B is for Betsy: If you like things simple

Title: B is for Betsy
Author: Carolyn Haywood
Age Range: 5-10
Genre: Chapter books, realistic fiction

I remember reading B is for Betsy growing up. It was one of my favorite books as a child, and I read the books over and over to my mother's dismay.  She constantly told me to try something different, something more challenging, some different genre, but I was always drawn back to Betsy and her adventures in school and her town.

I just recently remembered this book and handed it to my six year old to read.  I can usually tell if she likes a book when she starts reading and is extremely quiet.  It means the book has transported her to a place she doesn't want to leave and she can't wait to see how it turns out.  This happened with this book as she disappeared behind the sofa for an hour and appeared later saying, "I finished it Mom!"  She was thrilled to be reading it as it did chronicle Betsy in her first grade year, just like my daughter.

One of the reasons I like this book is that it focuses on relationships, conversations, and the human side of life.  There is no technology (the book was published in 1939 after all), no phones, no emails, no iphones - nothing to detract from face to face conversations among children and their parents.  It is somewhat idyllic in its tone, but it does expose some common fears and problems for young kids.  For example, the first chapter focuses on the first day of first grade for Betsy, who has never been to school.  She has not attended preschool, daycare, or kindergarten, which are modern educational methods.  Up until now she has been at home with her mother enjoying, playing and having fun.  Suddenly it is the first day of first grade, and she has a brand new dress, brand new shoes, and brand new book book, but has dread and fear in her heart.  She has heard bad things about school from someone and it has completely colored her opinion about what her school will be like.  The chapter reveals Betsy fears, and also shows how all of those fears are unfounded.  Even at the end of the chapter,  she comes home to tell her mother that she made a friend.

It is a beautiful portrayal of childhood and a timeless read.  It is a must for any little girl to read.

The first (it's a series!  YAY!)


The second....just gave it to daughter and she devoured it.  Talks about losing teeth and other fun adventures of growing up.


The third


The fourth

The Secret Garden: The magic of the outdoors

Title: The Secret Garden
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Illustrator: Inga Moore
Age Range: ages 8-12 (possibly age 6+ if read aloud and discussed)

In a world that is overflowing with technology, media, video games, and entertainment, it is hard to understand the appeal of a garden.  However, on a recent visit to my parents' house in Southern California, I've discovered that my children, all three of them enjoy a beautiful garden in a way I would have never had expected them to.  They go outside, water the plants, pick up different flowers, admire the flower petals, smell roses, pick fruit and just enjoy the beautiful space outside that my parents have created and maintain with their hard work.  Every evening, we would go outside and the kids would find something new to look at in the garden, something new to pick up, a secret corner to explore and a new flower to discover.  The backyard garden is a magical place for them and it warmed my mother's heart to see them enjoying a space that she and my father had worked so hard to create.

And it was with that vision in mind that reminded me of this book, one of my personal favorites as a child.  I'm sure I read this book at least 20 times if not more, and adored every single read I did of the book.  The book captures the experience of a young girl, Mary, who has been recently orphaned and who has not really ever received much love in her life.  Mary is then sent to live with a cold distant uncle who doesn't really have any idea how to raise and deal with children.  The house is a beautiful large home, but with no heart in it and filled with sad mysteries and pain.  Mary begins unraveling some of the mysteries, including discovering a cousin, Colin who is an invalid and unable to leave his bed. 

Mary also begins befriending some people in the house, and makes a friend with Dickon, who happens to be the most wonderful person of all, because he understands the world of living creatures and plants.  With Dickon's help, Mary begins reviving a garden that has long been locked away and neglected and with her love and devotion, she brings it back to life.  In addition, Colin also discovers his own power of his legs and begins to walk.  Through the garden and Mary's love, the house is restored to one of joy and the family is made to be whole.

This is a magical book about the healing power of the outdoors.  It also is a testament to the power of love and devotion and the amazing power of purpose and joy.  it is a wonderful read, a classic with rich vocabulary, details and wonderful narrative.  It is not a flash in the pan book, and it is rather dense in its text, but it is absolutely wonderful and a must read for any child. 

The beautiful hardback version with gorgeous illustrations


Paperback version, same text, no illustrations