Book excerpt: The heartwarming story of Betsy and her little sister Star is presented anew in this delightful edition, which includes all of the original illustrations. The Betsy series of books were popular in the mid-20th century, with the adventures of Betsy in school and around her neighborhood told in a unique and whimsical way. Carolyn Haywood, herself a mother, bestowed upon her books an understanding of childhood and how children perceive things in everyday life ? such perceptive gifts resulted in dozens of books, including the adventures of young Betsy who is a playful and outgoing yet smart girl. This edition presents the original, 1950 cover together with the thirty-two drawings of Betsy, her sister and their friends as they embark on all sorts of fun adventures and scrapes. Carolyn Haywood also illustrated her books; her simple but breezy art style mirrors the happy, joyful narrative of her stories, and enhances the nostalgic qualities so replete in these wonderful tales.