly.

Very likely I read every book of this series. Whatever of Carolyn's I did read, I loved it, and loved entering that word my way... through my eyes and my page-turning fingers.

Goodreaders, can you remember your five-year-old fingers? Clever fingers they were, with their so-soft skin. Mine, at least, were fidgety, eager, tender little girl fingers. And whatever I touched with those fingers, I could know. Because seeing has never convinced me, deep down. Besides, by the time I was old enough to read, I knew it would have been babyish to keep on making contact with physical life by sticking bits of it into my mouth!

Through Betsy books, my world as a reader opened up. I remember opening up that Betsy world on my own, whenever I wished, and she was always there waiting for me, my first book friend.

Thanks so much for bringing me Betsy books, Carolyn Haywood!

Incidental Note about My Wacky Version of Shelving

Fellow Goodreaders, I put some thought and care into how I name my shelves here. (As a writer, I'm a namer: ridiculously serious, really, about naming.)

CHILDREN'S BOOK, or some such category doesn't seem accurate enough. Too tight. Too broad. Very likely, Goldilocks wouldn't approve; for sure, such a shelving choice doesn't sit well with me.

Instead I've chosen a very particular trio for this book review, and others of this genre that I rate-and-review on Goodreads:

*FANTASY, because children move in and out of what adults (especially professional hypnotists) call "hypnosis." Any young-at-heart former child, and many of us parents, know that children experience life in a way that is subtly different from how we settle in, once having adjusted reasonably well to being human.

(If you're curious to learn more about my model for this process of settling in, read some of the earlier chapters of "The New Strong." Enough said here.)

*FICTION, due to technically being a made-up story, rather than ugh! something on TikTok: When fiction has been properly published as a book you can read and maybe chew on, just a bit? Of course, fiction counts as a legitimate category. But there's more....

*NONFICTION, because when a reasonably sane adult publishes a book that can be read to children, or read by children, or read by any human being really... That book is telling readers about what it means to live in this world, who can live here, how cause-and-effect work, and more.

Put all three of these jobs together, FANTASY, FICTION, and NONFICTION, yes! Put all that together, Goodreaders, and what then? You've found my Goodreads shelf of child-sized wonder.

Paradoxically, this shelf is larger than any adult consciousness bookshelf, just as a child's aura tends to be bigger-and-bolder than that of a mere adult. As children, our chosen books are like a Tardis, powering each of us to explore as we wish, explore as if we're all Time Lords.

[Kasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an adorable little book about a girl named Betsy and her experience beginning first grade. This book is a level 4.3 on the AR reading scale. It's surprising that a book about a little girl beginning first grade has a fourth grade reading level. I think my daughter would like it, but I am not too keen on the idea of her reading it for a few reasons. This book is set in a different era when kids could walk to school alone, ask strangers for help,accept rides in cars from other adults without permission, and so on. Betsy is very cute, but it may be a good idea to read this out loud with younger children so as to explain to them that while children used to be able to safely do these kinds of things, that is not he case anymore. Another plus is that there are many other Betsy books, so if your child enjoys this one, there are plenty more to read.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haywood's Betsy books were all tattered copies in my local library, and I checked them out time and time again. Haywood did her own illustrations for the books (don't let the garish modern covers dissuade you) and later re-printings have preserved them. These stories are simple, yet very fun to read, Betsy has a charmed, easy life, with lots of wish fulfillment, but she manages to be a kind little girl rather than being spoiled. She is generous and friendly and learns to encounter her fears.

One chapter in which the children play "Indians" is, for once, not the worst thing in the world. A little boy expresses his wish to "be an Indian"* when he grows up. Betty Jane corrects him, by saying, "You can't be an Indian, because your mother and your daddy are not Indians." Look at that, a sophisticated understanding of ethnic heritage from a first grader. Also, when did "Mother" become "Mom/my" and "Father" become "Dad/dy?" My mother and her siblings (born in the 1950s) said Mother and Daddy like the children do here. I knew a few kids who said Mommy and Daddy into elementary school when I was growing up, but most people I knew (including my brother and me) eschewed the "ee" sound, favoring Mom and Dad. (No one said Mother or Father.) Now I hear Mama all the time, but its equivalent Papa is the name for grandfather in many families I know. Some are returning to non-English names for grandparents, like Opa and Bibi, rather than the dreaded first word babbled in the direction of the grandparent by the oldest grandchild, which is then inflicted on all the other grandchildren, world without end, amen. Did those names enter their languages from baby babble, too? Wait...how did we end up here again?

