Betsy was born in Brooklyn, New York. Most of her childhood {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (spend) in New York City, in a house filled {#blank#}2{#/blank#} books. It was then that she grew to love books and reading.

    Before she became a {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (write), Betsy taught kindergarten and first grade. The best part of the school day for her {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (be) story time, when she could share her favourite books with the class. She decided {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (try) writing her own children's books after she met her husband, illustrator (插图画家) Giulio. Together, they have created many books. She writes the words, {#blank#}6{#/blank#} he draws the pictures.

    Betsy believes that writers should always edit their own work and then ask someone else to look it over. "Your editor can be your teacher, one of your parents {#blank#}7{#/blank#} elder brother or sister, or someone in your class who is good at writing. Your editor will see your work {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (different) from the way you see it, so you will get a new point of view (见解)."

    Betsy and her husband like to travel, and they sometimes do research for their books on {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (they) trips. They also enjoy talking to students when they visit schools and {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (library).