Monday, February 15, 2010

Book Reivew -- Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown

Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown (Betsy-Tacy) Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace


My rating: 4 of 5 stars








Once again, Betsy and Tacy exceeded expectations!

In what I would call the final installment of the “childhood” portion of this series, “Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown” – the girls are now 12 years old and, according to them, “all grown up.”

Their escapades continue – riding in a horseless carriage (a car!), beguiling their new friend, Winona, going to the theatre, befriending an unexpected companion, acting on stage and discovering a long, lost relative!

So many things to adore in this book! For those who love the theatre (a paramount requirement in our family!) there are several chapters on that theme. Do you enjoy Christmas traditions? A chapter on that. A love of the library and all things literary? Betsy is euphoric when she is allowed to go the library ALONE every other Saturday. She also blossoms into a poet and writer. The relationship between Mrs. Poppy and Betsy is one of particular importance. It shows how mercy and compassion can transcend the difference between age, cultural upbringing and social status. A sweet, sweet book. If you read only one Betsy book this is the one to read.

My daughter’s favorite part: “…acting on stage! I want to do that when I grow up!” She is a closet theatre geek – she’s been going to theatre since she was 4. Her first musical, Annie. I hope she will audition some day!

Our mother/daughter book group meets tomorrow night for our discussion. This is the final Betsy-Tacy book for us. We will be picking a new series/author/theme for March.

Any good ideas/recommendations?? And something short? March is Spring Break!

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4 comments:

wendy holt said...

I love this!! Bradley and I have been reading chapter books and have such a good time, however, I don't think, "mouse and the motorcycle" and "how to eat fried worms" would be quite as classy for a mother/daughter book group. I always liked Ramona Quimby.

A Bookshelf Monstrosity said...

I can't wait to read my first Betsy-Tacy. I have one on board for a reading challenge in 2010. Will get around to it within the month, I hope!

Cindy Hudson said...

What did you end up choosing for your next mother-daughter book club?

Gerbera Daisy Diaries said...

Cindy:
We picked: From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler -- I've never read it.