That's Betty!: The Story of Betty White (Who Did it First?)
by Gregory Bonsignore (Author) Jennifer M Potter (Illustrator)
An innovative and joyful picture book biography that celebrates the life and achievements of TV legend, pioneer, and activist Betty White.
Betty White is a legend and icon (but you already knew that).
In her eighty-year career, she has starred on some of the most beloved shows of all time (like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls, along with dozens more) and has received multiple Emmy, American Comedy, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, as well as a Grammy and People's Choice Award, not to mention a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
More than creating some of the most memorable roles in history, Betty has helped to make the world a better and more equal place. Early in her career, at a time when women had little power in Hollywood, she starred in, directed, and produced her own shows, creating opportunities for other women and for people from marginalized groups. She has campaigned to end bullying and has stood up for the LGBTQIA+ community. And she has devoted much of her life advocating for the fair treatment of animals.
This innovative picture book biography follows a young boy who is doing a class presentation about Betty White...with a little help from Betty herself! Whimsical yet fact-filled, That's Betty! tells the story of a life well-lived while celebrating Betty's many fans. A Who Did It First? Book
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School Library Journal
Gr 3-6—Cleverly written from a child's perspective, this biography will have readers loving Betty White more and more with each turn of the page. The story begins with a boy of color being given a school assignment to write about a "trailblazing woman." The boy knows immediately that he must write about Betty White but others around him aren't so certain. His teacher and one of his dads suggest that he choose someone "more traditional," but the boy isn't having it. At the library, he elicits help from Darian the Vegetarian Librarian and also unknowingly receives inside information from a beautiful older woman, wearing sunglasses and floppy hat, hiding amongst the stacks. Throughout his research, he learns that Betty hosted television shows and even produced them at a time when women weren't typically in that role. Betty also cast Arthur Duncan, a Black performer, in her program and was asked to choose someone "more traditional." He learns that not only is Betty a multi-Emmy Award winning actress, she also adores animals: "Despite all of her achievements as an actress, Betty has said that she is, first and foremost, someone who loves animals." Near the end of the book, the boy completes his research and is even offered help with his presentation from the mystery woman at the library, which he smartly accepts. It is only after his presentation that he realizes that the mystery woman is Betty White herself. VERDICT Written in preparation for White's upcoming 100th birthday in 2022, this is a must-have for all library shelves.—Tracy Cronce, Stevens Point Pub. Sch. District, WI
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Publishers Weekly
When the narrator is assigned to write a class report on a "trailblazing woman" and picks Betty White (b. 1922), the response is somewhat underwhelming: both his teacher and one of his fathers suggest that the black-haired, brown-skinned child pick someone "more traditional." But the boy persists--he owns a Betty White-emblazoned T-shirt, after all--and while researching the life of the actor and animal activist who has "had the longest career in the history of television," he receives extra tidbits from a mysterious, dark glasses and concealing hat-wearing Betty White expert. When the child makes his presentation--proudly wearing a blonde wig and pearls--his expert reveals her identity. Potter's (Voices of Justice) gouache and digital illustrations have a snapshot feel that occasionally teeter on static, but the story still moves along at a brisk clip; readers unfamiliar with White will find something to admire in her pioneering gumption and willingness to stand up for what's right. Bonsignore handles all the details of White's long life with elan, including her three marriages ("Well, third time's the charm, kid!"), in this irrepressible picture book debut. Back matter includes a timeline, photographs, and selected sources. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)'
Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Cleverly written from a child's perspective, this biography will have readers loving Betty White more and more with each turn of the page. . .Written in preparation for White's upcoming 100th birthday in 2022, this is a must-have for all library shelves. —School Library Journal, Starred Review
In this awed tribute, a young fan assigned to do a class presentation on a "trailblazing woman" braves the skepticism of their teacher and their dads to gain. . .a high-spots overview of White's multi-decade career. Readers, too, will come away wowed. —Booklist, Starred Review
Gregory Bonsignore is an award-winning playwright, director, actor, comedian, and writer. His work has been featured on and produced for television and the stage. He grew up in Houston, has a degree in Storytelling from NYU, trained at the BBC in London, and is a graduate of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. That's Betty! is his debut picture book.
Jennifer M. Potter is an illustrator who lives in San Francisco. When she's not busy drawing, she volunteers at the local animal shelter. She lives with her husband, several attention-starved plants, and a concerning number of watercolor palettes. She is the illustrator of Voices of Justice, A Songbird Dreams of Singing, and Claude.JNF007060 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Performing Arts
JNF007120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Women
