Betsy and the Circus

Betsy #6

by Carolyn Haywood

Spring is here at last. There are Easter eggs to paint and Betsy must buy something special for her mother for Mother's Day. And now the circus is coming to town and Betsy and her friends can hardly keep their minds on their school lessons, so they write stories about the circus ...

Genres: Childrens, Chapter Books, Fiction, Historical

149 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1954

About the author

Carolyn Haywood was an American writer and illustrator of children’s books, best known for her beloved “Eddie” and “Betsy” series, which captured everyday childhood with warmth and authenticity. Raised in a supportive, middle-class Philadelphia family, she developed her artistic talents early, studying art and later working as a teacher, an experience that inspired her to write for young readers. After formal training in fine arts and travel in Europe, she worked on murals before turning fully to books. Her debut, “B” is for Betsy, appeared in 1939, launching a prolific career built on close observation of children’s lives and feelings, continuing for decades.

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favorites in the series though the circus is sure fun! Just a little more drama - Betsy and Ellen’s friendship is strained (Ellen is jealous of Tina, Betsy’s new friend, so makes up an imaginary friend so she can lie/cover up things). Billy and Kenny act up more. There’s not the resolutions I would have liked to see with these issues so it would need a conversation.

Ages: 4 - 9
Reading Level: 1st - 3rd grades

Content Considerations: see above.

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[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book about friendship and its complications. Carolyn Haywood always explains things so simply and sweetly. I love all her books and even though I only gave this one a 3, I still liked it (and own it and I try to only own books I really want.)

[Jenna Andersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved when the egg cracked on billy's sweater

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book

[Nathaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it.

[Aimee Ventura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idk

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't read this one before but enjoyed reading it with my 7 year old!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking for these books everywhere and I am so glad to have finally found them! While my friends in elementary school were always checking out the more "popular" books in the library, I found myself coming back to this series again and again. I'm pretty sure I read every book in the series at least twice! I'm a little perturbed to discover that they've been re-released with a more modern cover, because I actually prefer the vintage look. Brings back so many memories and should I stumble across these somewhere, I may just have to read them again!

[Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first "Chapter" book I ever read! I was so proud of myself. My first grade teacher selected the book for me and I then devoured all of the Betsy books!

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. She goes to the circus because her friends father like owns the circus.

[Esther May · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Betsy books. This one was not my favorite, but it was still good.