AMELIA BEDELIA'S FIRST FIELD TRIP

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)