Here are the books in order:
* Betsy-Tacy (1940)
* Betsy-Tacy and Tib (1941)
* Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (1942)
* Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown (1943)
* Heaven to Betsy (1945)
* Betsy in Spite of Herself (1946)
* Betsy Was a Junior (1947)
* Betsy and Joe (1948)
* Betsy and the Great World (1952)
* Betsy's Wedding (1955)
Wikipedia says:
The Betsy-Tacy series is a collection of books written by Maud Hart Lovelace. The books are written at progressively more difficult reading levels as the characters age. They follow the adventures of Betsy Ray and her friends and family from the time that Betsy turns five until she is in her early twenties. They take place in the very late 19th and early 20th centuries — the time period from about 1897 to 1917.
Reading these books is a fun way to learn about life during this time period!
There is a Betsy-Tacy Society. It's interesting to click around the sight. There is some adorable stationery for sale:
...and they have purchased Betsy's and Tacy's houses and are restoring them.
Now, nobody shoot me, ok, but I have never cared for the artwork of Lois Lenski. Since the first few books feature her artwork, I'm not too crazy about the illustrations. But it has grown on me a little! Isn't that funny?
The Betsy-Tacy books are worth reading! Unfortunately, some of them are currently out of print, so if you want to read the whole set, you'll have to obtain them from your library.
Happy reading!
9 comments:
After reading your post, I went and checked out the fist four Betsy-Tacy books from my library. I look forward to reading them very much. I am a great fan of books about people growing up in "the olden days".
I have enjoyed your blog, I think I found it through the designer... Anyway, How cool to find another Betsy-Tacy series lover! I have collected most of the series and reread them over and over! I would love to find more of the older editions, but they are hard to come by! I didn't mind Lenski's illustrations, but I love the other illustrator! The pictures are so graceful! (I have also enjoyed your knitting posts... I am learning to knit!)
I've never heard of these books before! Now I definitely HAVE read these now!!! Thank you for sharing this!
His,
Mrs. U
I loved, loved, loved these books when I was younger! My library never carried the full series so I have never read the later ones. Hmmm.. I think I may check out my current library to see if if they are there. It's one of those series that I look forward to introducing to my daughter someday.
I read these when I was a little girl:) I have fond memories of them!
I should read them again.
Lizzie
Don't miss THE BETSY-TACY COMPANION, written by my friend Sharla Whalen. It tells the real stories behind Maud Hart Lovelace and her characters.
Best wishes,
Laura
P.S. Don't miss the three related Lovelace books set in Deep Valley: WINONA'S PONY CART (a companion to the "early" books in the B-T series) and EMILY OF DEEP VALLEY and CARNEY'S HOUSE PARTY, which go with the "older" books.
Best wishes,
Laura
Laura, thanks for the recommendations! I just finished Emily of Deep Valley today, and I read the other two earlier this week! =) It's fun to see Betsy and other familiar characters pop up in the book from time to time.
So glad you enjoyed the related books, Tammy. I hope you'll look for THE B-T COMPANION, it's worth the effort. :) Many of the people and incidents in the books are based on real people, rather as with the LITTLE HOUSE books. The newer paperback editions with the "keyhole" covers include biographical information at the end that was adapted from THE B-T COMPANION.
Best wishes,
Laura
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