With an acting career spanning nearly eighty years, the inimitable actress and comedian Betty White was — and still is — beloved by fans of all ages for her kindness, classiness, and incredible sense of humor. January 17th would have been White’s 103rd birthday, and we’re celebrating by looking at four children’s books that can introduce the incredible Betty to future generations of fans.
My Little Golden Book About Betty White: Collector’s Edition by Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Margeaux Lucas
Betty White and Little Golden Books — two icons combined! Follow the story of Betty from her idyllic childhood to her service in WWII to her big breaks in television. The oversized Collector’s Edition, released after White’s passing in 2021, features her fully updated biography as well as a book of clever and encouraging quotes from the lady herself.
That’s Betty!: The Story of Betty White by Gregory Bonsignore, Illustrated by Jennifer M. Potter
A fun spin on the typical biographical picture book, this title follows a boy who decides to do a school project on Betty and receives some unexpected help along the way! This title covers most of White’s major acting achievements, including her many awards, but also takes time to explore the enormous amount of nonprofit and advocacy work she did for equal opportunities, LGBTQIA+ causes, and animal rights.
The Story of Betty White by Tam Warner Minton, Illustrated by Pearl Law
Jam-packed with full-color illustrations, timelines, maps, quotes, and fun facts, this elementary chapter book is a perfect way to introduce the story of Betty White to readers transitioning from picture books to middle-grade children’s literature. It makes for information-packed reading that is still loads of fun, especially when the words of Betty herself add laughter and wisdom wherever they are included.
Who Was Betty White? by Dana Meachen Rau, Illustrated by Laurie A. Conley
Part of the immensely popular Who HQ middle-grade biography series, this chapter book gives the most in-depth look at White’s life of the books on this list, again focusing not only on her work in acting, comedy, and television production but also her tireless campaigning for equal rights and the humane treatment of animals. It’s a great introduction to the life of White, even for adult readers, but it’s perfect for middle-graders who want to learn more about the First Lady of Television.
We hope you and your little readers enjoy learning about Betty White from any of these books and that her spirit of kindness and humor inspires you to spread some happiness into the world. Happy reading!
To see more of our children’s book picks, check out our article on Enchanting Picture Books About Snow.
To see all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
