Early reader book, geared for 1st to 3rd graders. The title character is a maid who takes all instructions literally, with silly results.

Mrs. Rogers left Amelia a note that began: “Change the towels in the bathroom.”

“Those towels are very nice. Why change them?” she thought. Then Amelia Bedelia remembered what Mrs. Rogers had said. She must do just what the list told her. “Well, all right,” said Amelia Bedelia. Amelia Bedelia got some scissors. She snipped a little here and she snipped a little there. And she changed those towels.

Amelia Bedelia goes on to dust the furniture, draw the drapes, dress the chicken, etc., all very literally. Sure, it’s an easy gimmick. But the books are clever, and simple without being lame. Kids dig ‘em.