Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present

August 15, 2024
Actor Witherspoon's latest sees her exuberant young hero returning to celebrate the holidays. Realizing that it's nearly Christmas, Busy Betty launches into a brainstorming whirlwind; Betty wants to buy the perfect gifts but lacks the necessary funds. Last summer, Betty and best friend Mae had good luck running a lemonade stand, so the kids start a Christmas cookie stand. But chilly temperatures keep prospective customers away even after Betty and Mae sing loud, creative Christmas carols to get people's attention and build snowpeople to create the illusion of customers. When Betty's dog, Frank, accidentally crashes the stand and ruins the beautiful treats, a distraught Betty is sure that "Christmas is ruined!" But upon discovering one intact cookie, Betty has a great idea and dashes to the kitchen to whip up some perfect presents. On Christmas morning, Betty's homemade gifts are scrumptious and tailor-made for their recipients--a holiday success! Though the story is slightly predictable, Betty's inimitable voice ("Sweet cinnamon biscuits, it's Christmas!") sets it apart; Witherspoon ably captures the emotional extremes that young children often grapple with. Yan's illustrations effectively portray the steps of Betty's journey, using a vivid palette of greens and pinks and a dynamic use of perspective to keep wiggly young readers entranced. An appended recipe for cookie bars encourages readers to follow Betty's worthy example. Busy Betty presents white; Mae is tan-skinned with dark hair. A tasty holiday confection.(Picture book. 4-7)

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October 4, 2024

PreS-Gr 2-Busy Betty, with her blonde pigtails, big blue eyes, and round pink glasses, is chock-full of enthusiasm. In her third adventure, it's Christmas, and Betty doesn't have two coins to clank together, but she wants to find the perfect gifts for her parents; her brother, Bo; and her pug, Frank. What can she do to raise money? Sell homemade Christmas cookies, of course! Betty and her best friend Mae ran a lemonade stand last summer. The friends renew their entrepreneurial spirit and overcome challenges of starting a business in the middle of winter. That is, until Frank accidentally gets his antlers caught on the cookie stand, causing a colorful cookie catastrophe. With her growth mindset, Betty overcomes the disaster and bakes the perfect gift for each member of her family. Jubilant illustrations are digitally rendered. All of the main characters are white. Back matter includes a recipe for Christmas Cereal Surprise Cookie Bars. VERDICT A potentially popular addition to elementary library collections. Readers will likely enjoy Betty's enthusiasm and excitement around the Christmas holiday.-Melissa King

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