Anyway, the Betsy books are just as light and cute as I remembered them being. Betsy's experience being afraid of school is memorable, as is the material culture of the 1930s that she enjoys. I find it interesting that Haywood illustrated the books with a strong 1930s feel, rather than placing them in her childhood. I hope to keep revisiting this series at my leisure, but am invested in re-reading a few too many children's book series to make a project of it at the moment. I want to say I remember Haywood aging the fashion along with the times as she kept publishing, but I can't recall for sure. The 1930s are my favorite decade for fashion and home décor, and it's so fun to see it portrayed here.

*I think the class exercise is intending to teach about the Pueblo settlements in Mesa Verde: "'First we have to make the big rock,' said Billy. 'Yes,' said Mary Lou, 'because the Indians cut the caves out of the rock.'" (42)

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick read. Written in 1939 it has a nice old fashioned feeling to it. It reminded me of my growing up in the late 50s. I remember reading it as a child, but don't really remember my reactions to it. I would have read it in my first years at school. I think I would have liked the small town feel and the fact that Betsy was always looked after. Fun things happen, but nothing too scary or dangerous. Sweet.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one of my childhood favorites. I've read it off and on over the years during my career as a children's librarian, and I'm looking forward to reading it once again for my Vintage Book Circle discussion group's June meeting..

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading "B" is for Betsy by Carolyn Haywood. It's one I've read before, though I don't remember reading the sequels, or all the sequels in this children's series. (Other books include Betsy and Billy, Back to School With Betsy, and Betsy and the Boys). In the first book, readers meet a young girl, Betsy, who is nervous about starting school. Though her anxiety is relieved after a successful day or two at school. The focus throughout the book is on Betsy's life at school and home. Each chapter has an "adventure" of sorts. Some of the adventures are more of an actual adventure. (For example, there is a chapter where Betsy finds and rescues a neighborhood dog from a pit she had fallen into. It may prove more 'exciting' than the chapter on the class' two pet tadpoles.) The book celebrates childhood, family life, friendship, and community.

It was originally published in 1939. In one of the chapters "How Wiggle and Waggle Grew," the class learns about Indians and makes an Indian village.

They made little wigwams of twigs covered with brown paper. They brought little dolls which they colored with reddish-brown paint. Some they dressed as squaws. Miss Grey had told them that the Indian women were called squaws. Some they dressed as Indian Braves. The Braves were the men who did the hunting and fighting while the squaws stayed home and did the work. Ellen brought a tiny doll which Miss Grey fastened on the back of one of the squaws. It was the squaw's papoose, which is the Indian name for baby. Betsy thought the Indian village was beautiful. (50-1)

So it's definitely a product of its time. For better and for worse. Betsy's world is quite different than ours. In Betsy's world, it's safe to walk everywhere, play anywhere, and every adult is a friend.

I wouldn't say it's a must-read children's classic, but, it is an enjoyable enough read for those looking for an old-fashioned read.

[Ronna · Rating 5 out of 5]

B IS FOR BETSY is the first in a series of children's "chapter books" with stories of Betsy's adventures with attending school. First published in 1939, it is more about the times of my mother as opposed to my granddaughter. But actually, it seems to be a potentially educational and fun experience for use with my granddaughter as an example of how school used to be for her elderly relatives.

Betsy first fears the start of first grade, but soon enjoys all the many experiences and friends that starting school provides for her. Her class grows frogs from tadpoles, created a circus for another class, and donated a Thanksgiving dinner to an elderly friend of the school. Betsy finds a new best friend and gets a new puppy.

Short enough for a young child to keep interest, and the black and white pictures are great. Think this will be a good series to help start my three little granddaughters on the road to happy reading adventures.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gosh, I loved these books as a kid. I had an imaginary Betsy friend. I was still reading the Betsy books into middle school where they were way below my reading level and completely uncool. However, reading the first in the Betsy series now years later to my daughter, I thought they were just okay. I didn't feel the excitement I knew I once had about Betsy.

My first-grader, on the other hand loved it! It's the first successful chapter book we've read where she was demanding just one more chapter. She even wants a koala bear for Christmas, so she can have one just like Betsy. I was worried the book was old-fashioned, but I don't think my daughter even noticed. We will be reading "Betsy and Billy" next. Maybe the magic will return for me.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful children's book. Written in 1939, it captures the essence of the times, through a first-grader's perspective. Fears of the first day of school, puppies, best friends, getting lost, and hints of the troubled times during Depression years. Sensitively told, definitely dated, and heartwarming espisodes.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second chapter book I read aloud with my daughter was "B" Is for Betsy.

I read so many of Carolyn Haywood's Betsy stories when I was a child, and was very excited to read them to my daughter. She loved this book. When we'd finish one chapter, she would want to peek ahead and learn what the title would be to the next chapter. I also enjoyed it for the nostalgia.

