That's Betty!: The Story of Betty White

by Gregory Bonsignore, Jennifer M. Potter (Illustrator)

Overview

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 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 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 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 campaigned to end bullying and has stood up for the LGBTQIA+ community. And she 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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250796608
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	02/22/2022
Series:	Who Did It First?
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	648,035
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD660L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

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.

Editorial Reviews

10/25/2021

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.)’

Publishers Weekly

"Cleverly written from a child’s perspective, this biography will have readers loving Betty White more and more with each turn of the page. . .[T]his 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

"A playful tour of Betty White’s life. . . [T]his LGBTQ+–friendly selection offers a mirror to children intent on being themselves and focusing on their unique interests, gender-typical or not. Lively illustrations feature a diverse cast. A well-intentioned biographical selection about Betty White that is consciously inclusive and diverse." —Kirkus Reviews

"Readers unfamiliar with [Betty] 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. . .in this irrepressible picture book debut." —Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

★ 09/01/2021

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

School Library Journal

2021-10-13
A playful tour of Betty White’s life.

A brown-skinned boy’s face lights up in class. Having just learned about a new assignment, choosing a “trailblazing woman” for a presentation, he knows precisely whom to study: Betty White. More than one person suggests he pick a more “traditional” subject, but the boy is adamant. At the library, the boy meets a mysterious woman in the stacks who just happens to be an expert on White and helps him bring his research to life. The boy learns all about White’s groundbreaking career, including her early days as a television host; her production credits, rare for women in the 1950s; her insistent support of a Black dancer during 1954’s The Betty White Show; her work for the American Humane Society; and her awards and starring roles. Finally, the boy is ready to dress up as his heroine for his class presentation. And who should appear in the classroom? That’s Betty! Sincere in its intentions but with some awkward moments (a character named “Darian the Vegetarian Librarian”), this LGBTQ+–friendly selection offers a mirror to children intent on being themselves and focusing on their unique interests, gender-typical or not. Lively illustrations feature a diverse cast. The boy has two fathers, one White and one Black, and the multiracial classroom includes a student in a wheelchair and a teacher with brown skin.(This book was reviewed digitally.)

A well-intentioned biographical selection about Betty White that is consciously inclusive and diverse. (timeline, sources) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews