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Amelia Bedelia #9
Amelia Bedelia and the Baby
Amelia is a housemaid and does not know about babies. As always, she takes her list of instructions literally. Mrs Carter brings strawberries and warms special milk bottle that shushes crying Missy Lane. Amelia knows how to make yummy berry tarts while she lets Missy nap. Amelia uses nice-smelling powder on herself, plays with box of toys by herself.
64 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1981
13 people are currently reading
863 people want to read
About the author
Peggy Parish
148 books763 followersPeggy Parish was the author of the children's story series Amelia Bedelia. The series was continued, after her sudden death from an aneurysm, by her nephew Herman Parish. Peggy attended the University of South Carolina and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
Herman honored Peggy's life in his book, Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia, by writing in its dedication: "For Peggy Parish, the real Amelia Bedelia."
-Wikipedia
Herman honored Peggy's life in his book, Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia, by writing in its dedication: "For Peggy Parish, the real Amelia Bedelia."
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
March 24, 2021
AB is a baby sitter - what can't go wrong - really cute book.
June 11, 2013
I mostly remember this Amelia Bedelia book because it was the book my group chose in gifted class when we had to act out a book, and I got to be the baby. (I always loved being the baby if I possibly could in any play-pretend scenario.) As per usual with Amelia Bedelia, the text is full of Amelia misunderstanding what she's asked to do and interpreting requests literally. She has to give the baby a bottle, but none of the types of bottles she chooses are right! No, the baby won't accept them! What could be wrong? To be honest I was a little worried about the baby in her care because she was just so monumentally good at misunderstanding that I'd shudder to think what she might actually do if she was asked to "rock" the baby--might she bury her under stones? Happily she never misinterpreted something violently. :)
May 13, 2020
Too funny. Squirt has to pause once in a while as he reads this to me, "Mom! She's silly! Doesn't she know anything?!!"
September 24, 2025
I loved reading Amelia Bedelia while learning to read. It's been fun watching my children read them.
March 1, 2021
These are really different than the young Amelia Bedelia books and I thought it was really easy to read. They're a lot like the Biscuit books. Amelia Bedelia is funny because she takes everything literally. I liked the part where it said give the baby a bottle and she gave the baby an empty can because she thought a bottle would break so a can was safer. I would like to read more of these books.
September 30, 2021
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. As someone with a ton of babies in their life, this was really funny and enjoyable. I mean, who doesn’t love playing with baby toys?? And this part made me laugh right out:
“Put Missy in her stroller,” she read.
Amelia Bedelia did that. Then she read, “But first, put a sweater on her.”
Amelia Bedelia took Missy out of the stroller. “Your mama should have said that first,” said Amelia Bedelia.
I hate badly written lists too XP
“Put Missy in her stroller,” she read.
Amelia Bedelia did that. Then she read, “But first, put a sweater on her.”
Amelia Bedelia took Missy out of the stroller. “Your mama should have said that first,” said Amelia Bedelia.
I hate badly written lists too XP
April 3, 2020
OMG! Quincie a second grader read today on the Donnelly Public Library Facebook. Her reading was incredible. Tune in www.facebook.com/Donnelly library
September 25, 2017
Amelia Bedelia is back. This time she is asked to babysit by a friend of Mrs. Rogers. Mrs. Lane gives Amelia a list of tasks she needs to do while minding the baby. Of course being as literal minded as she is, Amelia'a day babysitting turns crazy from the moment Mrs. Lane leaves the house.
My favorite part is when Amelia cooks the baby dinner. She reads the list: "feed her baby food for dinner". So she makes baby hamburgers, baby potatoes and baby tomatoes. She covers the food with ketchup and finishes the baby's meal with a delicious homemade strawberry tart.
I loved this book as well as all of the books in this series.
My favorite part is when Amelia cooks the baby dinner. She reads the list: "feed her baby food for dinner". So she makes baby hamburgers, baby potatoes and baby tomatoes. She covers the food with ketchup and finishes the baby's meal with a delicious homemade strawberry tart.
I loved this book as well as all of the books in this series.
May 10, 2019
*sees the title of the book* OH MY GOD, SOMEONE CALL CPS RIGHT THIS MINUTE.
*reads the book* Oh, thank God, the baby's still alive. What a relie-
WHY WOULD YOU INVITE HER BACK?! SOMEONE CALL CPS RIGHT THIS MINUTE.
