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Unfortunately, I didn't find a copy of Betsy's Playschool but I did find out that there was a whole series of Betsy books that have recently been re-published and made available to modern readers. I'm delighted to know this because Haywood just feels like a classic. She's fresh and delightful and returns her readers back to the 1940's in a completely charming and believable way.
I may not have found my favorite title of Haywood's but I did snatch up some new friends, one of which is seven-year-old Mary Primrose Ramsay. This is the story of a young Merry who is being sent by her parents in England to live with some American relatives during World War II. It tells of her adventures and mishaps as she settles in to life in a new country while her father is off serving the King and her mother is also doing war-related work. To keep Merry safe, she is sent away. Merry ultimately does well with her new life in America but naturally she hits some bumps along the road. She "talks funny" and uses different vocabulary. That said, she does make friends and enjoys her relationship with her American aunt, uncle and cousin.
Although the cover art is modern, the illustrations inside are the originals by Carolyn Haywood. They have such a vintage feel to them and I LOVE it!
I adored this story and I'll be snatching up and scarfing down anything I can lay my hands on by Haywood. You know -- you have your American Girls collection which attempts to teach young girl's about life in America during different decades and various time periods. As I was reading about Merry, I couldn't help but think of Molly
If you find a Carolyn Haywood book - pick it up! Nothin' to regret!
Earmarked for ages 6-10
Entertaining for the thirty-somethings as well. ;)
4 comments:
I also remember Haywood with great fondness. I haven't gotten D1 hooked yet, but I'm hoping it will happen soon!
These classics sound great---I'll have to look into them for my niece. She's only one-year-old but I am always scouting out good books for her to love later on!
Thanks for the suggestion. My daughter read a couple of Betsy books earlier this year and enjoyed them. I just requestion this book from the library for her (and maybe me). This looks like a story she will enjoy.
Hi! =)
I'm from Argentina, so I don't know her. But I do understand what a childhood book means, so I'm happy for you! =)
I think the books are not for children of for adults. The literature is an art that everyone can enjoy it. I'm 28 years old, and I still like to reading children or teenagers novels. This kind of books make me remember my own chilhood and my own adolescence, and then I laught about myself.
Nice day!
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