Amelia Bedelia (1963)

Taking words to literally, Amelia Bedelia sure can turn any situation into confusion! What a great way to teach people, not just kids, just how confusing English can be with words that may be spelled the same but have different meanings in different contexts. These books ought to be on English reading lists for ALL ages! ( )

A literal-minded housekeeper causes a ruckus in the household when she attempts to make sense of some instructions.

A literal-minded housekeeper causes chaos in the Rogers household when she attempts to make sense of some instructions.

Amelia Bedelia is the star of this book and she is the new maid in the Roger's household. She is so excited to have the job that she wants everything to be perfect. She is given a list of things that need to be done and she is going to follow the directions exactly as they are written so it's just what Mr. and Mrs. Roger's want. She starts with number one on the list and does literally what it says. No one will fault Amelia Bedelia for not following directions. When the Roger's come home they are exasperated by the state of the household.

The author employs idioms, simile, and alliteration in her writing. It is a good and funny read for your younger kiddos. For older kiddos, you might look at her newer Chapter books as they are filled with the same kind of literal shenanigans like this one. I recommend this book because it is fun for kids. They can relate to it and it will keep them laughing. I read it when I was younger and I loved it just as much as I read it recently. ( )

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