Amelia Bedelia

Author: Peggy Parish
Copyright Date:1963
Publisher: Harper Collins
Number of Pages: 64
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture Book

Summary
In this book, Amelia Bedelia is a maid for the Rodger family. On her first day of work, the Rodgers have to leave the home so Amelia is left with a list of things to do. First, to surprise them, she makes a lemon meringue pie. Then she looks at the list. She misreads everything on that list so instead of putting new towels in the bathroom, she cuts them to "change" them. Instead of "un-dusting" or "dusting" the furniture, she takes dusting power and puts it all over the place. Instead of closing the curtains, she "draws" them. Instead of turning off the lights, she "puts the lights out"--takes them outside. Instead of trimming fat off the steak and putting dressing on the chicken, she puts a trim around the steak and puts clothes on the chicken. When the Rodgers come home, Mrs. Rodgers is very angry because Amelia read all the directions incorrectly. She was about to tell Amelia she was fired until Mr. Rodgers put a piece of the lemon meringue pie in her mouth, and she was no longer angry. They decide to keep Amelia as their maid and they learn to give her correct, more detailed instructions. Amelia continued to make them more lemon meringue pie.

Reaction
I really enjoyed this book and I think it's a great book for kids. It's such a funny little story, and I think little children would really enjoy it.

Recommendations
I would recommend that parents read this to their children, and then after a time allow the child to read it on his/her own. It's a fun story and I think any little kid would love it.

Problems/Conflicts
The problems in this book are silly. Amelia cuts the towels, takes light bulbs outside, and does other silly things. This could be a problem if children follow her example and cut towels or whatever else they might do.