Amelia Bedelia's Masterpiece: A Funny Picture Book for Kids (Ages 4-8) About Museum Mix-Ups and Heroism

Amelia Bedelia

by Herman Parish, Herman Parish

When Amelia Bedelia goes to the art museum, she meets Art, helps Drew draw, and busts a bust. She also foils a theft, bakes a cake, and saves the day. Is there anything Amelia Bedelia can't do?

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Art, Fiction, Humor

64 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2008

About the author

Herman Parish (born 1953) is the author of Amelia Bedelia children's book series, nephew of original author, Peggy Parish. Having grown up with his aunt’s tales of Amelia’s humorous misadventures, Herman decided to carry on the legacy after his aunt’s death in 1988. He did not wish to entrust the future of the series into the hands of a children’s author outside of the family. Since Peggy had the summers off from teaching, she was able to stay with the Parish family for extended periods of time, allowing Herman and Peggy to develop a close relationship. More importantly, this gave Herman a chance to keenly observe Peggy during her writing processes, gaining great insight to the road ahead of him. To carry on the essence of the series, Herman thoroughly examined his aunt’s work and did his best to capture what exactly made the character of Amelia Bedelia such a hit. Having editor Susan Hirschman and illustrator Lynn Sweat in common with his aunt helped to make the transition. He has added thirteen more books to the series. Herman is a resident of Princeton, New Jersey, and travels to libraries and schools across the United States, speaking and inspiring young children. The importance of revising and editing is often stressed during these dynamic lectures. He has presented to students in more than 22 states.

-Wikipedia

***The photo at left is of Herman with his aunt, Peggy Parish, in 1985.

Reviews

[Madison Schoenlaub]

I grew up reading these kinds of books, so reading this now brought back so much nostalgia for when I was younger. There's something heartwarming about the free spirit Amelia Bedelia's whimsiness and carefree attitude. This is a timeless story for children and adults to read, for an ounce of nostalgia or a reminder to let loose occasionally.

[Melissa Namba]

this one is more aligned to the original books in that she drives you nuts in the same way. I like that she is still helpful and tries to do what is right. I wish they would add a little more information about art, because there are good teaching opportunities in this book.

[Jessica]

Great book. Fun to read with the kids and fun, colorful illustrations.

[Danette]

7/14/21 Read with Julia

[Zadie]

Read this out loud to my sis, for ages 4-like maybe 9. Ameila is really funny. She acts like a little kid even though she's supposed to be, like, twenty something.

[Jaden]

She got into trouble a lot of times

[Tara]

Story 4
Illustrations 3.5

[KaitandMaddie]

Maddie and I love her.

[Jan]

Another in the long line of Amelia Bedelia books -- this one longer than usual. It also required more than the usual amount of explanation to the kids, because they were unfamiliar with art museum terms, such as "reproduction", "bust", and "figure."

An especially odd part of the story happens when a teacher with a class of students passes Amelia Bedelia in the art museum, and asks Amelia to babysit one of her students who is feeling ill. The Amelia leaves the boy painting on a wall while she goes off to watch another painter. Somehow the whole babysitting thing seemed unnatural -- who would leave a child like that? -- and the puns seemed forced. Publisher recommended for ages 4 and up, but might be better for older kids, 2nd and 3rd grade.

[Elizabeth]

Amelia Bedelia's first visit to the local art gallery is nothing short of a disaster. In traditional housekeeper fashion, Amelia mistakenly strives to "fix-up" each of the showcases. Yet, in the end, Amelia discovers a love of art, makes a new friend, and captures an art thief. The gullible Amelia Bedelia truly does save the day.

Although the humor in this book is slightly dated (some jokes may be difficult for young readers to understand), Amelia's character is true to her other stories. I would recommend this book to intermediate grade students because of its humor and length. Herman Parish's use of idioms and wordplay is appealing to readers. For additional reading, I would recommend Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia.

[Suzanne]

I'm not sure what age group the Amelia Bedelia (older) series is aimed at, but it is definitely not for young kids. My daughter picked this out along with some of the "younger" Amelia Bedelia and even I was confused as I tried to read / explain some of the jokes for her. It might be good for older kids who get the jokes buried on every page, but definitely not for kids who don't get the concept yet. They really shouldn't keep these in the preschool area at the library.

[Jennie]

Amelia Bedelia wreaks havoc during her visit to an art gallery. However, through her misunderstandings she discovers an amazing artist and captures an art thief.

A little bit silly, but fun. I appreciated the message of forgiveness: Amelia lets the robber go without telling the adults and he becomes a better person. My only complaint is the humor is slightly dated.

[Donna]

A masterpiece! I have always loved Amelia Bedelia books and this one is as good as any I have ever read. She visits the art museum and meets a man named Art, and a boy named Drew. It makes the literal-minded Amelia's head spin as you can imagine. Of course she throws the museum into chaos as only she can do. Will her visit be a bust? Read it and find out!

[Jana]

Amelia Bedelia spends the day volunteering at the art museum, and her confusion over figures of speech leads her into all sorts of trouble. These books are popular with my students, and they're good to use when we're studying idioms. I picked up this copy from my local library book sale, and it will be nice to add to the other Amelia Bedelia books I have in my classroom.

[Anna]

Literal minded Amelia is as funny as ever in this book set at the museum where she learns what a bust is, meets a boy named Drew who loves to draw, and ends up saving the day when a thief steals a masterpiece.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K]

I genuinely adore Amelia Bedelia books. Just when I think things cannot possibly work out, they do. With this sweet character and her many adventures, I am always guaranteed a laugh and a smile.

I secured this title from my local library.

[Therearenobadbooks]

I only learn about this author and Amelia at an adult age. Great for those who love silly puns and characters. I adored this one. We're in the museum, she even catches a thief. Characters who are heroes by mistake are always fun.

[Audrey Sanders]

BEGINNING READER
I thought the story was very cute, and I think children will like this book. I love that Amelia takes everything literally. Cute, fun illustrations. Great read-aloud.

[Christie Rice]

This is another funny Amelia Bedelia book when she has an adventure with art.

[Pam Frederick]

Amelia Bedelia is such a fun book. Her understanding and use of words makes the little stories so great. Can be used very successfully in classrooms.

[Amelia Baker]

I read these books as a child, and I continue to read them to children. They are funny and educational. I thought they were my books because my name is also Amelia.

[Kapra McMichael]

Amelia Bedelia takes everything so literally. In this book, Amelia helps out at an art museaum. This book is great for teaching kids that they can do things they thin kthey can't.

[Emkoshka]

Punny as always, and artfully done.

[Klley]

"i have a ball of foil" - amelia at the art museum
"i believe you. and i believe in you" - amelia to the art thief who later redeems himself

[Leiera Monae]

Children's Reading Adventures Book Club, Summer 2014

*D.E.A.R. Time -- Read with 7 year olds*

06.04.2014

[Jessica]

This one wasn't funny at all. Way too long, the jokes fell flat, and she let a thief go??? It was also over children's heads

[Tricia]

cute story about amelia bedelia in the art museum causing trouble.

[L Campagnola]

The kids like Amelia Bedelia a lot.

[Hudson]

I did not like it. It was horrible. Amelia bedelia is so literal.

[A]

Lexile 340 -Reading Counts 2 points