Friday, February 03, 2012

Understood Betsy

I  need to stay off ebay. There are things I don't know I need, until I find them while trolling around in one of the vintage areas.This time it was a vintage book. I don't even remember how I stumbled on it; a click here, a click there, and the next thing I know, I discover this book for only $15.00 with free shipping and handling. Of course I had to order it!


What is it about seeing your name in the title of a book? When I was a young girl, I devoured all the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace, and the Betsy books by Carolyn Haywood. Our library had all of them, and I checked them out over and over again. Somehow I missed this one; apparently the library didn't have it! 

I was drawn to the cover of this book because of the vivid colors and the fact that Betsy had black hair, like me (well, at least I did before it started turning gray!). The back cover is just as colorful. Betsy is sitting in the kitchen, and on the table in front of her is a book and a needle and thread. It's such a cozy scene, and one you would find in my home.


The book was first published in 1916 (my copy is a 1962 version), and tells the story of Elizabeth Ann, a small, timid 9-year-old orphan who goes to live on her aunt and uncle's farm in Vermont. Over time, Elizabeth Ann becomes Betsy, and "discovers herself, her abilities, and all the lovely things in the wonderful world from which she had been shielded."

Apparently this book was a classic in its time, and remains in print. It's recommended for children ages 8-12, but this little girl at heart is looking forward to reading it. Since I still live in my childhood hometown, I went online and searched our library's catalog. I'm happy to report that there are now two copies of Understood Betsy. It's good to know that the young Betsy's of today have another option to read!

.

22 comments:

Mecky said...

What a great find! I would faint dead away if I saw my name on the cover of a book! Especially about a girl since my name is a guys name. (I am glad to know I was named after a GIRL my mom went to school with)
Anyway, that book was just meant for you to find it!! I am glad you got it!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I ve awarded you with the verstile blogger award,pop on over to mine to collect,;O) lots of love,juliexxx

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Besty! Of course you had to get that book. It is such a pretty little book, with happy art and you read this series as a child! What a great find, and especially for you. I am happy you get to add it to your collection.
Blessings,
Susie

birdie blue said...

that book looks adorable. love the colorful cover, and the story sounds so sweet. a perfect book for you, miss betsy.

i picked up a set of the betsy-tacy books for my girls, and i'm still waiting for one of them to jump in and start reading.

xo
molly

Becky said...

Oh I need to go on Ebay lol.Lovely book.I adore those books from way back when.

Have a nice weekend Betsy!

Sunny Simple Life said...

Love it love it!! I too read Betsy, Tacy and Tib to my girls. I love books that depict the old values and roles of the past.

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Hi Betsy! I know exactly what you mean about Ebay...it's dangerous ;) What a wonderful find..isn't it wonderful when you find something that you really love. Congrats on your prize...enjoy!
Maura :)

Musings from Kim K. said...

Such a special treasure. I need to investigate this series. Such a beautiful book jacket.

Anonymous said...

Betsy! This is one of my faaaaavorite books! I read it every few years. In fact, my cat, Kitty Anne is named after cousin Anne! :) Although I think she was just Ann without an "e", the E part is sort of after our Green Gables Anne.

My copy isn't vintage so you've got a real treasure there! ♥

Shirley Hatfield said...

Betsy, that is me on the cover! I was Katrin in "I Remember Mama" in High School and that was my dress and how I wore my hair. You saw your name in the title and I saw myself in the illustration...what a wonderful book! Sweet little vignette! =D

Rebecca said...

I have just discoved your lovely blog thanks to 'Tales from Toadstool Cottage' and I have to say its gorgeous. I love the Betsy book you found - it is just charming! Becks

My Vintage Mending said...

I truly giggled reading this. As it is something I would do. So nice to know I am not alone. Thanks for joining me....Understood Betsy? Smiles...Renee

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Ebay and I have a love/hate relationship. What a wonderful score on your part. Enjoy!!

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

They just don't makeum like that anymore, do they? Those old books tell wonderful stories and the illustrations are so beautifully done. I'm glad for you that you found it. Have a great weekend.----- Shannon

magie said...

What a great find, I just adore the cover. Sounds like an interesting read :)
I know what you mean about ebay though..I do the same, I find so many nice vintage things on there, they are so hard to resist (and some of the times I just have to have then :P).
Have a lovely weekend!
Magie

Crafted by Carly said...

What an amazing blog you have!!! I'm so glad that I stumbled upon it. I knew from the name that I'd love it!!! What a treasure-trove!!!
I'll definitely be visiting again.....
Carly
x

Mary said...

I LOVE the cover. And it sounds like the pages within are just as wonderful.

Unknown said...

BEAUTIFUL illustrations! So pretty - great find x

The Hobbit said...

Oh The lure of seeing one's name in print....I think I would have snatched this up too. Lucky for me,my name is rarely in print and I only think about going on E Bay. But...when I do take that first step look out I could be some kind of competition...........nice find.

Cherry Chick said...

I love that "things I don't know that I need". You totally needed a book with your name in the title. I vote you did good. :-)

Unknown said...

Very neat... I havent ever seen this book. Looks interesting!!
Daisy

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