 
|
Babysitter Amelia Bedelia is up to her old tricks again, this time within the context of some home construction. An announcement by Kathy Hardy (the mother of the children after whom Amelia looks) that she is expecting an “addition” sets the story in motion. Amelia assumes this means the home where she is babysitting is in need of some structural enhancements and immediately lends a helping hand as only she can.
Amelia follows each instruction given to her literally, believing in good faith that she is performing each task as assigned. She enlists the assistance of the children to cover the back deck with sand after being told to sand the deck, and works feverishly to glue dozens of marbles on the kitchen countertop to deliver that marble countertop that was ordered. Along these same lines, Amelia certainly means no harm when she questions the contractor’s decision to install a half bath, suggesting that the water will spill everywhere and no one will be fully clean without a complete tub. Similarly, when Mr. Hardy calls to inform her he will be taking a cab from the airport, she innocently suggests that he return the vehicle to its rightful owner. She is also genuinely confused when she learns that Mr. Hardy’s “bored” meeting was actually quite interesting.
As Amelia works hard to do what she mistakenly believes is being asked of her, readers cannot help but fall in love with her innocence and warm-heartedness. Perhaps readers are just thankful she only exists on paper; in the real world, no one with any sense would continue to allow her to care for their children.
Amelia Bedelia Under Construction is a great addition to this classic series. Since the premise of this book is the upcoming birth of a new sibling (the “addition”), curious readers will likely be counting the days until they can read about the deliciously entertaining trouble Amelia will get into next.
|
|
Amelia Bedelia Under Construction