Beloved Betsy-Tacy Series Welcomes a New Generation with Picture Book Adaptation

Families in Deep Valley—and beyond—have a new reason to celebrate. Betsy-Tacy for Small Children, a beautifully adapted hardcover picture book based on the first book in Maud Hart Lovelace’s cherished Betsy-Tacy series, will release in early October to introduce the magic of childhood friendship to readers ages 4–8.

Set in the heart of Deep Valley, the story begins with a girl named Betsy Ray who wishes for a friend just her age—and finds one right across the street. From the beginning of their friendship at Betsy’s fifth birthday party to summer picnics and the first day of school, Betsy’s and Tacy’s adventures are filled with warmth, humor, and timeless charm.

With Lois Lenski’s original illustrations lovingly colorized, Betsy-Tacy for Small Children is a nostalgic keepsake for longtime fans and a perfect introduction for young readers.

Local connections: Maud Hart Lovelace, a native of Mankato, immortalized her hometown as Deep Valley in her beloved series. This new edition brings her legacy to life for very young readers and offers families a chance to share a piece of local literary history.

Michelle May from The Betsy-Tacy Society brought the idea for the project to The Creative Company a few years ago. It caught the attention of Publisher Tom Peterson and Associate Publisher Rebecca Glaser, who agreed to release it under her Amicus Ink imprint. With support from the Mankato Area Foundation, the Betsy-Tacy Society and The Creative Company, both with a deep history in the Mankato area, collaborated to get the project completed in time for the Betsy-Tacy Convention, which is planned for October 10–12, 2025, in Mankato.

Availability: Betsy-Tacy for Small Children is available exclusively from the Betsy-Tacy Society, both in their gift shop and online. It releases nationally in March 2026 and will be distributed through Chronicle Books.