Amelia Bedelia 4 Mayor

Amelia Bedelia #15

by Herman Parish, Lynn Sweat (Illustrator)

The race is on!

Amelia Bedelia always does what she's told. So when Mr. Rogers tells her she should run for Mayor Thomas's office, she picks up her shirt, and dashes off to City Hall. She knows just what she'd do in the mayor's shoes (polish them, of course). With Amelis Bedelia in the race, politics will never be the same!

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Classics, Humor, Politics, Juvenile

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

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

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM SO TEMPTED TO SEND THIS BOOK TO POLITICIANS EVERYWHERE - just tell THE TRUTH and let the PEOPLE VOTE - what a concept - will it ever really happen.

[Krysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember that I loved reading Amelia Badelia books when I was younger, and I realized that I still do! This book story acknowledges Amelia's precise obedience in everything she does and so they all encourage her to be a mayor, and in turn she teaches the Mayor how to keep his promises. This book can be used in class to teach how one person can influence a person in power.

[Amy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there anything better than Amelia Bedelia?  I think not.  It's the perfect blend of entertainment and learning to distinguish between literal and figurative meaning--not to mention the not-so-subtle jab at politicians failing to keep their promises.  And of course, Amelia Bedelia takes the city by a landslide--but not literally!  With entertaining illustrations and an optimistic storyline and resolution, Amelia Bedelia 4 Mayor is a fun read for all ages.

Review cross-listed here!

[Kapra McMichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia Bedelia takes everything so literally. This leads to Amelia running for Mayor. This book is an entertaining book for kids.

[Ashton Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Amelia Bedelia 4 Mayor

Author: Herman Parish

Illustrator: Lynn Sweat

Genre: Early Reader

Theme: Leadership, government/politics

Opening Line/Sentence: “That Mayor Thomas!” said Mr. Rogers.

Brief Book Summary: Mr. Rogers tells Amelia Bedelia that she should run for mayor. That’s exactly what she does: she runs for office against Mayor Thomas. After all, Amelia Bedelia always does exactly what she’s told to, as this book proves over and over.

Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Virginia Gleaton (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 12, No. 4))
This book has been written by Peggy Parish's nephew and follows the story format. It involves literal interpretation of figurative language. This is a good way to introduce this concept to children. They usually have a hard time understanding literal/figurative language. The nephew seems to be doing well in creating stories in his aunt's place.

Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Kathy Broderick (Booklist, August 1999 (Vol. 95, No. 22))
The nephew of the original Amelia Bedelia creator, Peggy Parish, continues his mission to keep the literal-minded housekeeper alive for today's children. In this, his third effort, Amelia Bedelia runs for the mayor's office (literally) after Mr. Rogers, her employer, complains that the mayor never does what he says he will do. This story offers more typical Amelia Bedelia fun as she throws her hat in the ring and promises to fill all the potholes, because, after all, you can't cook in pots with holes. After shaping up the mayor, Amelia Bedelia goes back to her zany life at the Rogers' house, but not without teaching kids something important about campaigning: mainly to listen to what people are really saying. As always, Lynn Sweat's energetic art suits nicely.

Response to Two Professional Reviews: I agree with both of these reviews because the confusing aspects of figurative language in Amelia Bedelia are relatable to children and kids get a kick out of her silliness. I always enjoyed these aspects of Amelia Bedelia books as a child. It’s a great book for early readers and does a great job at teaching children something new.

Evaluation of Literary Elements: This is not quite a transitional chapter book and it isn’t a picture book either, due to the fact that there are pictures on almost every page, but there is a decent amount of words per page. The background on the pages is white, making the illustrations pop out. Everything that appears to be moving is diagonal, which keeps readers on the edge of their seats, especially when Amelia Bedelia is racing Mayor Thomas to capture more votes.

Consideration of Instructional Application: In my classroom, a minilesson could be about figures of speech, since there are many examples of these phrases in the story (being in someone else’s shoes, putting in two cents, and throwing your hat in the ring, to name a few). As I read the story, I would point out the figures of speech and have my students try and figure out what they mean. After the read aloud, I would explain to my students what the figures of speech actually mean and how the meaning could differ from person to person. I would then have them brainstorm a list of figures of speech that are not used in the story and draw pictures to accompany it. I could connect my lesson to social studies because one of the themes of the story is government/politics. I’d have my students “run for mayor” in my classroom and go through the steps of running for office.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia Bedelia 4 Mayor is super funny! Amelia Bedelia decides to be mayor. In the debate, she gets mixed up and thinks the mayor wants to cook pots with holes. Silly, right? She runs because Mr. Rogers told her to. She listens to everyone!

The best part is breakfast. She puts little French flags on French toast and talks about pancakes and frying pans. Haha, she's so silly. At the end, she just goes for mayor, and even though she doesn't win, she doesn't lose either. This story is all kinds of funny and surprising. You gotta read it! So go to the library and grab this book now!

This book is amazing, and I can't wait for you to see my full review on my YouTube channel.
https://youtu.be/QbO8J09mfFQ

[Amy Oelschlaeger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Amelia Bedelia 4 Mayor. This book suits well for grades 1-3, and it teaches readers about idioms and many other literacy devices. The illustrations help show the differences between what Amelia means and what everyone else actually means. I would recommend this book to a student who was interested in a series and liked Amelia as a character.

