Amelia Bedelia Will Tickle Your Funny Bone, Literally

As a kid, I loved to follow the misadventures of Amelia Bedelia, the hapless maid who takes every instruction she is given literally. Today's emergent and early readers can still enjoy the comic mishaps of this silly character in the series of books by the late Peggy Parish.

Early readers will build confidence as they work their way through these books, which are recommended for grades 1-3. Who wouldn't love discovering all the ways that Amelia can twist the words of her employers? Drawing the drapes, dusting the furniture, trimming the tree -- Amelia translates each request in her own special, hilarious way.

As a writer, I love these books because they introduce young readers to the complexities of language -- and in their own way, get these readers to "think outside of the box". Hmm.. wonder how Amelia would "think outside of the box."

As a read aloud, these books also work, and even my 9 year old will occasionally pick up one of her sister's Amelia Bedelia books, just for a good laugh. Give these classic early readers a try -- your girls won't be disappointed.

I hope everyone had a good holiday weekend, it was a rainy one in Houston -- perfect reading weather!