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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
This is a hilarious childhood classic! The use of literal speech is very humorous and will make any child giggle! Also shows children an example of literal speech versus what is actually meant.
Silly Amelia, she takes everything so literally it can be annoying. Even as a kid I was annoyed.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Published- New York : HarperCollins, 1992.
ISBN- 0-06-020186-X
Illustrated by Fritz Siebel
Genre- Humor
Reading Level- Kindergarten-2nd grade
This is a story of a house maid who takes your words very seriously. It is a great book to teach children to be careful with their words. The maid is hired to clean the house of a wealthy couple and cleans in her own weird way by "dusting the furniture" with dusting powder rather than removing the dust. Dressing the chicken by actually putting a little outfit on it. As I recount the book, I can actually almost chuckle thinking of what she does. Some of the things she does however I find are very off, and far fetched. Luckily though Amelia makes a delicious lemon meringue pie, and so despite her quirkiness they decide to keep her around.
ISBN- 0-06-020186-X
Illustrated by Fritz Siebel
Genre- Humor
Reading Level- Kindergarten-2nd grade
This is a story of a house maid who takes your words very seriously. It is a great book to teach children to be careful with their words. The maid is hired to clean the house of a wealthy couple and cleans in her own weird way by "dusting the furniture" with dusting powder rather than removing the dust. Dressing the chicken by actually putting a little outfit on it. As I recount the book, I can actually almost chuckle thinking of what she does. Some of the things she does however I find are very off, and far fetched. Luckily though Amelia makes a delicious lemon meringue pie, and so despite her quirkiness they decide to keep her around.
I wish they'd stop re-illustrating these books! The originals were the best, and it's frustrating to have to track them down! Sigh.
Amelia Bedelia is definitely on a long list of childhood favorites.
My mother used to read this to me and we would laugh and laugh! The book is still funny after all these years and it was exciting to get to experience it as an adult. With my adult perspective though, I did find the book more stressful than I wanted it to be.
For: fans of puns/word humor.
Possible red flags: some readers may find her antics to be too anxiety-inducing.
For: fans of puns/word humor.
Possible red flags: some readers may find her antics to be too anxiety-inducing.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Characters: 8/10
The characters in Amelia Bedelia are simple yet highly memorable. Amelia herself is distinctive and endearing, with her literal interpretations of instructions creating a unique charm. Her personality is easy to describe: quirky, well-meaning, and unintentionally hilarious. The secondary characters, such as Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, serve their purpose of reacting to Amelia's antics, though they lack depth. I cared about Amelia because of her good intentions and the humor she brought to every scenario, but I didn’t feel emotionally connected to the others. While not multidimensional, Amelia is such a strong protagonist that the story doesn’t suffer from this limitation.
The characters in Amelia Bedelia are simple yet highly memorable. Amelia herself is distinctive and endearing, with her literal interpretations of instructions creating a unique charm. Her personality is easy to describe: quirky, well-meaning, and unintentionally hilarious. The secondary characters, such as Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, serve their purpose of reacting to Amelia's antics, though they lack depth. I cared about Amelia because of her good intentions and the humor she brought to every scenario, but I didn’t feel emotionally connected to the others. While not multidimensional, Amelia is such a strong protagonist that the story doesn’t suffer from this limitation.
Atmosphere/Setting: 7/10
The setting of Amelia Bedelia is functional but not particularly vivid. The story takes place in and around a typical suburban home, and while the illustrations help bring it to life, the descriptions in the text are minimal. The energy in the scenes, however, is compelling because of Amelia’s humorous misunderstandings. The atmosphere enhances the story’s playful tone, even though it doesn’t transport me to a deeply immersive world. It feels light and approachable, which fits the story’s purpose.
The setting of Amelia Bedelia is functional but not particularly vivid. The story takes place in and around a typical suburban home, and while the illustrations help bring it to life, the descriptions in the text are minimal. The energy in the scenes, however, is compelling because of Amelia’s humorous misunderstandings. The atmosphere enhances the story’s playful tone, even though it doesn’t transport me to a deeply immersive world. It feels light and approachable, which fits the story’s purpose.
