My family is excited to begin our 30 Minutes of Reading Challenge: Day 1: This morning I would like to have you Meet Amelia Bedelia: A New Friend for Our Reading Journey. There is some books that transcend time and this is what these books do as I used to read them to Suzzane and then my nephew David M. would read them with me.
Then Charlie came along and we would read these books together even though Charlie swore he wasn’t going to read books with girls in them because they were for girls but this wasn’t true with Amelia Bedlia. Now, I am able to share this series of books with my niece and nephews and even my grandson Elijah because some books have a way of staying with us long after we turn the final page.
As you know I am a mom, and I’ve always loved sharing books with my children. Some of my favorite memories are the quiet moments when I sat down with Suzanne and Charlie and we discovered stories together but also my nieces and nephew and even my grandson. One of those characters that brings back special memories is Amelia Bedelia.
I remember reading Amelia Bedelia books with my children and enjoying the laughter that came from her funny misunderstandings and the way she looked at the world. Even though the stories were written for children, I found myself enjoying them just as much. That is one of the beautiful things about reading.
A book can become a family memory. A character can become an old friend. And a simple story can bring generations together. As we begin our Greatful Moments 30 Minutes of Reading Challenge: Creating a Habit One Page at a Time, I wanted to start with a character that has been loved by families for generations.
If you are just joining us or would like to learn more about the challenge, be sure to visit our main challenge post where we share how families can spend 30 minutes a day reading throughout August. Then we would like to invite you to our first reading adventure, where we are meeting Amelia Bedelia. If you or someone you know is #Homeschooling let them know about this challenge for there reading classes.
Meet Amelia Bedelia
If you’ve never met Amelia Bedelia before, you are in for a treat because she is Bedelia is a beloved character known for her kind heart, her willingness to help, and her very literal way of understanding the world around her. Sometimes the words people say do not mean exactly what Amelia Bedelia thinks they mean, and that leads to some very funny situations.
But underneath the laughter are wonderful lessons about patience, learning, friendship, and understanding others. The Amelia Bedelia books have been enjoyed by millions of readers, becoming a favorite for families who love sharing stories together. Have you ever read a Amelia Bedelia book? If so what did you think of the story and why?
Today’s Children’s Book Spotlight
Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School
As we begin August and many families are preparing for a new school year, this book felt like the perfect place to start. Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School is a bright and funny picture book about Amelia Bedelia’s first experience at school. She is excited because she thinks she is going to love school — and she does, but not always in the way she expects.
From misunderstandings on the bus to funny classroom moments, Amelia Bedelia learns that school is a place where we make friends, try new things, and discover that learning can be an adventure.
One of my favorite things about this book is that even though it is written for children ages 4–8, there are lessons inside for all of us.
Children can learn:
- Starting something new can be exciting.
- Making mistakes is part of learning.
- Friendship grows when we are kind and patient.
But adults can learn something too.
What Amelia Bedelia Can Teach Adults
Sometimes we all need a reminder to slow down and be patient with one another.
Amelia Bedelia shows us that not everyone understands things the same way. Sometimes people need explanations, encouragement, and someone willing to meet them where they are.
She also reminds us that mistakes do not always have to be frustrating. Sometimes the moments that do not go perfectly become the stories we laugh about later.
And maybe one of the sweetest lessons is this: A caring teacher, parent, or friend can make all the difference when someone is learning something new.
Why Picture Books Are for Everyone
Even though Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School is a picture book, that does not mean it is only for young children. Picture books give children the opportunity to use their imaginations, study the illustrations, and create their own ideas about the story.
They also give adults a chance to slow down, reconnect with childhood memories, and share meaningful moments with the children in their lives. Sometimes the simplest stories carry the biggest lessons.
Today’s 30-Minute Reading Challenge
Today, I encourage you to spend 30 minutes reading.
You can:
📚 Read Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School together.
📚 Visit your local library and discover more Amelia Bedelia adventures.
📚 Let a child read to you.
📚 Read a favorite childhood story from your own bookshelf.
📚 Read anything that brings you joy.
Then ask:
What did Amelia Bedelia teach you today?
Or:
Did you have a favorite book character when you were growing up?
Because reading is more than words on a page. Reading creates memories. Reading brings families together. And sometimes, a story that made us smile as children becomes a story we share with the next generation.
One page at a time.
Be watching for day 2 tomorrow as we continue our journey with Amelia Bedelia in 30 Minutes of Reading Challenge: Day 2 Amelia Bedelia Hits the Books: Every Reader Starts Somewhere
Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates