is the first in a series of books about these two girls - best friends from when they were five years old. When Tacy moves in across the street, Betsy finally has a little girl just her age in the neighborhood. Though they have a rather inauspicious first meeting, they soon become inseparable friends through all kinds of fun adventures.
Things I Liked:
I first heard of this series from a college roommate who had the whole set. She adored them. I was skeptical. I was also wrong. What a sweet, homey feel this book has to it! It made me all nostalgic, even though I never read these books as a little girl. It also made me feel all lonely for my best friend growing up. I loved reading about the fun things they made up to do and also the real things that happen to real people and how they deal with it. Definitely a classic series for young girls.
Things I Didn't Like:
There were a couple of references that date this series, but I think most kids won't mind them. Also, it was not as fun for me as it would be for someone who grew up on this series. Kind of like how much more fun Disneyland can be if you went when you were a kid.
Read-alikes:
A little bit Little Women
by Louisa May AlcottLike Anne of Green Gables and sequels by L.M. Montgomery
and all those other books you read as a child :)
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: none
Overall rating: ****
And, I started this series just in time for Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge going on at A Library is a Hospital for the Mind. Don't know how many I'll get in this month, but I can sure try!
Posts
I loved little woman! Besides that I like the cover of the book. It really is cute. I dont think i'm going to try this, cause i don't think that my library has this one. But thank you for your great review. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is too bad your library doesn't have it. They are being re-released soon, so maybe they will get them then!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, great post. I loved all the extras you added. Not only has Harper Collins just released the last 6 books (Sept 28, 2009), but the first 4 books in the series have been in print since 2007. If a library doesn't have the books they usually are open to patron suggestions, at least all the libraries I've visited and will often buy a series if they feel it will be read. Also, a lot of libraries offer Inter Library Loan from other libraries in the county, state, or across the nation. Sometimes they're free and sometimes it's a small fee like a dollar or three. Just something to consider for those who don't want to buy the books.
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled onto your blog...
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and I started a 3rd grade Mother/Daughter book group and we are reading the 1st 4 Betsy-Tacy books. I was curious to see how the girls would react to them -- because they are quite dated -- but they LOVED them!!
Gerbera Daisy Mom, that is fabulous! I'm so glad that classic books like this can still appeal to modern kids. Hope that continues until I have my own kids.
ReplyDelete