Understood Betsy

By: Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Narrated by: Anne Hancock

Length: 4 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Elizabeth Ann is being carefully brought up by her Aunt Frances. Aunt Frances shares in all Elizabeth Ann's fears and slights, walks her to and from school each day, and conscientiously follows the most modern theories on child-rearing. She is the original helicopter parent. Not surprisingly, at nine years old Elizabeth Ann is timid and shy, friendless, and completely dependent on her doting aunt.

Then an emergency occurs, and the fearful little girl is temporarily sent to other relatives who live on a farm in Vermont. When her uncle Henry nonchalantly hands her the buggy reins for the ride from the train station, the newly named Betsy realizes that that this new family expects her to think for herself.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher was an early advocate of Maria Montessori's educational theory of learning by doing, and her heroine flourishes as she becomes aware of and interested in the world around her and discovers how truly capable she is.

Public Domain (P)2015 Anne Hancock

Understood Betsy:

I love this book! So fun! It’s VERY interesting, and being a girl myself I can relate to it!

Understood Betsy

Loved this sweet nostalgic story! The narrator did a fantastic job with voice changes and inflections. Truly delightful!

Heartwarming classic

Lovable characters and simple but profound natural life lessons. Kittens, hounds, prize pigs and playful calves. The story is well paced and I found the time went more quickly while working in the kitchen. Perfectly narrated!

The text make pictures in your mind

50 years ago I looked for these old stories for my children to use in our homeschool classes. Stories that expanded a child's vocabulary as well as their imagination. Stories that expose them to events, cultures, and even chores they might never experience for themselves. All interactions done in kindness, good character, compassion, and hard work, even a willingness to compromise. Rarely are these attributes seen in children's digital gaming entertainment now. Get your kids off a screen. Give them this audiobook if you think they won't sit still for you to read a hard copy. All ages would enjoy this heartwarming book. For sure give your 14-year-olds and younger an opportunity to expand their imaginations as well as their character. It's especially helpful for children who have been displaced from home. I'm very grateful the title was recommended to me.

A classic in every way

Wholesome, simple, well-read! Love this story and the demonstration of principles found therein. The narrator is expressive and adds richness!

Charming

Love this book! It is full of charm and wisdom. I have thoroughly enjoyed it

Just as i remembered

I remember how much I loved this story- the world was certainly a simpler place

Sweet classic

The sweetest book! Such a heartwarming classic. My kids and I all really enjoyed it!!

Like a picnic on a warm spring day

I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of the countryside and the people who decorated it were warm and fuzzy - in a good way. Yes, it might have been a little predictable and pollyannish but those aren't always bad things. I watch my comfort movies over and over and know they aren't going to change and that's what I like about them. Sometimes I need a little sunshine and 'sometimes things do turn out alright' in my life and this fit the bill. I would say it 'was a simpler time' but I don't know that and suspect every time has its challenges and beauty. It was without cell phones, computers and sports cars and it appealed to my inner tween.
I was gifted this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

wonderful

it brought back wonders of growing up as a young girl. loved it so much.