Amelia Bedelia books

Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping ~ by Peggy Parish, illustrations by Lynn Sweat, 1985, children's humor, 57 pages

Ever since the very literal Amelia Bedelia made her debut in 1963, young readers have been laughing out loud at the antics of this literal-minded but charming housekeeper.  Children learn to read with these classic Amelia Bedelia books.  The New York Times Book Review says "she's usually right when she's wrong."

Amelia Bedelia has never been camping in the great outdoors before.  She's trying her best to do exactly as she's told, but pitching a tent is not the same as throwing it into the bushes, and catching a fish with your bare hands isn't easy.  As usual, Amelia Bedelia makes this camping trip one hugely entertaining adventure.

Yesterday, I posted about how literally I took my mother's words when I was about four years old.  One person commented, "Oh dear!!  You were a very literal little child!  I'm guessing the Amelia Bedelia books were made for you?"  Oh, no, by the time Amelia Bedelia hit the shelves (no, no, don't hit any shelves, Amelia!), I was a mother of three.  Maybe my children read those books, but — really, folks — do you think I can remember everything I read to them sixty years ago?  Anyway, I've put Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping and the newer one below (by her nephew) on reserve at my library, along with that very first Amelia Bedelia, which was published in 1963.

Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School ~ by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne Avril, 2011, children's humor, 32 pages

Amelia Bedelia goes to school and mixes up just about everything in this bright and funny picture book about the childhood of the iconic character.  Amelia Bedelia is sure that she will absolutely love school — after all, what's not to love?  But after hopping on the bus "just like a bunny" (hurry up, sweetie!), confusing her name tag with a game (we are not playing tag), and gluing herself to her seat (oh, dear), Amelia Bedelia discovers that what she takes for granted is not always the way the world works.

FYI ~ Herman Parish was in the fourth grade when his aunt, Peggy Parish, wrote the first book about Amelia Bedelia.  The lovable, literal-minded housekeeper has been a member of his family ever since.  Peggy Parish died in 1988.  She would be proud and delighted to know that her nephew is carrying on — for a new generation of readers — the tradition she began years ago.