Writing Style: 9/10
Peggy Parish’s writing style is simple, clear, and engaging, which is perfect for the book’s young audience. I enjoyed the way the prose balanced dialogue and narration, allowing Amelia’s literal interpretations to shine. The language is easy to follow without being overly simplistic, and it flows effortlessly. The humor is smartly constructed and timeless, making me smile even as an adult. I would definitely explore more of Parish’s works in this vein because of how effectively she captures a blend of humor and heart.
Peggy Parish’s writing style is simple, clear, and engaging, which is perfect for the book’s young audience. I enjoyed the way the prose balanced dialogue and narration, allowing Amelia’s literal interpretations to shine. The language is easy to follow without being overly simplistic, and it flows effortlessly. The humor is smartly constructed and timeless, making me smile even as an adult. I would definitely explore more of Parish’s works in this vein because of how effectively she captures a blend of humor and heart.
Plot: 8/10
The plot is straightforward but satisfying. Amelia’s misunderstandings, such as dressing a chicken instead of preparing it for cooking, create a series of humorous episodes that tie together cohesively. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that no section drags or feels tedious. While there aren’t dramatic twists or groundbreaking elements, the uniqueness of Amelia’s perspective makes the story stand out. The ending, where her exceptional pie saves the day, wraps up the story neatly and humorously, leaving me with a sense of completion.
The plot is straightforward but satisfying. Amelia’s misunderstandings, such as dressing a chicken instead of preparing it for cooking, create a series of humorous episodes that tie together cohesively. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that no section drags or feels tedious. While there aren’t dramatic twists or groundbreaking elements, the uniqueness of Amelia’s perspective makes the story stand out. The ending, where her exceptional pie saves the day, wraps up the story neatly and humorously, leaving me with a sense of completion.
Intrigue: 8/10
I was consistently eager to see what Amelia would do next and how her literal thinking would lead to chaos. The humor and charm held my attention from start to finish. While I didn’t feel an intense need to devour the book in one sitting, I found it consistently engaging and enjoyable. I looked forward to each of Amelia’s misunderstandings and the reactions of those around her.
I was consistently eager to see what Amelia would do next and how her literal thinking would lead to chaos. The humor and charm held my attention from start to finish. While I didn’t feel an intense need to devour the book in one sitting, I found it consistently engaging and enjoyable. I looked forward to each of Amelia’s misunderstandings and the reactions of those around her.
Logic/Relationships: 7/10
The logic within Amelia’s world is deliberately playful and relies on the humor of her literal interpretations. While this isn’t meant to be a deep or realistic story, the characters’ actions align with their personalities and motives. Amelia’s literal thinking is consistent, and the world’s rules (or lack thereof) serve the humor well. The relationships, particularly between Amelia and the Rogers, feel a bit underdeveloped but fit the lighthearted tone of the story. The simplicity works in the book’s favor, though it doesn’t leave much room for complexity.
The logic within Amelia’s world is deliberately playful and relies on the humor of her literal interpretations. While this isn’t meant to be a deep or realistic story, the characters’ actions align with their personalities and motives. Amelia’s literal thinking is consistent, and the world’s rules (or lack thereof) serve the humor well. The relationships, particularly between Amelia and the Rogers, feel a bit underdeveloped but fit the lighthearted tone of the story. The simplicity works in the book’s favor, though it doesn’t leave much room for complexity.
Enjoyment: 9/10
I thoroughly enjoyed Amelia Bedelia. The humor is timeless, and the book remains a delightful read for both children and adults. The simplicity and charm make it an easy recommendation, especially for young readers or anyone in need of a laugh. My enjoyment was consistent throughout, and I’d gladly revisit Amelia’s world or recommend it to others looking for a lighthearted story.
I thoroughly enjoyed Amelia Bedelia. The humor is timeless, and the book remains a delightful read for both children and adults. The simplicity and charm make it an easy recommendation, especially for young readers or anyone in need of a laugh. My enjoyment was consistent throughout, and I’d gladly revisit Amelia’s world or recommend it to others looking for a lighthearted story.
if you see me reading random books of my youth...no you didn't. just goin thru it!!!!!!