Amelia Bedelia's First Field Trip

June 1, 2011

Readers are sure to recognize the younger version of their favorite literal-thinker as she goes on her first-ever school field trip to the farm in this fourth of her picture-book adventures.

Misunderstandings abound on the farm, as the ever-curious Amelia Bedelia tries to spy Mrs. Dinkins' green thumb, looks for some trash when the farmer points out their litter of piglets and imagines vegetables coming to life after hearing about their eyes, ears and heads. Along with lots of laughter, readers will come away with some solid farm facts—baby-animal names, chicken eggs and their colors and what plants need in order to grow. Avril's gouache-and–black-pencil illustrations are filled with bright color, personality and, of course, that brand of humor that is all Amelia Bedelia. Funniest are Amelia Bedelia's imaginings—the chickens who eat candy canes must lay striped eggs and sharing a bed with a rooster (who is not a loudmouth but a "loud beak") must be rough.

Parish has turned the clock back, making Amelia Bedelia young again and giving a new generation of readers the opportunity to enjoy her humor and self-confidence. (Picture book. 4-8)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

September 1, 2011

Gr 1-3-When literal-minded little Amelia Bedelia goes on a class trip to Fairview Farm, she goes in search of the farmer's wife's "green thumb," "shakes her leg" when told to hurry, corrects a classmate who calls the rooster a "loudmouth" by saying it's a "loud beak," and pitches the lunch salad all over the farm when asked to toss it. Her imagination goes wild as she envisions the potatoes having eyes, the corn having ears, and the lettuce having heads. She wonders if the farmers will plant jelly beans along with all the other varieties. After a strenuous day, she looks forward to a refreshing swim in the "car pool." Amelia Bedelia's antics are well balanced by the insertion of interesting farm facts. This combination of humor and information makes for a enjoyable story. Lively, cartoon illustrations add a colorful splash to the hilarity. The farm-animal theme is sure to be popular with youngsters.-Corrina Austin, Locke's Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.