*reads the book* Oh, thank God, the baby's still alive. What a relie-
WHY WOULD YOU INVITE HER BACK?! SOMEONE CALL CPS RIGHT THIS MINUTE.
December 15, 2025
Clever Amelia became a family favourite.
August 13, 2016
Amelia Bedelia is very silly. She doesn't know anything about babies, but is a good cook.
October 15, 2014
Amelia Bedelia is very cute.I love Missy crying like a baby.
January 6, 2016
Jacob read this book for his 15min reading time. Ellie liked it so much that she read it again for her 15 min reading tim.
February 3, 2017
2/2/2017 Read with Julia and Naomi.
June 7, 2016
This is a very cute book for young readers.
October 21, 2018
Amelia Bedelia and the Baby by Peggy Parish is an easy-to-read children’s storybook about a housemaid named Amelia Bedelia. When Amelia is offered a job to babysit, she is initially hesitant because she does not know a thing about babies, but Mrs. Rogers persuades her to take the job since she is good with children, and babies are children as well. Taking the job seriously, Amelia Bedelia takes her list of tasks a little too literal and does humorous things such as put baby powder on herself, plays with Missy’s toys, and even feeds her “baby” food, including baby hamburgers, baby potatoes, and baby tomatoes. When Missy’s mom comes home to see the mess that Amelia Bedelia made, she is initially very mad. However, Missy’s parents quickly see how happy their daughter is and they ask Amelia Bedelia to come back and babysit again. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Amelia Bedelia book and I know that children will love it as well! The text consists of words that young children would be familiar with, and the sketch-like illustrations are consistent from page to page with what is occurring in the novel. I would specifically recommend this book to first and second grade girls, as the reading will be at a level that this age group is capable of understanding. Although the Amelia Bedelia books are an older series, I honestly believe young readers will love them for years to come. They are silly, have excellent illustrations and offer a certain level of difficulty for young students without being too challenging!
October 26, 2020
Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish is a story about a house maid, who takes a new job babysitting a girl named Missy. Amelia has been left with a list of things to do in order to take care of the baby. Amelia tends to take every task very literally. When the list says "don't forget to put on missy's bib" at dinnertime, Amelia wears the bib instead of putting it on the baby. The story follows the many tasks that Amelia must do. Even though she is clueless, it is funny to readers who know what she is supposed to be doing. The story ends with Missy's parents returning home and being angry at first. Once they see how happy Missy was, they invite Amelia back to take care of Missy.
The illustrations in this story are not too detailed or complex. There are only a few colors that are used, and these colors seem to be watercolors. They are light and subtle with a lot of white background space. The pictures in this story are essential for adding humor to this story. They represent how Amelia is taking her tasks very literally. Readers see how she is not doing exactly what she is supposed to be doing.
I think this book would be great for first or second grade readers. Children at this age would be old enough to realize how humorous this book is, and would be entertained by Amelia's silly mistakes. This book is easy and short to read. This story would be great to teach children to try their hardest, and do the best they can do. Even if they may not always be correct, the effort is what counts.
The illustrations in this story are not too detailed or complex. There are only a few colors that are used, and these colors seem to be watercolors. They are light and subtle with a lot of white background space. The pictures in this story are essential for adding humor to this story. They represent how Amelia is taking her tasks very literally. Readers see how she is not doing exactly what she is supposed to be doing.
I think this book would be great for first or second grade readers. Children at this age would be old enough to realize how humorous this book is, and would be entertained by Amelia's silly mistakes. This book is easy and short to read. This story would be great to teach children to try their hardest, and do the best they can do. Even if they may not always be correct, the effort is what counts.
November 1, 2022
Amelia Bedelia and the Baby is one of many books in the Amelia Bedelia series written by Peggy Parish. I think this book is great because of its humor. Amelia takes everything literally, and when she is asked to babysit, she follows the list very strictly. She doesn't know much about babies, but she knows how to follow a list! The list tells her to give the baby a bottle, but she thinks a can or box would be safer. The list tells her nap time is from 2-3, but Amelia doesn't want to take a nap. The list even allowed Amelia some play time! But, it was really for the baby. Children will find Amelia and her actions so funny, and I think it would make them excited to read more books from the series if they enjoy her as a character. The illustrations are very classic and timeless, and they stick to a simple, mostly warm color scheme-there are lots of oranges and yellows. I would definitely recommend this book to any child, and the series as a whole!
