Booklist STARRED REVIEW (Betsy-Tacy for Small Children)

Born in 1892, Lovelace grew up to write historical fiction novels and short stories for adult readers, but she's most well-known for stories inspired by her own childhood experiences growing up in Mankato, Minnesota, during the late 1800s. In her first book for children, Lovelace renamed her fictionalized childhood self Betsy and her best friend, Tacy. Based on the writer’s memories of people, places, and events from her youth, the well-paced, enjoyable Betsy-Tacy books already appeal to many “small children,” perhaps because the likable young characters enjoy an unusual amount of freedom and many amusing escapades. Tacy and Tib are the most prominent characters, and as they grow a bit older in each book, the girls form firm friendships, despite misunderstandings and personal differences. The Betsy-Tacy series has been loved by generations of children, and this new picture-book edition presents the early stories to a younger audience by offering a shorter, simpler text as well as Lenski’s original drawings, now brightened with color washes. The stories are timeless and well worth reading aloud to children or making available for kids who are beginning to read chapter books on their own. —Booklist

Betsy-Tacy for Small Children