Amelia Bedelia’s 50th Anniversary Today

Enjoy the playful Amelia Bedelia series? Believe it or not, today, January 29, 2013, is Amelia Bedelia’s 50th Anniversary! 

Most children discover Amelia Bedelia around second or third grade, when they are emerging readers. For those who haven’t tried the series yet, Amelia Bedelia takes many of the sayings in the English language literally, with disastrously funny results. Fortunately Amelia Bedelia is a wonderful cook, and her food always saves the day. Although the illustrations may seem a bit old-fashioned to a jaded eye, the humor is as fresh as can be.

In honor of the big day, Greenwillow Books is releasing a special Amelia Bedelia Fiftieth Anniversary Edition by Peggy Parish and illustrated by Fritz Siebel. It features the jacket, artwork, and story from the original 1963 edition, as well as seven additional pages of information about how the book came about.

If you haven’t seen the series, check out this video of an older student reading one of the Amelia Bedelia books:

 

I noticed in the comments of the video that one person says when he was young his school had an Amelia Bedelia Day, during which his teachers dressed up as Amelia Bedelia, read the books and served some of the food. Sounds like a memorable way to celebrate!

For a give-away contest and ideas for a Amelia Belelia party, check the Greenwillow Website.

What are you going to do to celebrate Amelia Bedelia Day?

Amelia Bedelia Fiftieth Anniversary Edition by Peggy Parish and illustrated by Fritz Siebel.

Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books; 50 Anniversary edition (January 29, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062209698
ISBN-13: 978-0062209696