The laughter filled the room for each of the three workshops presented by Herman Parish to the students in kindergarten through 5th grade at Yeshivat Noam. Herman Parish shared the history of the legendary Amelia Bedelia books beginning with his aunt, Margaret Parish, who was known as Peggy Parish.

Peggy Parish lived in Summerton, South Carolina and taught 3rd grade for 12 years. She published her first book in 1961 and then her famous Amelia Bedelia in 1963. Much of the humor incorporated into the books shared autobiographical references to Ms. Parish’s life and experiences. For example, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, the name of the family that Amelia Bedelia worked for, was the name of Peggy Parish’s actual grandparents.

When Peggy Parish passed away in 1988, her nephew was only in 4th grade. As he grew older and more interested in becoming an author, he wrote and published Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia in 1995, which was the beginning to a successful career as the next-generation author of the Amelia Bedelia picture and now chapter books.

The Yeshivat Noam students laughed as they learned about literal and figurative language and discussed raining cats and dogs, forks in the road and how to dress a chicken! The students especially loved the surprise visit of Amelia Bedelia herself, who walked around the students dusting them with her famous duster.

Jacob Weiss, a 3rd grade student, said, “This program was great. I really liked learning about Amelia Bedelia.” First Grader Ariella Geliebter wondered what Amelia Bedelia would say about the fact that her foot fell asleep. Shifra Forgash, a 3rd grader, enjoyed the workshop and enthusiastically waited in line to meet the author and get his autograph.

Special thanks to Yeshivat Noam grandparent Roz Rosen for spending the day in costume making a perfect Amelia Bedelia! Additional special thanks to the Yeshivat Noam Parents Association for co-sponsoring the event and coordinating the logistics and book sales.