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a really good book!!




YAY! YAY!



YAY!

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiny picked this one up at the library and we both loved it. The ridiculousness of an election campaign involving Amelia Bedelia isn’t too far off from the ridiculousness of any election you care to name (the media even takes sides - if that isn’t true-to-life...) Anyway, lots of fun and silliness.

[Lonicocopuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand the logic behind electing a literal person into office. Of course you expect them to keep every promise they make because they literally do what they say or are told to do. Amelia is a person of many talents.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, Amelia is running for mayor, hope she has good track shoes.

[Aldo Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny

[Zozo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hilarious.

[Bryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of my personal "Catch up on childhood classics" challenge.

Oh, Amelia. Not only is she literal, she is cursed to do what anyone asks her to. I'm starting to think she's a genie.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect in every way. says so much about society

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same formula except the concept of political election got words I learned as an adult like “red tape” humorous for someone in the know but not a small child.

[Lorie Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really like this type of books there fun would recommend for all ages.

[Rhonda Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved reading the Amelia Bedelia series as I was growing up, it has been my favorite! Amelia Bedelia has become a big hero and influence to many people in this story as she runs for mayor. At first Amelia is baking and frosting cakes and next thing you know she is running for mayor. She gets so much positive comments as other people in her community are with her all the way. In this election Amelia is very humorous and does her best to get the people's votes. This is a very good political view for young readers to understand as Amelia gets in to the election. It is good for many readers that are looking for a educational setting with a sense of humor. I think that many readers would benefit from this as they get more in depth of the story and get to know the character of Amelia Bedelia. She isn't too serious about the whole situation and she talks to the people about why they should vote for her.

The illustrations to the story bring in readers by Amelia's actions. She does way more than she talks. Herman Parish has put Amelia in a situation where she takes charge, as the person she is she always takes orders. I think that the audience would also get to know this side of her as they read on. This book is age appropriate for second grade level readers!

[Merissa Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect book for young readers who are looking for an entertaining read and like humor to be involved in the books they read. Amelia Bedelia just has a reputation for doing things exactly how they are told. When Mr. Rogers tells her she should run for the Mayor’s office, she literally runs to the Mayor’s office. It is a great book to show people that sometimes things can be taken in the wrong way or can be taken too literal. The illustrations throughout this book are very detailed and I thoroughly enjoyed them along with the reading because they fit the words perfectly. Overall, the Amelia Bedelia books series is very entertaining and perfect for beginning level readers. I would recommend this book as well as the entire series because of the slight humor the books bring to the table as well as the occasional humor.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amelia Bedelia's stories are classic and fun. Our girls enjoy them, laughing at how literally Amelia takes everything. In this story, Amelia ventures into politics, and I'm sure she'd be as good of a public servant as any we have, if not much, much better. This book came with an audio cassette and our girls enjoyed listening to it a few times.

[Gala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia Bedelia books are for children who have some understanding of the jokes. Fifth graders may enjoy reading this fun and silly book.This one about Amelia 4 Mayor can teach politics and new word meanings. Voters sitting on the fence is an example of an undecided voter but Amelia was thinking people were sitting on a real fence.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first Amelia Bedelia book. My wife told me that she enjoys the character, but didn't like this particular book that much.

Apparently Amelia Bedelia takes everything literally, and then nonsense ensues.

I could see this book having the ability to teach kids about different phrases and metaphors.

[Irina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Amelia Bedelia books, especially when teaching students about figurative language. This book is full of idioms and the students love to find the idioms and then talk about what it really means and what Amelia Bedelia thought it meant. We also draw pictures of some of the idioms in the book.

[Rochelle Sondae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Can Read! Level 2 Reading with Help

Amelia Bedelia once again misunderstands what Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are talking about and inadvertently runs for town mayor. She also inadvertently bows out of the race by stories end.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never read an Amelia Bedelia book I had just heard about them. But as I picked this book up it only took me about an hour to read it. It is a very short book and hilarous. I believe children would love to read this book to find out what silly thing Amelia Bedelia is going to say next.

[Melissa McLees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia does what she says she will do, and does what others tell her to do in her own way. At least she sticks by her word. She also helped the mayor realise a lesson to. Lesson I learned is becareful what you say. and do what you say you will do.

[Kimberly Plyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Amelia Bedelia books are very funny. She's a maid who takes everything literally and it always leads to mischief and hilarious situations. In this book she runs for mayor because she always does exactly what she is told. It leads to funny situations.

[Miri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amelia Bedelia runs for mayor, literally. Amelia Bedelia's confusion over phrases causes her trouble yet again, from "casting" votes to sitting "on the fence". One thing is for sure, if Amelia Bedelia is involved there's going to be trouble.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and want to use them in my classroom to introduce my students to idioms. I may use this one since it's an election year.

Classroom tie-ins: elections, idioms...

#cbad 2018-2019 - 5th grade SCA - 11/26/18 - average rating 4.9

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Amelia is a good person for mayor.