PreS-Gr 3 In this picture book, Amelia Bedelia learns about the power of the ballot. When she literally runs into the principal in the hallway, they talk about rules. Amelia suggests that kids be given the opportunity to participate in making them, and Mr. K agrees. The enthusiastic, ready-for-anything girl and her classmates devise a ballot that includes Homework-Free Wednesdays and ice-cream sandwiches for lunch. The gouache and black pencil cartoonlike illustrations are eye-catching and take readers on a lively visual journey. Although some of Amelia's typical wordplay may be lost on young listeners ("'We have a tie,' said Miss Edwards. 'What kind of tie?' asked Amelia Bedelia"), fans will greet this introduction to the voting process with glee. Janene Corbin, Rosebank Elementary School, Nashville, TN

In this story about the literal-minded lady when she was a child, Amelia Bedelia learns about voting when her class tries to decide on one thing for the principal to do for their school. Though it lacks some of the humor and warmth of the original series, this book, with its familiar character and lively gouache and black-pencil art, has appeal.