September 7, 2023
Amelia Bedelia and the Baby is such a funny book! Amelia has to babysit, and you won't believe the silly things she does. She doesn't sit on the baby, thankfully! From making baby food like mini hamburgers with ketchup to trying to make the baby nap for her, she's a big mix-up. Mrs. Lane gets mad, but then Mr. Lane gives her magical strawberry tarts, and everything changes!
My most favorite part is when Amelia thinks she has to take a nap from two to three, but she makes the baby take the nap instead. So silly! And when it's time to eat, she puts the bib on herself instead of the baby. It's like a funny mix-up party!
Amelia Bedelia is full of magic, and her way of doing things is so hilarious. If you like laughing and reading about crazy adventures, you'll love this book. It's perfect for kids who enjoy stories that make them giggle!
This book is amazing, and I can't wait for you to see my full review on my YouTube channel.
https://youtu.be/T3ljex91Eos
My most favorite part is when Amelia thinks she has to take a nap from two to three, but she makes the baby take the nap instead. So silly! And when it's time to eat, she puts the bib on herself instead of the baby. It's like a funny mix-up party!
Amelia Bedelia is full of magic, and her way of doing things is so hilarious. If you like laughing and reading about crazy adventures, you'll love this book. It's perfect for kids who enjoy stories that make them giggle!
This book is amazing, and I can't wait for you to see my full review on my YouTube channel.
https://youtu.be/T3ljex91Eos
October 15, 2017
Amelia Bedelia and the Baby is an amusing story that follows Amelia as she watches a baby for the first time. She is left a list of things to do for the baby, Missy, but like always, Amelia misunderstands the list. Amelia questions the silly tasks, but does as she is instructed. She completes the tasks to the best of her understanding, doing things such as cooking a meal of baby sized food instead of feeding Missy her jar of baby food. When Missy’s mother gets home, she is understandably upset, but realizes that her baby is safe and happy after spending time with Amelia. She relazes and Amelia is invited to babysit Missy again. This story teaches that it is important to be grateful for the things done for you out of the kindness of someone’s heart, even it is completely different than what you expected.
January 29, 2024
This was such a fun, very quick reread.
Everyone's favorite nincompoop, Amelia Bedelia, is entrusted with caring for a baby, little Missy. At least Amelia comes by her boneheadedess honestly. Whoever would think she's a suitable babysitter is a bigger dingbat.
For those unfamiliar with the joke, Amelia Bedelia takes most instructions literally and often wreaks havoc. She is always forgiven because she happens to be a really good cook. This time around, Amelia's antics result in Missy getting bathed three times, using the baby powder on herself, and in one of the funniest scenes taking Missy in and out of the stroller repeatedly.
The book would be fun to read with children and discuss the nuances of language and why Amelia is confused.
Everyone's favorite nincompoop, Amelia Bedelia, is entrusted with caring for a baby, little Missy. At least Amelia comes by her boneheadedess honestly. Whoever would think she's a suitable babysitter is a bigger dingbat.
For those unfamiliar with the joke, Amelia Bedelia takes most instructions literally and often wreaks havoc. She is always forgiven because she happens to be a really good cook. This time around, Amelia's antics result in Missy getting bathed three times, using the baby powder on herself, and in one of the funniest scenes taking Missy in and out of the stroller repeatedly.
The book would be fun to read with children and discuss the nuances of language and why Amelia is confused.
February 26, 2019
Grade: First or Second Grade
Summary: Clumsy and confused Amelia Bedelia babysits for the first time. There are many trials and tribulations that are quite funny.
Review: This book is fun and hysterical to read. Children will laugh at the outrageous things Amelia says and does. The words are easy to read and the pictures provide funny context.
In a class I would have children write stories about what else Amelia might do while babysitting.
After reading this book, another activity my students could do would be to react to Amelia's actions by writing her a letter explaining how to babysit properly.
Summary: Clumsy and confused Amelia Bedelia babysits for the first time. There are many trials and tribulations that are quite funny.
Review: This book is fun and hysterical to read. Children will laugh at the outrageous things Amelia says and does. The words are easy to read and the pictures provide funny context.
In a class I would have children write stories about what else Amelia might do while babysitting.
After reading this book, another activity my students could do would be to react to Amelia's actions by writing her a letter explaining how to babysit properly.
October 15, 2023
This was one of my first Amelia bedelia books in the 80s when I got it for my birthday. I didn’t know what to expect since it was new to me
She is looking after a baby and doesn’t follow the instructions well. She put baby powder on herself, played with toys herself and put a bib on herself instead of the baby when it was time for her to eat. Also, she cooked “baby” food by making baby hamburgers, baby potatoes and baby tomatoes covered in ketchup. Sounds like a choking hazard to me, but she digested it along with a strawberry tart. The parents were so upset to see the baby all messy after eating and were about to fire her, but one bite of the strawberry tart and all was forgiven.