In this first book of the series, Betsy goes off to first grade. The novel follows her through the course of the school year. There were some aspects I glossed over - notably, Betsy is initially scared to go to school because someone has told her the teachers will use a switch on her if she's naughty. I changed that up a bit.

Overall, even though these books are set generations ago, there's much to hold a child's attention today.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original "Betsy Books" were written in 1939. They are timeless, all sweetness stories, that capture the innocence of 6+ year olds with perfection. I loved these stories when my mother read them to me, and now my own little girls can't wait to sit down and read another chapter. The stories are about the everyday happenings of curious, friendly, kind little children in grade school. Ms. Haywood writes about how the first day of school can be scary, watching tadpoles grow is exciting, and best friends make life sparkle. Mommy and Daddy are heroes that can fix anything, teachers are thoughtful and kind, and the jolly crossing guard is your friend. These are stories about what childhood should be like, and they are wonderful.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about Betsy is the pace of her life. She is in first grade but not expected yet to read. It is okay if she is not in an accelerated class or enrolled in five after school classes. Betsy's biggest accomplishment is that she can walk to school by herself, even if she does get lost. The policeman is always there to set her straight. These stories, beginning with Betsy's first day of school, when she enters first grade, and going through the school year, until June, are delightfully written, beautifully illustrated, and hark back to a time when the world was less crowded, and communities genuinely looked after their children.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

More dated than some in the series; read Kathryn's careful review for details. I think it would be great to read these together and discuss the problematic bits... after all, when your children are independent readers, they'll encounter references to Indian braves, organ grinders' monkeys, etc. There are bits to love, too... I agree with Kathryn that the chapter where Betsy is naughty and picks violets without permission is delightful.

[Ammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this was written in 1940, and based on the authors mother. 💕 Not as funny as her Eddie books though. Betsy is more mature. 😂

[alisonwonderland (Alison) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the first series I fell in love with, back when I was seven years old. I credit Betsy for my lifelong love affair with books and libraries!

[Hannah Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down sweetest children’s book I’ve read this year. Must read and perfect for 1st or 2nd grade.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nostalgia read for me. I saw this was available from my library and I had to revisit it. This was the very first chapter book I read and it will always have a special place in my heart. It is truly historical fiction now and so cozy. I will have to check out the other books in the series.

[Mercy Davenport · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read aloud with the kids. So sweet and old fashioned and wholesome. My kids want me to get the next book about Betsy.

[Cassandra Spellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mom remembers reading the Betsy books when she was a young girl! My children (ages 10, 7, and 4) all loved the sweet episodic stories of Betsy's experiences in first grade. The cover art is a little deceptive--it gives the impression of a contemporary story. Don't be fooled! It's not reflective of the quaint, realistic illustrations inside. Highly recommend! We look forward to reading about Betsy's adventures in 2nd grade. :)

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as Funny as the Eddie books, but still cute! My 5 year especially liked it.

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shame about the two stars, but really, the writing is so choppy it spoiled the book for me. Haywood seldom troubles to finish a scene, let alone provide a well-rounded vignette of first-grade life! One minute a boy has been sent to the naughty seat--turn the page and it's another day, another episode. This happens several times, often cutting a character off in mid-conversation.

How times have changed--Betsy's first grade sounds more like kindergarten today. I have often read of "sand tables" in older school stories...can you imagine having a table full of loose sand just at kid height in today's schools? They'd have to have a special detail just to sweep up after the first handful got thrown!

On the plus side, it's a gentle nighttime read of a quieter time gone by. I did like that the authoress includes a better finished story about Betsy being wilful and rebellious, which stops the story being sugary.

[Kerith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all of Carolyn Haywood's book as a kid, more than once, and so did my brother. The time finally came -- my daughter and I just finished this together, with me reading her a chapter a time. She loved it, but the most fun was talking about how things were different when the book was written (1939) and yet how things were the same, especially about going to school and making friends with other children. A real treat, and we look forward to reading more books about Betsy together.

[Patricia Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fiction book B is for Betsy is the first series and chapter book that i ever read. I was in the 5th grade. I loved and read all the Carolyn Haywood books when i was a child.
This book is a little girl named Betsy that had many adventures including going to school for the first time, have a sibling, and have a dog.
She loves school and is so good and innocent that you just can't wait to turn the pages.
I hope that every mother encourages their children to read this line of books.

[Laurie Fieldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

so excited to be re-reading this series; part of my local libraries ARKS summer reading program (Adults Reading Kids' Stuff). a great excuse for me to read some of my favs from when I was little:)

love that it's told from a child's perspective: how they process newness and unsettling first adventures (first day of school in the first grade), the excitement of the specialness when that day arrives, and meeting so many new friends.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read this to my 5 year old and we both enjoyed it very much.