Jacy Meets Betsy
Jacy Meets Betsy Book II
In this sweet and simple book, children are introduced to the idea of making friends with those who are different, as well as the idea of a spiritual quest. Betsy and Jacy are searching for Jesus, thinking that they’ll find an actual person who can teach them things. When they meet Billy Bear, he explains that Jesus is actually very close by, and that Jacy and Betsy can get to know him by praying.
These illustrations are charming, rendering the forest background in rich shades of green and blue that make the setting magical. Characters are full of warmth and personality. Silly Betsy’s fluttery eyelashes and plush green fur mark her as a pint-sized, but very sweet, drama queen. Jacy walks with determination, his claw poised in front of him, his oversized beak stuck out in front. He is, in a word, adorable.
The language here is straightforward, appropriate for small children. Jacy Meets Betsy provides a starting point for discussing friendships, creating a relationship with Jesus, and even angels-Billy Bear reveals himself as one after setting Jacy and Betsy on the right path. Parents will find Jacy Meets Betsy to be a worthwhile addition to their small ones’ religious library.
- BookWire Review Review #2 Writers Digest Author:
Carol Edwards Title: Jacy Meets Betsy Category: Children’s Picture Books
Judge’s Commentary:
The bright, colorful cover with its cute and appealing characters should draw readers right into the story. The interior illustrations are also lovely, with their deep bold colors and their nicely rendered characters. The scene of the forest on page 6 is especially lovely: the depictions of Betsy and Jacy on pages 8 and 10 are wonderful, too.
The story begins in a way that immediately piques the reader’s interest (“Even a year later. Jacy clearly remembered). It’s a neat way to begin a story, and nicely and quickly establishes that Jacy is a male (since the name is also commonly used for females). Also a nice touch is that two very important concepts are also quickly introduced; Jacy’s need to rely on Jesus, and that Jacy has a big problem in addition from being separated from his mother: he can’t fly, although other eagles his age can. This is nicely set up, gives kid-readers a reason to relate to him and root for him, and helps make him likeable. The tone of the story is nicely soothing, but includes lots of humor as well (especially Jacy’s comment about Betsy being green, and Betsy’s continually saying how sad Jacy’s story is). Jacy himself is a very likeable character, very boy-like in his voice, thoughts, and actions. Billy Bear’s explanation of how Jesus can be found is subtle and lovely, easily understandable for kid readers. The story ends nicely: this adventure and lesson is wrapped up, but enough is left unsolved to compel the reader to read the next book.
Jacy’s Search For Jesus
A book with stunning illustrations that explores many of the questions children have about Jesus in this introduction to Jacy’s search.
-Author’s Choice Reviews
Jacy’s Search For Jesus
Books 1 & 2
The characters are developed very well. The story line is good -the content of the books are great. The illustrations are wonderful and colourful and overall, my observation is positive! This is a great effort in teaching Godly principles to our younger generation. God Bless.
-Paulette Mene-O’Kotie
Paragon Monument One Christian School
Jacy’s Search for Jesus is a delightful story for children of all ages. It may well be some children’s first introduction to Jesus. There is just enough to pique the curiosity of young minds. I look forward to following Jacy as he ventures on……
-Dr. Samuel Chand
Beulah Heights Bible College
Jacy Meets Betsy
What a delightful story! Children of all ages will enjoy the humor and the friendship that develops betweem Jacy and Betsy in this second book. Young readers will learn even more about Jesus as they join Jacy in his search.
-Pastor Colleen Rouse
Victory World Church