She is looking after a baby and doesn’t follow the instructions well. She put baby powder on herself, played with toys herself and put a bib on herself instead of the baby when it was time for her to eat. Also, she cooked “baby” food by making baby hamburgers, baby potatoes and baby tomatoes covered in ketchup. Sounds like a choking hazard to me, but she digested it along with a strawberry tart. The parents were so upset to see the baby all messy after eating and were about to fire her, but one bite of the strawberry tart and all was forgiven.
March 12, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Realistic
Grade Level: 2nd-3rd
Amelia Bedelia never fails to crack me up. Her name is so much to say and she's such a unique character. I love how many giggles I can get out reading about her mishaps and misinterpretations of the list. Lucky the strawberry tarts save her from the wrath of the baby's mother! Despite how all over the place Amelia is, she's a relatable character that never fails to put a smile on my face. I still cannot believe she made the baby watch her play with her toys!
Grade Level: 2nd-3rd
Amelia Bedelia never fails to crack me up. Her name is so much to say and she's such a unique character. I love how many giggles I can get out reading about her mishaps and misinterpretations of the list. Lucky the strawberry tarts save her from the wrath of the baby's mother! Despite how all over the place Amelia is, she's a relatable character that never fails to put a smile on my face. I still cannot believe she made the baby watch her play with her toys!
February 18, 2021
3.5 stars
As always, Amelia Bedelia does everything she's supposed to as literally as possible. For example, during playtime, she plays with them instead of the baby Missy. And for supper, instead of feeding Missy some baby food that comes in those jars, Amelia Bedelia cooks up tiny food for her.
It's fun to read because Amelia Bedelia is pretty strange and I've always liked Lynn Sweat's illustrations.
As always, Amelia Bedelia does everything she's supposed to as literally as possible. For example, during playtime, she plays with them instead of the baby Missy. And for supper, instead of feeding Missy some baby food that comes in those jars, Amelia Bedelia cooks up tiny food for her.
It's fun to read because Amelia Bedelia is pretty strange and I've always liked Lynn Sweat's illustrations.
June 3, 2021
Read 6/3/21
Genre: Fiction
Grade Level: K-3
I think this is a great book for students who are working their way up to reading chapter books. This is a step up from a picture book, so there is more to the story. I like how the author includes a lot of details, but follows a similar pattern throughout with Amelia Bedelia checking things off her list. I think students would enjoy the fun story and all the trouble Amelia gets into with the baby.
Genre: Fiction
Grade Level: K-3
I think this is a great book for students who are working their way up to reading chapter books. This is a step up from a picture book, so there is more to the story. I like how the author includes a lot of details, but follows a similar pattern throughout with Amelia Bedelia checking things off her list. I think students would enjoy the fun story and all the trouble Amelia gets into with the baby.
January 16, 2025
Nail-biting. Almost
In this day and age, it is dangerous to hire a sitter, who has no prior experience in babysitting, and a minor at that! But upon finding out when this was written, it is quite common to meet someone like Amelia Bedelia. It was cute and engaging. Perfect for kids, indeed.
Sidenote: I think kids nowadays should be made aware that times before and now are different so that at least they will not have a negative assumptions about this character.
In this day and age, it is dangerous to hire a sitter, who has no prior experience in babysitting, and a minor at that! But upon finding out when this was written, it is quite common to meet someone like Amelia Bedelia. It was cute and engaging. Perfect for kids, indeed.
Sidenote: I think kids nowadays should be made aware that times before and now are different so that at least they will not have a negative assumptions about this character.
July 20, 2017
So torn on how to rate this one. I loved this one so much when I was a kid but now haaaate reading it as a grown up. A fun book for kids, perhaps. I know my daughter likes me to read it. But arghhhhhh so frustrating to read out loud!
May 3, 2020
You can’t help but laugh when you read an Amelia Bedelia book. This poor baby lol!! Not sure who entrusted Amelia to watch over a child haha! This was a cute story and I even laughed out loud a few times!
May 4, 2020
Amelia bedelia is a humorous and light read. Amelia specifically in this book doesn’t know how to take care of a baby so she does what she’s ask to do, cooking and cleaning instead. Children will think the book is funny since it includes a baby and household aspects.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews