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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
Very enjoyable story, I loved that it contained so much parenting wisdom. Looking forward to seeing what my kids think of this one.
funny
relaxing
sad
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I forget what made me put this book on hold, exactly... but it was a classic children's title I'd never read. It's a very nice story and is great encouragement for children to learn at their own pace and also to puzzle things out for themselves at times.
The book is pretty darn heavy-handed in relating the author's take on education, but I didn't look her up until after I was done, so that's when I found out that Dorothy Canfield Fisher was a major advocate for bringing the Montessori method to the US. Yeahhhhh. I shudder to think what she'd think of some of today's parents; Aunt Frances was a solid example of a helicopter parent.
It's an enjoyable book with a lot of pleasant characters, but be prepared to VERY THOROUGHLY understand Canfield Fisher's thoughts on the education of children.
The book is pretty darn heavy-handed in relating the author's take on education, but I didn't look her up until after I was done, so that's when I found out that Dorothy Canfield Fisher was a major advocate for bringing the Montessori method to the US. Yeahhhhh. I shudder to think what she'd think of some of today's parents; Aunt Frances was a solid example of a helicopter parent.
It's an enjoyable book with a lot of pleasant characters, but be prepared to VERY THOROUGHLY understand Canfield Fisher's thoughts on the education of children.
Loved this story. So much depth in the characters, and so much depth to the themes behind the plot. I loved it and so did my daughter. Looking forward to reading it again this coming year, this time with my son.
I thought it would be corny and old-fashioned, but I got really into it because the narrator told the story with a sort of twinkle in the eye. Like the words are simple enough to be read aloud as a bedtime story, but there are so many spot on insights about humans, especially in the way the adults act or react, that if you are an adult yourself you will recognize the sly humor.
The descriptions of country life are just enough to paint a picture without getting too florid (the included sketches are also lovely by the way), and the scenes always had some kind of action going on in them that they pulled the reader smoothly forward. Many chapters featured a situation which forces Betsy to change for the better, and it was satisfying to see Betsy progress from a timid, coddled Town Mouse to astrong, independent black woman brave and resourceful child.
Feel good story. There are some scenes where my eyes got a little watery. Should read for Christmas or for when one is feeling downtrodden and/or useless. Inspires a Can Do attitude and warm, fuzzy feelings without forcing it down your throat. This Grinch gives it four stars.
Free on Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5347/5347-h/5347-h.htm
The descriptions of country life are just enough to paint a picture without getting too florid (the included sketches are also lovely by the way), and the scenes always had some kind of action going on in them that they pulled the reader smoothly forward. Many chapters featured a situation which forces Betsy to change for the better, and it was satisfying to see Betsy progress from a timid, coddled Town Mouse to a
Feel good story. There are some scenes where my eyes got a little watery. Should read for Christmas or for when one is feeling downtrodden and/or useless. Inspires a Can Do attitude and warm, fuzzy feelings without forcing it down your throat. This Grinch gives it four stars.
Free on Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5347/5347-h/5347-h.htm
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a delightful classic from 1917. Elizabeth Ann, aka Betsy, is a delightful girl who shows the difference direction from adults can make in a little girl's attitude about herself and what she can do. Good lessons and mischievous adventures abound.