Betsy's Winterhouse

Betsy #8

by Carolyn Haywood

Betsy and her little sister Star are missing their wonderful summerhouse very much now that it is too cold to play in it--until their father finds an answer to their dilemma.

Genres: Childrens, Chapter Books, Fiction, Christmas, Historical

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1958

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 5 out of 5]

Another good book with some fun stories with Betsy and her pals, covering Christmas memories and ending with May baskets. There were some laugh out loud moments for sure, particularly the finger puppet story!

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

Content Considerations: the word stupid is used, could be argued someone was called stupid. Linda cried/whined a number of times, lied about her cat and was selfish - this scenario was pretty well resolved. A boy talks about ghosts and where’s a Halloween costume.

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[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't love this one as much as I did Betsy's Busy Summer but it is still an enjoyable read. I love that Betsy's parents find ways to encourage Betsy's imagination and fulfill her interests. Betsy was so disappointed when winter came and the outdoor playhouse had to be boarded up for the season. She and her friends had spent so many wonderful hours there and she was not looking forward to being cooped up indoors all winter. So, her father makes her a "winterhouse" in the basement -- it's basically a big rumpus room, but "winterhouse" sounds so much better ;-) Some of the little details made me smile, like how he chose tile with lots of little multi-colored dots on it, so that when the kids drop paint on the floor it won't matter. So cute, and practical! It's great that Betsy helps build a dollhouse down there with wood and nails etc. Kids who don't want to read "girl books" should not be put off by the Betsy books -- her friend Billy Porter features prominently again in this installment. This is a lovely read during winter, and especially at Christmastime. (I loved the family's sensitivity and creativity in handling Betsy's little sister's birthday (which is December 25th) along with the Christmas celebrations.)

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness, I loved returning to Betsy and friends world! This was a favorite when I was growing up. I highly recommend it.

[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!

[Esther May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Betsy. Her life is just how I think childhood should be. I also love that my kids begged me to read chapter after chapter, because they loved it so much. I love the adventures that she has, that sometimes we laugh as we read and sometimes we feel so bad because something sad happened. This was a great book to read in the winter.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the better entries in the series. Gosh these are good children, with even better parents. Too sweet and sunny to be true, or to read all in one season, tbh.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Liked Betsy Winterhouse she had A summerhouse for the summer and now she wants A winterhouse for the winter so whan the winterhouse is redey they decide to put A dollhouse in the winterhouse and the dollhouse is big enough to fit A person in it and billy gits stuck in it

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading to my girls; I always like a Haywood story!

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read with my first grade daughter. We enjoyed this book together

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I had read this one in the series as a kid but then some of these stories were VERY familiar so I guess I did! Enjoyed reading this with my 7 year old. He liked it too.

[Stasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was robbed of a 1950's childhood, and I demand restitution.

[Amyem]

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