Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Betty makes homemade gifts for family in cute holiday tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As BUSY BETTY & THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT begins, Betty declares, "This year I'm going to get everyone in my whole family the perfect Christmas present—even Frank!" as she refers to her family's pet pug. Then she discovers she doesn't have any money in her piggy bank, so she and her friend Mae set up a Christmas cookie stand (converting their profitable summer lemonade stand) to earn money so she can buy presents. But after Frank upends the cookie stand, she's upset that she has no money or inventory, except one cookie, which happens to be her brother, Bo's, favorite flavor, so he's happy. This gives her an idea: to bake another batch and give each family member their favorite cookie. She does that on Christmas morning, and by present time she has has a tailor-made gift for each loved one, including Frank.
Is It Any Good?
This light holiday tale has a positive message that the coolest gifts come straight from the heart. Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present features the fun characters from the series all dolled up in holiday garb (including Frank's reindeer antlers headband), with lots of speedy antics by its busy, upbeat, exuberant star. Nothing heavy, but a nice antidote to seasonal consumerism.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the underlying message of Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present. What did Betty learn about gift giving?
Have you ever made a present for someone? What did you make? If you haven't, what do you think you could make?
What's your favorite picture in Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Xindi Yan
- Genre : Holiday
- Topics : Cooking , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Flamingo Books
- Publication date : October 15, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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