These first two illustrated chapter books featuring a young Amelia Bedelia give readers a glimpse of the beloved character as a child. Wanting a bicycle, Amelia undertakes unsuccessful but mildly humorous moneymaking schemes (Business) and then meticulously chooses a new puppy (Unleashed). Amelia's childhood blunders are less endearing than her originals--in part because her parents are involved but make no effort to guide her.

PARISH, Herman . Amelia Bedelia Unleashed . Bk. 2. ISBN 978-0-06-209500-8 ; ISBN 978-0-06-209499-5 ; ISBN. 978-0-06-209501-5 ea vol: illus. by Lynne Avril. 146p. (Amelia Bedelia Chapter Books Series). HarperCollins / Greenwillow . 2013. Tr $15.99; pap $4.99; ebook $4.99. LC 2012024392. Gr 2-4 Beginning chapter-book readers can meet the young Amelia Bedelia and enjoy her literal take on the world around her. In Business , the homophonic-challenged girl is looking for ways to earn money for a new bike. She encounters all sorts of mayhem as she helps out at the local diner, sells stolen flowers, has a run-in with the local police, and tries her luck selling drinks at her lemonade sit. (After all why should customers have to stand?) Wordplay abounds as Amelia "steps on it," splattering pie on a customer at a diner and taking each word to heart. Her parents are helpful in explaining meanings to her, but readers will laugh out loud as she navigates her way through a variety of business opportunities. In Unleashed , Amelia Bedelia searches for the perfect puppy. Her parents encourage her to learn about different breeds by helping her neighbor with her dog-walking business. While out walking several of the dogs, Amelia meets her friend Charlie and his pedigreed poodle. He invites her to help get Pierre "show ready" with a bath and coat trim. Things go badly awry, and the two friends have two hours to find the dog and figure out a way to fix his coat in time for the show. In both books, the illustrations bring the characters and plot to the forefront, and well-designed drawings provide reluctant readers with dynamic and whimsical visual cues. Rendered in gouache and black pencil, the artwork splashes across the pages. Sure to be favorites on the early chapter-book shelves. Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI